Every day we come across different smells. Pungent foods, cigarette smoke, pets — they can make a place smell unpleasant. However, one of the most distinctive scents is that of blood. If you get into your car and are greeted with a strong odor of iron, or worse, rotten meat, it’s crucial to get rid of the smell as soon as possible. Regardless of the cause of the smell, whether you had a grocery mishap or your friend spilled some blood on the way to hospital, getting rid of the smell of blood requires prompt action. The foul odor only gets worse with time, so here are a few tips on how to remove blood odor.
Removing Blood Odor
First things first: inspect the interior of your car thoroughly to identify where the source of the foul odor. Check under the seats, under floor mats, and any other place you suspect blood may have dripped onto, say, the floor, or the upholstery. If you spot any stains or splatters, clean the surface and give it sufficient time to dry. Once you’ve eliminated the source of the problem, you can now focus on getting rid of the stink.
The same goes for looking for blood residue in your home. Be sure to check upholstered furniture such as your couch, chairs, beds, etc. Also make sure to double check in any areas that may not directly expose the blood such as behind furniture, below furniture, in corners, etc. If you’re looking to be extra careful about finding all traces of blood, biohazard cleanup experts at BioHelpers in Philadelphia or New Jersey offer quality cleanup services that will ensure your space is safe.
Pet Odor Enzyme Spray
Bacterial enzyme cleaners, often used to get rid of pet odors will get rid of blood odor from your vehicle or home. These enzymes work by eating the odor-causing bacteria, leaving your car and home smelling fresh afterward. Check for a heavy-duty enzyme cleaner at your local pet store.
Be sure to use as directed and give the car some time to air out before you start driving it around. The last thing you want is to inhale it in a closed space. If you’re using this solution in your home, make sure to open up your windows to air it out.
White Vinegar Soak
This solution works best if you leave your car parked overnight. Pour some white vinegar into a small dish and leave it in your car throughout the night. Alternatively, soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the car for a couple of hours for the vinegar to absorb the blood odor. Just remember to throw out the bread or the dish of vinegar once it has done its job.
Baking Soda Absorption
Baking soda is also an excellent product for absorbing odors. Ensure the surface is dry and sprinkle a liberal amount in the area where the smell is coming from then leave it for a few hours before vacuuming the area.
Mask with Coffee Grounds
Your used-up coffee grounds can make an effective deodorizer as well. Just give them time to dry before placing them in your car to absorb the foul odor. For an even fresher scent, add one or two drops of vanilla.
Bottom Line
Have you encountered an accident and are now left with blood in either your home or vehicle? Don’t know how to remove blood odor that’s producing an unpleasant smell? Be sure to utilize the tricks above to freshen your space once again. Other remedies you can try include using activated charcoal pellets or cat litter. Lemon tea tree oil will also help to remove blood odor. Blood can give any enclosed area a sickening rusty smell that’s not easy to ignore. If you try one method and it doesn’t work for you, redo the process or try a different approach.