Blood at Home After an Injury: What You Can and Should Not Clean
Blood can carry hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, which is why OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires protective equipment and training for workers who clean it up.
A few drops on a hard surface are a household task with gloves and an EPA-registered disinfectant. Pooled blood, soaked carpet or upholstery, or any scene connected to a crime or death is work for a professional crew.
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What to do in the first 5 minutes
- Get medical care for the injured person first.
- Keep others away from the area.
- For a small spot on a hard surface, wear disposable gloves, absorb it with paper towels, then apply a disinfectant for the contact time on its label.
- Bag the gloves and towels, and wash your hands well.
- For anything larger or soaked into fabric, call a biohazard crew.
Do not do this
- Never clean blood with bare hands.
- Do not vacuum dried blood; it can put particles in the air.
- If the injury involved a crime, do not clean anything until police say you may.
What's likely going on
Household accident or fall
Usually limited; hard floors clean up easily, carpet often needs removal.
Self-harm or violent incident
Wait for police release; victim compensation may help with cleanup costs in your state.
Medical event such as a severe nosebleed or hemorrhage
Often spreads further than it looks; mattresses and upholstery usually cannot be saved.
What it typically costs
HomeGuide's third-party estimate puts lower-risk BSL-2 blood cleanup at $30 to $80 per hour (HomeGuide).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bleach kill bloodborne viruses?
A properly diluted bleach solution or another EPA-registered disinfectant does, when left on the surface for the full contact time on the label.
Will victim compensation pay for blood cleanup after a crime?
In many states, yes, within a set limit. Our state-by-state lookup lists each program.
Can a mattress be saved after blood soaks in?
Rarely. Blood that reaches the interior of a mattress cannot be disinfected reliably; most need to be discarded.
The service that handles this
Guidance only — independent local providers assess and price their own work. Last reviewed: October 16, 2026.
Sources for the cost figures
- HomeGuide: Biohazard cleanup cost (third-party estimate) (third-party estimate)
- OSHA: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030
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