What is the likely status of paper goods or padded items exposed to blood?

The status of paper goods or padded items exposed to blood is correctly identified as not cleanable due to the nature of these materials and the contamination they have endured.

When paper or padded items come into contact with biological fluids like blood, they absorb contaminants, which makes them difficult or impossible to adequately decontaminate. Unlike non-porous surfaces that can often be cleaned and sanitized, porous materials such as paper goods, textiles, and padding cannot be restored to a safe condition because the pathogens can infiltrate the structure of the material, creating a health hazard that cleaning alone cannot mitigate.

As a result, the best practice for handling these items is to dispose of them safely in accordance with biohazard waste disposal regulations rather than attempting to clean or restore them. This ensures that any potential pathogens are contained and do not pose a risk to human health or safety.