If you have had an accident with grocery items in your car or need to clean up after taking a friend who was injured to the hospital, the sooner you deal with it, the better. The odor that blood leaves behind is from the iron content in it, and it only gets worse as its ages. Below are some tips and tricks on how to remove blood odor so that the odor does not get worse.

Ways to Remove Blood Odor - Removing All Traces

Inspect the Area

The first step in how to remove blood odor from your vehicle should be to thoroughly inspect the inside of your car to find the source of the smell -- the same applies for any blood stains in your home. Look under floor seats, look underneath floor mats, and anywhere else you believe blood could have dripped onto the upholstery, the floor, or inside the door. If you find any dark splatter spots, clean the surface and let it dry thoroughly. After you are satisfied that you have gotten all traces removed, biohazard cleanup experts state that you can then work on getting the smell itself out.

Premade Cleaners

A cleaner made for pet odors can remove the blood smell from your car or home’s upholstery. Visit your local pet supply store and look for one that is heavy-duty. Some of these products available on the market can be used for deodorizing body bags, and this kind can handle the smell of blood in your car. Make sure to use it as directed and let the car air out good before you drive it again. The enzymes in the spray are made to eat the bacteria that is causing the odors, but you shouldn’t inhale them in a closed in space.

More Natural Solutions

Vinegar

A white vinegar soak can work if you are planning to park your car overnight. Pour white vinegar into a dish and put it in your car. You can take a piece of white bread as well and soak it in vinegar and put it in your car for several hours. The vinegar absorbs the odor. Then you can just throw the bread or dish of vinegar out in the morning.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is something else that is great for absorbing odors. If you choose to try a baking powder solution, ensure the surface is dry first. Liberally sprinkle it over the area where you notice the smell and let it set for several hours before vacuuming it up.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds from your morning brew can also be used. Let them dry out so that they can be an effective deodorizer. Put a bowl of grounds in your car so they can absorb the blood smell. You might even add a few drops of vanilla so your car has a fresher smell.

Activated Charcoal

Another option is to use activated charcoal. This product can be found in bulk online and in hardware stores. Put the pellets in a bowl and leave them in your car or where the blood is in your home.

Lemon Tea Tree Oil

Or, try diluting a few drops of lemon tea tree oil in a spray bottle full of water and apply this to the stinky area. It is not only an effective deodorizer, but can also ease anxiety and stress. Dealing with a vehicle that smells like blood can be stressful, so this is a great choice to help both issues.

Bottom Line

Regardless of how an accident happened, the smell of blood that’s gotten onto carpet or upholstery is rather unpleasant. This article went over how to remove blood odor so that you can freshen up either your car or home again. If you work in public transportation, these methods will also work to clean upholstery there as well. You can simply purchase a premade cleaner or use natural solutions that include vinegar, baking soda, activated charcoal, coffee grounds, and lemon tea tree oil.