How to Remove Blood Stains from Cement Surfaces

If you have an accident that results in an injury, you may need to be prepared to remove blood stains from surfaces around your home. If allowed to sit, blood can easily cause unpleasant marks on a variety of surfaces, from furniture to carpets, clothing, and more. If you accidentally end up with a blood stain on a concrete surface, acting quickly is one of the best ways to ensure that all traces can be removed properly. Read on for a brief guide on how to accomplish this task.

Step 1 - Clean Up Any Fresh Blood

If you're able to target the affected area immediately after the accident, the first thing that you should do is clean up any extra blood that may be pooling on the ground. Use a clean cloth to dab at it, and avoid rubbing as this could spread the stain. Continue until you've eliminated all of the excess liquid from the ground. Wear gloves as you do this and be very careful that you don't spread the blood and make the stain worse. Gloves are also important for your own safety since blood from another person may be contaminated and capable of spreading disease.

Step 2 - Scrub Up Dried Areas

Use a brush with stiff bristles to scrub at the bloody patch. The goal is to get any dry particles on the concrete to loosen and come away. Continue to go over the spot for about 10 minutes or until the blood has chipped off completely.

Step 3 - Sweep Up the Remnants

If all or some dried blood has come up, use a broom and dustpan to sweep it up. This will generally work well if the spill is older and has had a chance to thoroughly dry over the concrete surface. However, it may be messy if the accident just occurred. Discard the waste in a safe and healthy manner, following any legal guidelines regarding hazardous waste disposal in your area.

Step 4 - Apply a Detergent Mixture

In a small bowl, mix one part liquid dish detergent with three parts water, and stir until the contents are fully combined. Pour a small amount of the solution onto the stained area, and then continue to scrub at it vigorously with the stiff bristled brush. Take note whether the stain begins to come up or whether you will need a stronger method. Clean up the liquid with a clean cloth or paper towels if you were successful.

Step 5 - Treat with Hydrogen Peroxide

If the stain still persists after you've completed all of the previous steps, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the area. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes to begin to break down the blood itself, and then scrub at it once again with the stiff bristled brush. Clean up the peroxide with another clean cloth or a paper towel. Re-examine the stain; if it is still there, treat it with another portion of hydrogen peroxide and scrub until it comes up.