Seeing a blood stain is unpleasant, and having to clean the stain is even more daunting.
Concrete is a hard, unforgiving surface that attracts many slips and accidents daily. It’s also a very porous material that soaks up any liquids that spill onto it.
Luckily, a few techniques and methods are effective at removing blood stains. With the right chemicals and protective gear, you can tackle any blood stain, big or small.
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Can Blood Stain Concrete?
Concrete may appear to be an impenetrable hard surface, but it is, in fact, quite porous and liable to soak up liquids. As a result, even the most well-maintained concrete slabs are susceptible to staining and damage. In addition, blood is highly pigmented and will stain concrete.
How Long Does Blood Take to Dry on a Concrete Floor?
The time blood takes to dry into a concrete slab will depend on the spill quantity and the room temperature. Of course, the hotter the room, the quicker the blood will dry. But ultimately, blood can dry almost instantaneously, in under 1 minute. So getting to work on the stain as quickly as possible will yield the best results.
How Long Does Blood Stay on a Concrete Surface?
In several studies, blood stains on concrete were shown to fade significantly after about three months. However, in certain circumstances, the blood may never entirely disappear without a severe clean-up operation. This study examines bloodstains on concrete.
Safety Considerations When Getting Blood Out of Concrete
There are a few safety issues to consider when dealing with blood spills. The main hazard is the bacteria and viruses contained in the blood. The most common pathogens are:
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B
- MRSA
- HIV
These viruses can be transferred from the blood to the person cleaning the stain, causing severe illness and even death. To protect yourself, make sure to use some safety equipment when tackling the stain, such as:
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Goggles
- Apron.
What Are Chemical/Tools that You’ll Need to Remove Blood from Concrete
Removing blood stains requires some effort and special equipment. The best chemicals to use are strong and require care and caution when being used.
The equipment you’ll need:
- A stiff bristle brush.
- Chemical-resistant gloves.
- A mask.
- An apron.
- Clean Cloth.
The chemicals and products you’ll need:
- Water.
- Vinegar.
- Sodium/hydrogen peroxide.
How to Clean Fresh Blood from Concrete?
Cleaning fresh blood will be easier and quicker to clean than old stains. Clean the blood before it soaks into the pores of the concrete. Get to work quickly following these steps:
- Put on your protective garments. At a minimum, wear gloves. But if you have an apron or gloves, wear these too.
- Grab some cloths or towels and dab up the pooling blood. Make sure not to rub the area, as it may spread the blood.
- Use a clean cloth and continue dabbing.
- Wet a cloth and dab at the remaining blood until it is all gone.
How to Clean Dried Blood from Concrete?
If the stain has soaked into the concrete, you may need to grab a few tools and get to work. The blood will have embedded itself deeper into the pores of the concrete, so you will need to work at the concrete to penetrate the layers to access the blood.
What you will need:
- A cloth
- Sodium peroxide
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Vinegar
- Wire bristle cleaning brush.
Follow these steps to clean dried blood from concrete:
Step 1: Soak up excess blood.
If any excess blood is pooling on the surface, try to remove as much of it as possible. It will make the cleaning process much more manageable. Next, wear protective gloves, dampen a cloth and blot the blood stain. Do so until no more blood is transferred to the cloth.
Step 2: Add water and sodium peroxide.
This is the step where most safety precautions are required. Put on safety google, a mask, chemical-resistant gloves, and an apron. Fill a spray bottle with water, and soak the blood-stained area. Afterward, coat the area with a thin layer of sodium peroxide. When doing this, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions. Avoid inhaling the sodium peroxide, touching it with bare skin, or getting it into your eyes.
Then, spray the water onto the area. Then, leave the area to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse and scrub.
Rinse the area thoroughly with some clean water. This step is essential, as sodium peroxide will cause damage if left on the surface for too long. Afterward, scrub the region with a wire-bristle cleaning brush. Don’t be shy; you may need to put some elbow grease into this step. Then rinse the area again with clean water.
Step 4: Vinegar.
To prevent the sodium peroxide from causing chemical damage, apply some vinegar to the stained area. Leave it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing again. Rinse it thoroughly, and your blood stain should be gone!
Can Bleach Be Used to Remove Blood from Concrete?
The short answer is yes. You can use bleach instead of hydrogen peroxide. Mix a little bleach with water, and scrub the stain with a wire brush.
Can Baking Soda Be Used to Remove Blood from Concrete?
Baking soda can be helpful when cleaning blood stains, but it is not as strong and may not fully restore your concrete. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent first method as it is non-toxic and safe. Baking soda is much more effective on fresh stains, soaking up the liquid.
Sprinkle the baking soda over the blood stain, and leave it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a wire brush. The baking soda should have absorbed some of the blood. Finally, sweep away the debris.
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Is There Professional Assistance for Removing Blood Out of Concrete?
Many businesses professionally clean hazardous waste, such as blood. The professionals will have the right equipment and expertise to address your stain. However, it will come at a cost.
So if you have tried to remove the blood stain yourself and aren’t having any success, or you do not feel comfortable being in such proximity to the blood or chemicals, you can hire a professional. Search online for a professional cleaner in your area.
Tips to Ensure Your Concrete Floor is Free of Blood Stains
You can do a few extra things to ensure you eradicate any blood remnants from your concrete floor. Keep reading to learn a few tips and tricks:
- Get to work quickly. The earlier you tackle the blood stain, the higher the chance you’ll be able to remove the blood stain.
- Treat the concrete. If your concrete floor is in a high-traffic area and you want to ensure it looks tip-top at all times, consider curing the concrete. Concrete cured adequately will make it less porous, more difficult to damage, and less likely to freeze and thaw. Alternatively, you could consider sealing the concrete with a high-quality sealant.
- Wear protection and tackle it head-on. Using strong chemicals can be intimidating, but use the proper safety precautions and tackle the stain head-on.
- If you don’t want to use a harsh chemical, start by using some detergent. If the stain persists, make up a mixture of three parts water, one part liquid dish detergent, and mix. Then pour a small amount onto the blood-stained area, and brush with a stiff bristle brush.
Conclusion
Blood stains are one of the least pleasant and most hazardous spills to clean. However, following the tips and methods in this article will allow you to tackle any blood stain you face. So grab some protective gear, sodium peroxide or bleach, a wire bristle brush, and water, and get work.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
