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fresh blood stain on a white and black striped dress

How To Get Blood Out Of Clothes

by | Apr 22, 2023 | Laundry And Clothing Stains

Accidents happen, and sometimes they result in blood stains on our clothing. No matter what the cause of the blood stain is, learning how to remove blood from clothes is important.

Don’t let a little accident ruin your favourite outfit. Here’s how to get fresh or dried blood stains from your jeans, tees and other clothing.

 

How to Get Fresh Blood Out of Clothes

fresh blood stain on a white and black striped dress

When fresh blood stains find their way onto your clothes, it can be intimidating to remove them. But with the right approach, it’s easier than you think.

 

Step 1: Act fast

Time is crucial when dealing with fresh blood stains. The faster you can address the stain, the easier it will be to remove. As the blood dries, it becomes increasingly stubborn.

 

Step 2: Rinse or soak in cold water

Always use cold water to treat blood stains, as hot water can cause the stain to set into the fabric. 

Start by rinsing the affected area under cold running water, which helps to flush out most of the blood and prevents it from seeping further into the fibres.

 

Step 3: Select your stain-busting weapon

There are several effective options for removing fresh blood stains, and you might already have some of these household heroes at hand:

 

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is ideal for fresh stains. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and watch it fizz for a minute or two. Rinse with cold water and assess the blood stains.

 

Table salt

table salt

Combine salt and cold water to form a paste. Apply it to the blood stain and let it work its magic for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water and gently rub the fabric to help lift the stain.

 

Baking soda

Mix baking soda with cold water to create a paste. Smear the paste onto the blood stain and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse with cold water, gently massaging the fabric to help release the stain.

 

Step 4: Inspect and wash the garment

After employing one of the stain-removing techniques above, examine the affected area. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method.

Once the blood stain is gone, wash the clothing item as usual, ensuring you follow the care label instructions. After washing, double-check if the stain has not reappeared before drying the garment.

 

How to Get Dried Blood Out of Clothes

two dried blood stains on clothes

Now, removing a dried blood stain isn’t much different from treating fresh ones. Even stubborn, dried blood stains can be erased with the right approach and a little persistence.

 

Step 1: Assess the blood stain

Before diving into the stain removal process, take a moment to assess the stain. 

Make a mental note of its size, location, and how long it has been on the fabric. This information will help you determine the best course for removing the stain.

 

Step 2: Pre-soak the garment

Pre-soak the stained garment first in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to loosen the dried blood and make it easier to remove. 

Remember to avoid hot water, as it can set in blood stains further.

 

Step 3: Choose your stain removal method

There are various methods to remove dried blood stains from clothes, and it may take some trial and error to find the one that works best for your particular stain. 

Here are some tried-and-true options to consider:

 

Enzyme-based laundry detergent

These detergents contain enzymes that break down proteins, making them particularly effective for dried blood stains.

Apply a small amount of enzyme-based laundry detergent directly to the stain, gently rubbing it into the fabric. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it with cold water.

 

Hydrogen peroxide

While it works best on fresh stains, hydrogen peroxide can still be helpful for dried blood stains. Apply a small amount directly onto the dried blood stain, allowing it to bubble for a few minutes.

Rinse with cold water and check the progress. Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide on coloured fabrics, as it may cause discolouration.

 

Baking soda and water

baking soda

Create a paste using baking soda and cold water. Apply the paste to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse with cold water, gently rubbing the fabric to help remove the stain.

 

White vinegar

Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar, and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

 

Step 4: Evaluate and repeat, if necessary

After trying one of the stain removal methods above, assess the stained area. If the stain remains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different technique.

Be patient, as some stains may require multiple attempts to be completely removed.

 

Step 5: Wash and dry

Once the stain is no longer visible, wash the clothing item as you normally would, following the care label instructions. Be sure to use cold water during the washing cycle.

After washing, check the stain one more time before drying. 

If any trace of the stain remains, do not place the item in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain. Instead, treat the stain again and rewash.

 

How to Get Blood Out of Jeans

drop of blood on jeans

Whether you have a preference for light wash or dark wash jeans, neither will hide the stain if you get blood on them!

 

Step 1: Act quickly

When it comes to blood stains, time is of the essence. The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances are of successfully removing it. 

As blood dries, it becomes more difficult to remove, so don’t delay.

 

Step 2: Cold water rinse

Always use cold water when removing blood stains, as hot water can set the stain. Start by rinsing the stained area under cold running water. A cold wash will help lift as much blood from your jeans.

 

Step 3: Choose your stain remover

There are several options for treating blood stains on jeans, and you can choose from the same cleaning solutions listed under removing fresh blood stains. 

These stain removers include:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Table salt
  • Baking soda mixed with cold water
  • White vinegar wash

 

Step 4: Check the Stain

Choose one of the stain removers above and apply it to the stained area. If the stain is still visible on your jeans, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method. 

Be patient, as some stubborn stains may require multiple attempts.

 

Step 5: Wash the Jeans

Putting Jeans into the washing machine

Once the stain is no longer visible, wash the jeans as you normally would, following the care label instructions. Be sure to use cold water during the washing cycle, and don’t expose it to heat yet.

After washing, check the stain one more time before drying. 

If any trace of the stain remains, do not place the jeans in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain. Instead, treat the stain again and rewash.

 

How to Remove Blood Stains from White Clothing

White clothing is a classic choice for many occasions, but period stains can quickly spoil their clean and crisp appearance. 

Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can restore your white garments to their original, spotless state.

 

Step 1: Treat the blood stain immediately

blood stains on clothes and stain remover

Time is of the essence when dealing with period blood stains or getting blood out of white clothing. The faster you can address the stain, the easier it will be to remove. 

As blood dries, it becomes more challenging to remove, so act as quickly as possible.

 

Step 2: Cold water rinse

Always use cold water when treating a blood stain, as hot water can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. 

Rinse the stained area under cold running water. This will help to flush out some of the blood and prevent it from further penetrating the fabric.

 

Step 3: Choose your stain remover

There are several options for treating blood stains on white clothing, and you may already have some of these household items on hand:

 

Hydrogen peroxide

Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and let it bubble for a minute or two. Rinse with cold water and check the progress. 

Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe for white fabrics (and is usually the first choice when removing blood from clothing), but always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

 

Table salt

Salt is a natural dehydrator which works on fresh blood stains. Create a solution by mixing salt and cold water. 

Apply the salt solution (or saline water) to the stain and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Rinse with cold water and gently rub the fabric to help remove the stain.

 

Baking soda

Make a paste using baking soda and cold water. Apply the paste to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. 

Rinse the clothing with cold water while gently rubbing the fabric to help lift the stain.

 

White vinegar

white vinegar mixed with water

Vinegar is a natural stain remover and works well for white fabrics. 

Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar, and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water. 

 

Step 4: Assess the stain

After using one of the stain-removing methods above, check the stained area again. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method. 

Be patient with yourself, as some stubborn stains may require multiple removal attempts.

 

Step 5: Launder the white clothing

Once the stain is no longer visible, wash the white clothing item as you normally would. After washing, check the stain one more time before drying. 

If any trace of the stain remains, do not place the garment in the dryer, as heat can set the stain. Instead, treat the stain again with a different method and wash it as usual.

 

FAQ

 

Do home remedies work for blood stain removal?

Yes, these remedies often use everyday household items that you likely already have on hand.

In the guide above, we mentioned that you could use cold water, white vinegar and even salt to remove blood stains from clothes.

 

Can blood permanently stain clothes?

Yes, blood can permanently stain clothes if not treated immediately and correctly. Blood contains proteins and iron, which can cause the stain to set and become more difficult to remove over time.

 

Know When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried several home remedies without success, it might be time to seek professional help. The sooner you take your clothes to a professional cleaner, the better your chances are that your clothes will be back in their original condition.

About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

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About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

Share