Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Alan_Kennedy on April 15, 2004, 11:09:39 pm

Title: Blood on carpet
Post by: Alan_Kennedy on April 15, 2004, 11:09:39 pm

I got called out to an emergency clean up this morning.
The customer's mother had burst a leg ulcer and was rushed to hospital, leaving blood stains on the bedroom, bathroom and hall carpets. My first instinct was to refuse but as the customer was distaught with the situation I decided to do what I could to help. On the way there it occurred to me that my CFR machine with the recycling of water would not do the job. In the event I used cold water, (changed twice) vented the machine outside, wore gloves and got rid of all the stains.  At the NCCA course I recall that the cleaning of blood was a problem so my question is (a) Should I have done anything differently? and (b) Would you guys help a distraught lady or walk away?

Alan Kennedy

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Ken Wainwright on April 15, 2004, 11:34:29 pm

Hi Alan

I'd do the same as you. And I'd ring the next day to see if there had been any wick back, it's very common with blood soiling, especially if any attempt at cleaning had been tried before you arrived.

safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Dynafoam on April 16, 2004, 12:23:03 am

Alan,

As Ken has pointed out, wick-back is common wit heavy blood deposits.

If this occurrs and you are prsented with a greenish stain that fails to respond to a protein spotter, treat with a rust remover and rinse thoroughly.

John.

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: HolmansUKLTD on April 16, 2004, 12:52:08 am

i was told once use hot water with salt in it? :-/

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Dynafoam on April 16, 2004, 01:01:43 am

Holmans,

Someone was missleading you !

Suitable fabrics (eg. washable clothing) benefit from an overnight soak in cold salted water prior to washing, But blood on carpets/upholstery should always be removed cold.

John.

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Len Gribble on April 16, 2004, 01:38:33 am

Alan

Where did you dispose of the waste water also did you sanitize your cleaning system?

Len

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Ivar_Haglund on April 16, 2004, 01:50:38 am

this could be a insurance job and beyond a mear carpet cleaning

Many times depends how much blood

Is very heavy and soaks into the backing and pad.

Dispose of carpet and pad in RED bags for haz disposal

I have seen a small blood spot where a persons head was on the carpet

under the pad was a pool of blood.


IVAR :-[

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: HolmansUKLTD on April 16, 2004, 02:17:59 am

The b*****ds ive never tried it but allways belived in it ;)

Title: Re: Blood on carpet
Post by: Alan_Kennedy on April 16, 2004, 08:32:54 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I forgot to mention that I checked the backing of the carpet. The blood had not penetrated that far. Len, I disposed of the water down the toilet - I thought that would be the safest and yes, I thoroughly sanitised my machine before my next job.


Alan