How to Remove Blood Stains From Clothes and Fabrics Like a Pro

How to Remove Blood Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide

To remove fresh and dried blood stains from clothes and fabrics, use hydrogen peroxide. Before you treat a blood stain with hydrogen peroxide, test it on a small, hidden spot of the fabric to make sure it doesn't bleach or damage the material. Wear gloves to protect your hands any time you use hydrogen peroxide and other heavy-duty cleaners.

1. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide to the Blood Stain

   If you're treating a piece of clothing, lay it out flat on a clean surface. Apply an even amount of hydrogen peroxide to cover the whole blood stain, then allow it to sit for a couple of minutes.

2. Blot the Stain

   Grab a clean dry microfiber cloth and blot the stain, working from the outside in, gently dabbing the stain to absorb the liquid without spreading it more. As the blood transfers onto the microfiber cloth, use clean portions of the cloth to prevent spreading.

3. Use Dish Soap and Baking Soda

   If the stain remains after you have treated it with hydrogen peroxide, coat it with an even layer of dish soap and sprinkle on a generous coating of baking soda and allow the mixture to sit and set in for a couple of minutes.

4. Work the Mixture Into the Fabric

   Use a non-abrasive sponge or a brush with soft bristles to gently work the dish soap and baking soda mixture into the fabric. Then, wash it off under cold running water and launder it as usual.

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How to Remove Blood Stains With Detergent

Use a mild enzyme-based detergent to remove blood stains from clothes and fabrics. Blood stains are easiest to remove when fresh, as old stains have had a chance to set in more. If you're attempting to remove an old blood stain, you can either pre-treat it with dish soap and baking soda, or you can allow it to sit in detergent for a full 24 hours.

• Rinse the stain: Start by rinsing the stain under cold water. Avoid warm or hot water as it'll set the stain in.
• Cover it with detergent: Add enough enzyme-based detergent to coat the stain, as this will begin to break it down.
• Work it in: Use a non-abrasive cloth or a brush with soft bristles to gently work the detergent into the stain in a circular motion.
• Rinse again: Rinse the stained area with cold water and if traces of blood remain, repeat the process.
• Wash as usual: Wash the item as normal following care instructions.
  

How to Remove Blood Stains With Vinegar

Vinegar can be used to remove blood stains from a variety of fabrics, but make sure to use distilled white vinegar, not red wine or apple cider vinegar. While you don't have to dilute distilled white vinegar to remove blood stains, the liquid will begin to break down the fabric if used on the same spot repeatedly, or if used on delicate fabrics. Use the below directions for a milder option that is more gentle on fabrics.

As with other blood stain removal solutions, test the vinegar on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric.

• Mix the vinegar solution: In a small bowl, mix together one part distilled white vinegar and one part water. Use a mixing spoon or whisk to combine.
• Cover the stain: Pour the vinegar-water solution over the blood stain, making sure it's fully soaked.
• Let it sit: Allow the vinegar-water solution to sit for approximately 30 minutes.
• Rinse the fabric: Rinse the fabric under cold running water to remove the vinegar.
• Wash as usual: Once you have rinsed off the vinegar, wash the item as usual following the care instructions to remove any lingering vinegar odors.

Tips for Removing Blood Stains

• Never rinse fresh or old blood stains under warm or hot water, because this will cause the stain to set in and make it harder to remove. Always use cold running water.
• For stubborn and old blood stains, try pre-treating them with dish soap and baking soda before trying one of the other removal methods.
• Repeat the process of any of the given removal methods if the stain remains after the first treatment.
• Don't place items in the dryer before the blood stain has been fully removed. The heat of the dryer will cause the stain to set in and make it harder, if not impossible, to remove.
  
• Avoid using abrasive sponges or brushes to work cleaning solutions into fabrics, as they can cause damage. Opt for a non-abrasive sponge, a soft microfiber cloth, or a brush with soft bristles.
• When blotting a blood stain, work from the inside out to prevent spreading the stain.
  
• Use gloves to protect your hands when treating a blood stain with hydrogen peroxide.
• If the previously stained item is machine washable, once the stain has been removed, wash it in the washing machine on a cold cycle.