Cleaning up blood is probably not something anyone is lining up to do. Besides causing queasy stomachs, though, there is a real potential danger to it. Blood stains can be a common occurrence in many environments, from medical facilities to crime scenes. However, the process of cleaning up blood stains is not just a matter of removing the stain. It can also be dangerous due to the potential presence of pathogens and biohazards. Let’s explore why blood stains can be dangerous to clean up and how professional biohazard crime scene clean up companies can help mitigate these risks.
Dangers
Blood can contain a wide range of infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Some of these diseases include HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne pathogens. These pathogens can survive on surfaces for extended periods, which means that even dried blood stains can still pose a risk. If the cleaning process is not done properly, the pathogens can become airborne. This can potentially infect the person cleaning the area.
Now, this doesn’t mean every single blood spill contains a disease or pathogen. But it’s always, always, always best to play it safe when it comes to it.
Cleaning up blood stains requires specific equipment and techniques to ensure that the cleaning process is effective and safe. For instance, crime and trauma scene cleanup companies use personal protective equipment (PPE). Some crime scene cleanup supplies include gloves, goggles, and respirators to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens and chemical disinfectants.
Types of Blood Stains
Now, likely everyone has had a nosebleed, or papercut, or zit they’ve picked at until it turned into a scab. Don’t panic or think you’ve done something wrong by cleaning it up without disinfectants or PPE. Scenarios like this, where it’s your own blood, are generally safe for you to clean up on your own. However, if it’s a significant amount of blood, you’re still going to want to follow proper cleaning guidelines just in case.
There are different types of blood stains that can occur in different settings, such as on mattresses, couches, carpets, and other upholstered furniture. The types of blood stains can range from spatter, transfer, and flow patterns, to clotted, dried, or smeared blood. The severity of the stain and the surface it has been spilled on can affect the difficulty of removing the stain for professionals. For instance, a blood stain on mattress or bed can be challenging to remove. This is because the stain can seep into the fabric, making it harder to clean. In contrast, if you want to remove blood stains on a carpet or couch, it’s easier to remove if caught early, especially with the use of a blood stain remover spray.
Cleaning Blood Stains
When it comes to removing blood stains, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. If you’re cleaning up your own, though, there are various methods that can be used. Though, it depends on the type of surface the stain is on. For instance, if you’re wondering how to remove blood stains from upholstery or a couch, one can mix water and hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the stain, and then blot it with a clean cloth.
If you’re wondering how to get blood stains out of carpets, using cold water and a gentle detergent can help to lift the stain. Then follow it up by blotting the area with a clean towel. If the stain is still visible, one can use a blood stain remover spray to tackle the remaining stain. Overall, the key to removing blood stains is to act quickly, avoid using hot water, and always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stained surface.
Conclusion
Attempting to clean up blood stains without the proper equipment, training, and expertise can lead to serious consequences. In addition to the health risks to the person doing the cleaning, improper cleaning can also result in incomplete removal of pathogens, which can lead to future contamination and potentially spread diseases to others. It can also lead to legal and financial consequences if the cleaning process is not done correctly.
Blood stains can be dangerous to clean due to the potential presence of infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals. To ensure that the cleaning process is effective and safe, it is best to hire a professional biohazard clean up company that has crime scene cleanup training, the proper equipment, and expertise to handle these types of situations. By doing so, you can not only protect yourself and others from potential health risks but also ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and safe for use.
