When it comes to blood stains, there's no time to waste. Whether it's a cut, a nosebleed, or a scraped knee—getting blood on your favorite shirt or bedsheet can seem like a disaster. But don't panic!
Blood stains are one of the trickiest stains to tackle, but with the right techniques and quick action, you can successfully remove blood stains from clothes and restore your garments to their original condition.
This comprehensive guide shows you how to get blood out of clothes, no matter if the stain is fresh or dried. From natural solutions like baking soda and cold water to powerful agents like hydrogen peroxide, we'll explore proven ways to remove blood stains from different types of fabric.
Understanding proper stain removal techniques can save your favorite garments and prevent permanent damage to various fabric types. Read on to save your garments and fight even the most stubborn stains!
📑 Article Outline
- Why Are Blood Stains So Hard to Remove from Fabric?
- Can You Use Cold Water for Blood Stain Removal?
- How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains from Clothes
- What Are the Best Ways to Remove Dried Blood Stains?
- How to Remove Blood Stains from White Clothes Using Hydrogen Peroxide
- Can Baking Soda Help Get Blood Out of Fabric?
- How to Remove Set-in Blood Stains from Different Fabrics
- What Are the Most Effective Ways to Remove Blood Stains from Sheets?
- Which Commercial Stain Removers Work Best for Blood Stains?
- What Should You Avoid When Treating Blood Stains?
Why Are Blood Stains So Hard to Remove from Fabric?
Blood is a protein stain, which makes it particularly challenging to remove from fabric compared to other types of stains and one of the trickiest stains to deal with. The proteins in blood coagulate when exposed to heat, causing the stain to set permanently into the fibers.
This is why using hot water on blood stains is one of the worst mistakes you can make during stain removal. When blood contacts fabric, it binds quickly, and if heat is applied too soon (like from a dryer or hot water), it will set the stain permanently.
When blood comes into contact with fabric, it penetrates deep into the fibers, creating a bond that becomes stronger over time. The iron content in blood also contributes to the stain's persistence, as it can oxidize and create rust-like discoloration.
Fresh blood stains are significantly easier to treat than dried blood because the proteins haven't had time to fully bond with the fabric fibers.
Understanding that blood stains like these require specific treatment methods is crucial for successful removal. The complexity lies in the way the protein in the blood reacts with the fabric. Once dried, blood stains from clothes become difficult to remove, especially if the fabric is delicate or light-colored.
The key is to work with the protein structure rather than against it, using cold water and appropriate cleaning agents that can break down the proteins without causing them to coagulate further.
Can You Use Cold Water for Blood Stain Removal?
Yes—cold water is your best friend when it comes to treat blood stains and often the most effective method for complete removal. Using cold running water to remove blood is essential because hot water on blood causes the proteins to set the stain.
The cold temperature prevents the proteins in blood from coagulating, keeping them in a liquid state that's easier to flush from fabric fibers.
To begin, always rinse the stain with cold water. Avoid hot water, as it will cook the blood into the fabric. The goal is to lift blood stains without sealing them in. Whether it's white clothes, colored garments, or sheets, starting with cold water helps remove any excess blood and loosens it from the fabric.
To treat a fresh blood stain with cold water, first remove the garment if possible and place it under cold running water. Position the stained area so that the water flows through the fabric from the back of the stain, pushing the blood out rather than deeper into the fibers.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, which indicates that most of the blood has been removed. This immediate treatment can often remove fresh blood stains completely without requiring additional cleaning products.
How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains from Clothes
Dealing with fresh blood stains? Act fast. The moment you notice blood on your clothes, time becomes your most valuable ally in the stain removal process. First, blot or dab the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess.
Be gentle—scrubbing can push the blood stain deeper into the fabric. Never rub the stain vigorously, as this will push the blood deeper into the fabric fibers and make removal more difficult.
Next, soak the garment in cold water for 30 minutes. Then, apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water again and repeat if needed.
For stubborn fresh blood stains, you can enhance the cold water treatment by adding a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Gently work the detergent into the fabric using your fingers, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
This method is particularly effective on cotton and other washable materials. For delicate fabric, always pretreat the stain carefully and test detergents on a small area first. After treatment, wash the garment as normal in your washing machine using cold water to ensure complete removal.
What Are the Best Ways to Remove Dried Blood Stains?
Dried blood stains can be intimidating, but with the right method, they can still be removed. Dried blood stains present a greater challenge because the proteins have had time to bond with the fabric fibers. However, with patience and the right approach, even dried blood can be successfully removed from most fabrics.
The key to removing dried blood stains is to rehydrate them first. Soak the stain in cold water for several hours to rehydrate it and soften the dried blood. For particularly stubborn dried blood stains, create a soaking solution by mixing cold water with a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. The extended soaking time helps break down the protein bonds that have formed.
Then, apply a stain remover or detergent and rub the stain gently. Another option is to make a paste using two parts baking soda and one part water. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. After soaking, gently work the softened stain with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the blood from the fabric. If the stain persists, repeat the process or use a blood stain remover specially formulated for set-in blood stains.
How to Remove Blood Stains from White Clothes Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Blood stains from white clothes are particularly stressful, but hydrogen peroxide is particularly effective for removing blood stains from white clothes due to its oxidizing properties. When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with blood, it breaks down the proteins and lifts the stain from the fabric. However, this method should only be used on white or colorfast fabrics, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach colored garments.
Start by rinsing the stain with cold water. Then, to use hydrogen peroxide safely, first test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it won't cause discoloration. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the stain—it will bubble, breaking down the proteins in the blood stain. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then dab the stain with a clean cloth. This foaming action indicates that the hydrogen peroxide is working to break down the blood proteins.
Rinse thoroughly and wash as normal with a good detergent. For extra stubborn blood stains from white, add a bit of baking soda to your detergent or try distilled white vinegar as a natural bleach alternative. Using hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective ways to remove blood stains from white clothes, but always follow up with a thorough rinse to remove any residual peroxide from the fabric.
Can Baking Soda Help Get Blood Out of Fabric?
Yes—baking soda is a gentle yet effective remedy to remove blood stains from fabric and a versatile household item that can be highly effective in blood stain removal due to its abrasive properties and ability to break down proteins. It works by lifting the stain and neutralizing odors without harming the garment. When combined with water, baking soda creates a paste that can lift blood stains from fabric fibers without causing damage to most garments.
Mix baking soda and water to make a paste (using two parts baking soda with one part cold water until you achieve a thick consistency), then apply it to the blood stain. Gently rub the paste into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush, working from the outside of the stain inward. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down the blood proteins, then rinse with cold water. You can also add baking soda to your wash cycle for extra power.
The abrasive nature of baking soda helps lift the stain while its alkaline properties help neutralize the acidic components of blood. It's particularly useful for delicate fabrics where harsh chemicals might do more harm than good. And because it's non-toxic, it's a safe choice for blood stains from sheets and children's clothes. For best results, follow up with a regular wash cycle using cold water.
How to Remove Set-in Blood Stains from Different Fabrics
Set-in blood stains require more aggressive treatment methods, as the proteins have fully bonded with the fabric fibers. The approach you take should depend on the type of fabric you're treating, as different materials respond to various cleaning methods. Pretreat the stain as early as possible for the best outcome.
For cotton and cotton-blend fabrics, create a pre-treatment solution using cold water and liquid laundry detergent. Start by dabbing or blotting to remove any excess blood. Then, apply soap into the stain and gently massage the area. Soak the garment for several hours or overnight, then gently scrub the stain with a soft brush. For synthetic fabrics like polyester, a mixture of cold water and white vinegar can be effective. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down the protein bonds while being gentle on synthetic fibers.
For a stronger pretreating option, use a stain remover or mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes. This helps break down the protein stains before the washing machine does its job. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool require special care when treating set-in blood stains. For these materials, use only cold water and a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Remove Blood Stains from Sheets?
Blood stains from sheets can be tricky due to the large surface area and the fact that stains often go unnoticed until they've had time to set. The key to successfully removing blood stains from sheets is to act quickly and use methods appropriate for the sheet material. Start by blotting and soaking the stain with cold water. Then, use a baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide to break down the blood stain.
For cotton sheets, start by removing the sheet from the bed and rinsing the stained area with cold water. If the stain is fresh, this may be sufficient to remove it completely. For dried blood stains, create a soaking solution in your bathtub or a large basin using cold water and liquid laundry detergent. Allow the sheet to soak for at least one hour, paying special attention to the stained area.
Let the cleaning solution sit, then rinse thoroughly before placing in the washing machine. Wash the sheets on a cold water cycle with a strong detergent. Repeat the process if the stain remains. For white sheets, you can use hydrogen peroxide to enhance the cleaning process, or a combination of distilled white vinegar and baking soda is both gentle and effective. For colored sheets, stick to cold water and detergent to avoid potential discoloration. Always check that the stain is completely gone before putting the sheets in the dryer.
Which Commercial Stain Removers Work Best for Blood Stains?
While household remedies are often effective for blood stain removal, commercial stain removers can provide additional cleaning power for stubborn stains. When choosing a commercial blood stain remover, look for products specifically formulated for protein stains, as these will be most effective against blood.
Enzyme-based stain removers are particularly effective for blood stains because they contain proteins that break down the blood proteins at a molecular level. These products work best when applied directly to the stain and allowed to sit for the recommended time before washing. Many enzyme stain removers can be used on both fresh and dried blood stains, making them versatile options for remove set-in blood stains.
Oxygen-based stain removers are another excellent option, especially for white clothes. These products work similarly to hydrogen peroxide but are formulated to be gentler on fabrics while still providing effective stain removal. When using any commercial stain remover, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage or discolor your garment.
What Should You Avoid When Treating Blood Stains?
Mistakes can make blood stains worse and several common mistakes can make blood stain removal more difficult or even impossible. Understanding these pitfalls can save you time, effort, and potentially ruined garments. The most critical mistake is using hot water, as it can set the stain permanently by causing the proteins to coagulate.
Never put a blood-stained garment in the dryer before the stain is fully removed. The heat from the dryer will set the stain permanently, making it virtually impossible to remove. Always air-dry treated garments and check that the stain is gone before applying heat. Don't scrub aggressively—this pushes the blood stain deeper into the fabric. Instead, dab the stain gently and use cold water or hydrogen peroxide.
Also, be cautious with bleach. It may work on white clothes, but it can weaken fabric fibers and create yellowish stains if misused. Using bleach on colored fabrics is another mistake that can cause permanent discoloration without effectively removing the blood stain. Always read care labels before applying any cleaning method. Additionally, avoid using soap with a high pH level, as this can actually set protein stains rather than remove them.
Key Takeaways: What to Remember When Removing Blood Stains
By understanding how to get blood out of clothes, you can stop worrying about unexpected messes and keep your wardrobe looking fresh and clean. Whether you're dealing with fresh blood stains or trying to remove set-in blood stains, this guide will help you tackle them all with confidence and achieve the best possible results for your garments and fabrics.