Life is full of unexpected messes—from nosebleeds and scraped knees to sudden menstrual events. The encouraging news, according to cleaning professionals, is that effective solutions exist for removing blood stains from clothes. Although treating blood while it is still fresh is easier, it is still entirely possible to remove dried blood from common fabrics like cotton, denim, and linen.
We rely on the advice of experts, such as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for these proven, step-by-step instructions on salvaging stained clothing items.
How to Treat Fresh Blood Stains on Clothing
As with most stains, blood is easiest to eliminate when treatment begins immediately. These steps are effective for most colorfast fabrics, including jeans, white cotton tees, and even bed sheets. As soon as you notice the stain, gather your supplies and begin the process:
Materials Required:
- Bar soap (unscented is preferable)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- Fabric-safe bleach (chlorine or non-chlorine)
- Laundry pre-treater spray or gel
- Enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent
Instructions for Fresh Stains
- Soak the Stain in Cold Water Immediately: The moment you notice a fresh stain, place the affected area under cold running water to flush out as much of the blood as possible. Using hot water will set the stain permanently by cooking the proteins in the blood.
- Apply Targeted Treatment: You have two primary options here:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Apply hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth and blot the stain gently. For very heavy stains on colorfast fabric, you may carefully apply the peroxide directly to the stain or soak the area in a small bowl. (The peroxide will fizz as it breaks down the blood proteins.)
- Bar Soap Scrub: Scrub the stained area vigorously by hand with a bar of soap under cold water.
- Pre-treat and Wash: Apply a laundry pre-treater or rub an enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain. Machine wash the garment in warm water, adding a fabric-safe bleach if appropriate for the item's care label. If traditional bleach is unsafe, consider using a specialized blood stain remover product. Always spot-test new stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.
- Repeat if Necessary: If any trace of the stain remains after washing, repeat all steps above. Crucially, do not put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone, as the heat will permanently set any residual color.
How to Treat Dried Blood Stains on Clothing
Dried blood stains require persistence, but they are often still removable. This process requires patience and heavy-duty stain removal products.
Materials Required:
- Stain-removing laundry soaker (e.g., oxygen-based powder)
- Bar soap
- Fabric-safe bleach
- Enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent
- Ammonia
- Laundry pre-treater
Instructions for Dried Stains
- Presoak the Garment: Prepare a mixture of cold water and one to two teaspoons of liquid laundry detergent or a stain-removing soaker. Allow the garment to soak for several hours or overnight. The lengthy soak helps rehydrate and loosen the dried blood proteins.
- Pretreat and Launder: Pretreat the stain with a laundry pre-treater or rub the stain thoroughly with bar soap. Launder the item in warm water using fabric-safe bleach, according to the garment's care instructions.
- Intensified Presoak (if needed): If the stain persists, repeat the presoaking step, potentially for an even longer duration. Alternatively, create a mixture of one quart of cold water, one teaspoon of laundry detergent, and one tablespoon of ammonia, and soak the garment in this solution for several hours.
- Final Wash: Pretreat the remaining stain again and launder the garment immediately. Remember: Never use the dryer until the stain is completely lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Blood Stain Removal
Why is cold water essential for removing blood stains?
Blood is primarily composed of protein (hemoglobin). When exposed to heat (like hot water or a dryer), these proteins rapidly coagulate and bond chemically with the fabric fibers, essentially 'cooking' the stain into the cloth and making it almost impossible to remove.
What is the role of an enzyme-containing detergent in treating blood?
Enzyme detergents contain specialized biological catalysts (proteases) that are designed to break down protein-based stains, such as blood, grass, and bodily fluids, into smaller, more water-soluble molecules that can be washed away easily.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for all fabric colors?
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent and can cause slight discoloration or lightening on some colored fabrics. It is generally safer for white or very light-colored, colorfast items. It is always best practice to perform a spot-test on an inner seam before applying it directly to the stain.