How to Clean Blood from Walls

Any number of accidents can cause blood stains on your walls. The stains can be alarming, and making them disappear presents a special challenge. With a solid plan and a few common cleaning materials, though, you will be able to make your walls look as good as new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Blood Off Any Surface

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^{[1]XResearch source} Blood stains will set over time and may seep into deeper layers of your wall, making them more difficult to remove. If possible, clean up a blood stain as soon as it occurs.
2
Remove as much blood as possible before starting any cleaning. If the blood is still wet, use a cloth or paper towel to soak it up. If it is dry, see if you can gently scrape it from the wall, using a plastic putty knife or similar tool. Be careful, though, not to scrape the wall surface.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Wet old stains gently with water.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Start with the gentlest materials possible.^{[4]XResearch source} Use soft clothes or paper towels, not abrasive sponges.^{[5]XExpert SourceGuy Peters
House Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Begin by trying to clean the stain with water. If that doesn’t work, move on to detergent, and then to stronger cleaners or specially-designed stain products.
- Use your own saliva to clean up your own blood.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Test the effects of any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before beginning to clean in earnest.^{[7]XExpert SourceMarcus Shields
  House Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview. 22 September 2019.}
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Take special precautions if the blood may contain pathogens. Wear gloves and use a disinfectant. Be especially cautious when handling blood stains or spills of unknown origin. While getting ill from cleaning a blood stain, especially an old one, is very unlikely, it’s better to be safe.
- Use freshly diluted bleach or a disinfectant that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency or similar body and is labeled for use with potential blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, HBV, or HCV.
- If the spill occurs in a public facility, such as a school, prison, or hospital, consult and follow the facility’s procedures for cleaning up bodily fluids.^{[8]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Blood Stains Off Painted or Papered Walls

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While vinyl wallpaper holds up the best to cleaning, any wallpaper will start to separate from the wall if too much water or force is applied. Avoid cleaning over seams if possible.^{[9]XResearch source}
^{[10]XExpert SourceGuy Peters
House Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Add a tablespoon of ammonia to make a stronger solution.^{[11]XResearch source}^{[12]XResearch source}
Wring out any excess water, to ensure that the cleaning cloth is not dripping wet.^{[13]XExpert SourceGuy Peters
House Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Then, gently rub the stain, repeating as necessary.
Rub it gently over the stain. Rinse off with clean water and dry the area with a soft cloth.^{[14]XResearch source}
^{[15]XResearch source} Allow the solution to sit for a short period, being careful to wipe up any drips. Scrub very gently, then rinse with clean water.
These are products containing enzymes design to digest blood or other bodily fluids that contain protein.^{[16]XResearch source} Follow the directions on the bottle, being extra careful to test the product’s effect on your wall surface before starting.
Be careful not to leave any cleaning solution on the wall after cleaning. Even if this attempt wasn’t successful, be sure to dry the area thoroughly to avoid damaging the paint or paper.
If you can’t get a blood stain off a painted wall, you will need to repaint. If you painted recently, you can repaint just the stained area. However, if a lot of time has passed, you may need to repaint the whole wall. Be sure to use a primer first directly over the stain. Some primers are specially designed to cover stains well; read the labels to choose the best one.^{[17]XResearch source}
Cut a patch large enough to cover the stain and tape it over the stained area, matching the pattern as closely as possible. Use a razor knife and straight edge to cut through both layers of paper. Remove the patch, setting it aside, and carefully remove the stained paper underneath, cleaning up any backing left behind. Then insert the patch, following the directions for the type of paper and paste you are working with. Adjust the patch to align the pattern and smooth with a damp sponge.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Blood Stains Off Tiled Walls

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1
Use a non-abrasive household scouring agent. Scrub the stain using a sponge. An ordinary bathroom sponge should not be abrasive enough to scratch tile, but proceed cautiously and test in an inconspicuous spot. Rinse all of the scouring agent off with clean water when done.
- You may also make your own tile and grout cleaner by mixing ½ cup baking soda, 1/3 cup ammonia, ¼ cup white vinegar, and seven cups of water. Combine in a spray bottle, mix thoroughly, and spray onto the stained area.^{[18]XResearch source} Scrub and rinse.
Scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse with water and be sure to soak up any excess cleaner.
Follow the directions on the label closely, as these products can be toxic.
Soak the towel with liquid dishwashing detergent and a small amount of water. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for thirty minutes, then wipe away. Rinse and dry.^{[19]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Does vinegar clean up blood?
Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.
Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Answer
Sure! A combination of baking soda and vinegar is a great option to clean dried blood! Add an even layer of baking soda over the blood and scrub it with a toothbrush soaked in vinegar. Then, wipe away with a dry cloth.
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