How to Remove Blood from Hardwood Floors

Reviewed by Bruna Coutinho

Last Updated: February 19, 2025 References

Removing blood from hardwood floors is easier when the blood stain is dealt with right away. This will prevent the blood from seeping in deeper into the wood. To get rid of the blood from your hardwood floor, choose a method below that is appropriate for your floor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Unfinished Hardwood Floor

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An unfinished hardwood floor can easily absorb moisture because it doesn't have protection. This makes removing blood from an unfinished hardwood floor a difficult task.

Do not rub, just blot as rubbing can cause the blood stain to spread or go deeper.
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If the stain is still visible, try using hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach your hardwood floor so be cautious when using it especially if you have a dark hardwood floor.
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Rinse the area thoroughly to remove all the residues.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Waxed Hardwood Floor

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Wax is a kind of finish that is present in some hardwood floors. Wax soaks into the wood, acts to harden it and protect it from moisture and wear.

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Check if the blood stain is still visible.
The steel wool should remove only a fine layer of the surface on your hardwood floor. The rubbing might turn the waxed hardwood floor dull, but the liquid wax will shine it up.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Urethane or Polyurethane Finished Hardwood Floor

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Some common hardwood floor finishes are urethane and polyurethane. They form a protective coating and stay on the surface of the hardwood.

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Repeat the wiping process until the blood is gone.
Wipe thoroughly to remove any remaining blood stain.
If the blood stain is still visible, do the following steps.
Do this lightly.
If the blood stain is still visible, repeat the process but this time use a steel wool (number 0000).
Do this lightly and make sure you rub along the grain of the wood. Try to remove only as much finish as you have to.
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Tips

Refinish the entire floor if you are determined that your floor finish easily gets stained.

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You can use bleach as a last resort to remove tough blood stains but it is not recommended for dark hardwood floors.

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Warnings

Do not apply ammonia to a hardwood floor. A hardwood floor can discolor when it gets in contact with ammonia.

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Things You'll Need

Pieces of cloth (all hardwood floors)
Paper towels (Unfinished Hardwood Floor, Waxed Hardwood Floor)
Baking soda (Unfinished Hardwood Floor)
White vinegar (Unfinished Hardwood Floor)
Brush (Unfinished Hardwood Floor)
Hydrogen peroxide (Unfinished Hardwood Floor)
Cloth Towel (all hardwood floors)
Liquid dish-washing detergent (Waxed Hardwood Floor)
Small bowl (Waxed or Polished Hardwood Floor)
Steel wool - number 0000 (Waxed or Hardwood Floor, Urethane or Polyurethane Finished Hardwood Floor)
Liquid wax (Waxed Hardwood Floor)
Floor wax or polish - optional (Waxed or Hardwood Floor)
Sponge (Urethane or Polyurethane Finished Hardwood Floor)
Mineral spirits (Urethane or Polyurethane Finished Hardwood Floor)