How to Get Blood Out of Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide

A blood stain on your favorite clothes, whether it’s a nosebleed stain, a cut from cooking, or period blood stains, seeing that red mark can feel like a disaster. But here's the good news: with the right approach, you can remove blood stains from clothes using cold water, blotting and hydrogen peroxide or enzyme cleaners for effective stain removal.

In this guide, I will walk you through how to get blood out of clothes to save your wardrobe, from quick fixes for fresh blood stains to tackling stubborn old blood stains. Let’s dive in and make those stains a thing of the past.

Why Blood Stains Are So Stubborn

Blood stain removal can feel like a battle because blood contains proteins that love to bind to fabric fibers. When blood dries, these proteins harden, making the stain tougher to lift. Heat is the enemy here—hot water or a dryer can set the stain permanently, so always stick to cold water. Understanding this is key to mastering how to remove blood stains effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

The moment you notice a blood stain, act fast. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse with Cold Water:Hold the stained area under cold running water, ideally from the back of the fabric, to flush out as much blood as possible.
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Rubbing can push the blood deeper into the fibers.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can cause the proteins in blood to coagulate, making blood stain removal nearly impossible.

These steps are crucial for fresh blood stains, whether from a nosebleed or a minor scrape, and set the stage for successful cleaning.

Effective Methods to Remove Blood Stains

Once you’ve taken immediate action, it’s time to tackle the stain with proven blood stain removal methods. The best method depends on whether the stain is fresh or dried and the type of fabric you’re working with.

For Fresh Blood Stains

Cold Water Rinse: Continue rinsing with cold water to remove as much blood as possible. This is often enough for small, fresh blood stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide : For white clothes, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let it bubble for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. A Reddit user shared, “I had a huge blood stain on my jeans, and hydrogen peroxide made it disappear!” (Reddit). Be cautious with colored fabrics, as it can bleach them.

Dish Soap or Bar Soap: Rub a bit of Dawn dish soap or bar soap into the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. One user on Reddit swore by Dawn, saying, “It removed a fresh blood stain from my shirt in minutes!” (Reddit).

For Dried Blood Stains

Presoak in Cold Water: Mix cold water with a laundry detergent or a product like OxiClean. Soak the garment for several hours or overnight. A Reddit user noted, “Soaking my shirt in OxiClean overnight got rid of a two-year-old blood stain!” (Reddit).

Enzyme Cleaners: Enzyme cleaners for blood stains, like Zout, break down proteins effectively. Apply, let sit, then launder as usual.

Oxygen Bleach: For stubborn stains, especially on white clothes, soak in oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) per package instructions, then wash.

Natural Ways to Remove Blood Stains

If you are out of commercial products, Try these household remedies:

• Salt: Mix salt with cold water to form a paste, apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse. This works well for fresh blood stains.
• Vinegar; Soak the stain in a 1:2 mix of white vinegar and water for 15-30 minutes, then rinse. Vinegar is great for period blood stain removal.
• Baking Soda Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse. This can help with old blood stains.
• Toothpaste: Apply non-gel toothpaste, let it dry, then rinse with cold water. Use cautiously, as it may leave residue on delicate fabrics.

Tailored Guides for Different Fabrics and Surfaces

Different materials need specific care to avoid damage during blood stain removal. Here’s how to handle various fabrics and surfaces.

Cotton Clothes

Cotton is durable, so most blood stain removal methods work well. Use cold water, hydrogen peroxide , or enzyme cleaners like Zout, then launder normally. check the stain before drying to ensure it’s gone.

Denim Jeans

To get blood out of jeans, turn them inside out to apply a stain remover like Shout or liquid detergent. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash in cold water. Air dry to avoid setting any remaining stain.

White Clothes

For white clothes, hydrogen peroxide is a go-to solution. you can also use diluted chlorine bleach, but test it first. Oxygen bleach is safer and effective for blood stain removal.

Colored Clothes

To get blood out of colored clothes, avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as they can fade colors. Use enzyme cleaners or natural ways to remove blood stains like vinegar or baking soda.

Sheets and Bedding

To get blood out of sheets, soak in a bathtub with cold water and OxiClean or detergent for several hours. For blood on mattress removal, blot with cold water and hydrogen peroxide, then air dry to prevent mold.

Carpets and Upholstery

For blood on carpet or blood on car seat removal, blot with cold water, then apply hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme cleaner. Repeat until the stain lifts, then blot dry. For upholstery, check fabric care labels first.

Tackling Old Blood Stains

Old blood stains are tougher but not impossible to remove. Soak the garment in cold water with OxiClean or an enzyme cleaner for 24 hour or more. You may need to repeat treatments or try a stronger stain remover. If the stain persists, consider professional cleaning.

Preventing Blood Stains

While accidents happen, you can minimize blood stains with these tips:

• First Aid: Apply pressure to wounds with a clean cloth to stop bleeding before it reaches clothes.
• Be Prepared: Keep blood stain removers like Shout or Zout handy, especially for period blood stains or nosebleed stain.
• Wear Dark Colors: During high-risk times, like menstruation, opt for darker clothing to hide potential stains.

Choosing vintage-inspired outfits, like those from 1980s fashion, can also help mask potential stains during high-risk times.

When to Call in the Pros

If you’re dealing with delicate fabric like silk or wool, or if blood stain removal efforts fail, a professional cleaner can help. They have industrial-strength products and expertise to tackle stubborn stains without damaging your clothes.

Conclusion

Removing blood stains from clothes does not have to be a nightmare. By acting quickly with cold water, using best products for blood stain removal like OxiClean or hydrogen peroxide, and tailoring your approach to the fabric, you can keep your wardrobe spotless. Whether it is blood on jeans, sheets, or even a carpet, these methods have you covered. so next time a blood stain appears, don’t stress— just grab your stain-fighting toolkit and get to work