A recent home owner add an issue with a blood spot on her carpet. That made me think. Do you know how to sanitize blood spills? Although there might few certainties in our life, we can agree that accidents can happen at any time. Whether it is at work, school, or home, you might have to cope with a situation which requires careful and delicate attention like the cleanup procedure of blood – one of the most possibly hazardous substances.

It is essential to follow the OSHA regulations concerning the cleanup of bio-hazardous substances. Here are 9 recommended steps on how to sanitize and sterilize blood spills:

Step 1: Equip

Before getting started, make sure to equip yourself with protective gears such as gloves, protective eyewear and a gown. Make sure your protective wear would fit snugly and doesn’t have any holes.

Step 2: Remove

Use the dustpan and brush or forceps/tongs to get rid of broken glass or any pointed shards which would break through the protective wear. Put each piece in a leak-proof container.

Step 3: First cleaning

Use a durable cloth towel to cover and soak up as much blood in the spills as possible. Most disinfectant products with a wide spectrum of killing might not disinfect properly when the surface is being covered in spills. After this step, make sure to get rid of the used towels in a biohazard bag.

Step 4: Second cleaning

First, ensure that the ventilation is proper in case the spills are not in an open area. Pour the disinfectant product on the affected area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. After that, use a durable cloth towel to scrub the area from the outside to the center.

Step 5: Third cleaning

How to sanitize blood spill is a lengthy process. In this step, you should dampen more cloth towels and do the previous step once more on the affected area. Wait for the area to get dry.

Step 6: Dispose

Experts at AZ-Bio Cleanup and Restoration suggest to carefully dispose of the protective equipment, including glasses, gown, and gloves, to a plastic bag. Make sure that other areas aren’t contaminated during the cleanup process. It is advisable to seal and place the bag into a second one, then seal and mark it with a biohazard label. Contact the local health department for correct disposal. If you aren’t comfortable cleaning the spill, you can always contact a profession to assist with this process.

Now, you'll have an answer is a home asks you how to santize a blood spill.