How to Get Blood Out of Fabric Without Damaging the Fabric

You woke up with blood on your bedsheets. Or your kid got a nosebleed on the couch. Blood stains are tricky because they’re protein-based. Hot water cooks the protein and sets the stain permanently. Cold water prevents the proteins from bonding and helps flush them out. Whether it’s a fresh spot or a dried stain, blood can be removed from most fabrics with the right treatment. Here’s how to get blood out of fabric without damaging it.

Blood stains on fabric are marks caused by proteins in blood that bond with fabric fibers. Hot water sets blood stains permanently by cooking the proteins. Cold water prevents bonding and helps flush out the blood. Removing blood requires cold water, a protein-breaking agent, and prompt treatment.

To get blood out of fabric, rinse with cold water immediately, apply hydrogen peroxide to break down the proteins, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash in cold water with an enzyme detergent. For upholstery and mattresses, blot with cold water and hydrogen peroxide. Never use hot water and never dry until the stain is gone.

For Washable Fabrics (Clothes, Sheets, Towels)

Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water

Hold the stained area under cold running water from the back of the fabric. Let the water push the blood out. Don’t use warm or hot water.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. It will bubble as it breaks down the proteins. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Test on an inconspicuous area first, as peroxide can lighten some fabrics.

Step 3: Blot

Blot with a clean cloth. Don’t rub. The blood will transfer to the cloth.

Step 4: Apply Enzyme Detergent

Apply liquid Tide Free and Gentle directly to the stain. Work it in gently. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Wash in Cold Water

Wash in cold water with enzyme detergent. Check before drying.

Step 6: For Stubborn Stains, Use Baking Soda Paste

Mix Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash in cold water.

Step 7: For Very Stubborn Stains, Use OxiClean

Apply OxiClean Max Force Spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in cold water. Not safe on silk or wool.

For Non-Washable Fabrics (Upholstery, Mattresses, Carpets)

Step 1: Blot with Cold Water

Don’t soak the fabric. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot the stain. Don’t rub.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth and dab it onto the stain. Let it bubble for 5 minutes. Blot with a dry cloth.

Step 3: Blot with Dish Soap Solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn Ultra Dish Soap with 2 cups of cold water. Dampen a cloth and blot the stain.

Step 4: Blot with Cold Water

Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot to rinse the soap.

Step 5: Blot Dry

Blot with a dry cloth to absorb moisture. Let air dry. Don’t use a hair dryer or heat.

Blood on Different Fabrics

Fabric	Best Treatment	What to Avoid
Cotton	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + enzyme detergent	Hot water
Polyester	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + enzyme detergent	Hot water
Silk	Cold water + professional cleaning	Hydrogen peroxide, enzyme sprays
Wool	Cold water + professional cleaning	Hydrogen peroxide, enzyme sprays
Denim	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + baking soda	Hot water
Upholstery	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + dish soap	Hot water, soaking
Mattress	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + dish soap	Hot water, soaking
Carpet	Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + dish soap	Hot water, soaking

What Not to Do

Don’t use hot water. Hot water cooks the proteins in blood and sets the stain permanently. Always use cold water.

Don’t put the fabric in the dryer. Dryer heat sets blood permanently. Always air dry and check first.

Don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the blood and pushes it deeper. Blot or press gently.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on blood. Chlorine bleach can react with blood proteins and make the stain worse. Use hydrogen peroxide instead.

Don’t wait. The longer blood sits, the harder it is to remove. Treat as soon as possible.

Don’t soak non-washable fabrics. For upholstery and mattresses, blot don’t soak. Excess moisture can cause mold.

FAQ

How do you get blood out of fabric? Rinse with cold water from the back, apply hydrogen peroxide to break down the proteins, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash in cold water with enzyme detergent. For non-washable fabrics, blot with cold water and hydrogen peroxide.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove blood from fabric? Yes. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) breaks down the proteins in blood. Apply it to the stain, let it bubble for 5 minutes, then blot and rinse with cold water. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Does cold water remove blood from fabric? Yes. Cold water is the most effective treatment for fresh blood. It flushes out the blood before the proteins bond with the fabric. Always use cold water, never hot.

Can you use hot water on blood stains? No. Hot water cooks the proteins in blood and sets the stain permanently. Always use cold water for blood stains.

How do you get dried blood out of fabric? Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the dried stain, let it bubble for 5 minutes, blot, then apply baking soda paste and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash in cold water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use OxiClean Max Force Spray.

How do you get blood out of a mattress? Blot with cold water, apply hydrogen peroxide with a cloth, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot with a dish soap solution. Blot with cold water to rinse, then blot dry. Don’t soak the mattress.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Blood Stains from Fabric.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Get Blood Out of Fabric.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Blood Stain Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. American Cleaning Institute. “Protein Stain Guide.” cleaninginstitute.org.