What Takes Blood Out of Clothes? Products and Methods That Work
What Takes Blood Out of Clothes? Products and Methods That Work
You got blood on your clothes. Maybe it’s a cut, a nosebleed, or a period stain. You need to know what takes blood out of clothes. Blood is a protein stain that bonds with fabric fibers and can be difficult to remove. But blood stains can be removed from most washable fabrics. The key is using cold water and the right products. Here’s what takes blood out of clothes.
Blood on clothes is a protein stain caused by hemoglobin bonding with fabric fibers. Blood is a protein stain, which means hot water can set it permanently. Removing blood requires cold water, an enzyme detergent, or hydrogen peroxide to break down the proteins.
To take blood out of clothes, rinse with cold water immediately, apply hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains, wash with enzyme detergent in cold water, and air dry. For dried stains, soak in cold water with enzyme detergent or OxiClean before washing. Don’t use hot water, don’t rub, and don’t put blood-stained clothes in the dryer.
Products That Take Blood Out of Clothes
Cold Water
Cold water is the first and most important step. Rinse blood stains with cold water as soon as possible. Cold water dissolves fresh blood without setting the proteins.
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down blood proteins. It bubbles on contact with blood, breaking the bond between the blood and the fabric. Test on colored fabric first, as it can lighten some dyes.
Enzyme Detergent
Tide Free and Gentle contains enzymes that break down blood proteins. Apply it directly to the stain as a pre-treatment, then wash in cold water.
OxiClean Max Force Spray
OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down organic matter including blood. Spray on the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash in cold water.
Baking Soda
Arm and Hammer Baking Soda helps break down blood stains. Make a paste with water, apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash.
White Vinegar
White vinegar helps break down blood stains. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse with cold water, and wash.
Meat Tenderizer
Meat tenderizer contains enzymes that break down proteins. Make a paste with water, apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, and wash.
Ammonia (White Cotton Only)
Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1 cup of cold water. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, rinse, and wash. Don’t use on wool or silk. Don’t mix with chlorine bleach.
Comparison: Blood Stain Removal Products
| Product | Best For | How to Use | Water Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold water | Fresh blood | Rinse immediately | Cold |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Stubborn stains | Apply, let bubble 5 min | Cold |
| Tide Free and Gentle | All blood stains | Pre-treat, wash | Cold |
| OxiClean spray | Dried blood | Spray, sit 10 min | Cold |
| Baking soda paste | Dried blood | Apply, sit 30 min | Cold |
| White vinegar | Fresh blood | Apply, sit 10 min | Cold |
| Meat tenderizer | Stubborn stains | Paste, sit 30 min | Cold |
| Ammonia | White cotton only | Dilute, sit 5 min | Cold |
Step-by-Step: Removing Blood from Clothes
For Fresh Blood
Step 1: Rinse with cold water. Hold the fabric with the stain facing down under cold running water.
Step 2: Apply hydrogen peroxide. Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Let it bubble for 5 minutes. Test on colored fabric first.
Step 3: Rinse with cold water.
Step 4: Apply enzyme detergent. Apply Tide Free and Gentle directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wash in cold water.
Step 6: Check before drying.
For Dried Blood
Step 1: Soak in cold water. Fill a tub with cold water and add 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle. Soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Apply hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Apply OxiClean. Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray, let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Wash in cold water.
Step 5: Check before drying.
What Not to Do
Don’t use hot water. Hot water sets blood stains permanently. Always use cold water.
Don’t put blood-stained clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat sets blood stains permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Don’t rub the stain. Rubbing spreads the blood and damages fibers. Press gently.
Don’t use chlorine bleach on colors. Use hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach instead.
Don’t use warm water. Even warm water can set blood stains. Use cold water only.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps the stain.
Don’t wait too long. Fresh blood is much easier to remove than dried blood.
FAQ
What takes blood out of clothes? Cold water, hydrogen peroxide, enzyme detergent (Tide Free and Gentle), OxiClean Max Force Spray, baking soda, white vinegar, and meat tenderizer all remove blood from clothes. Always use cold water, never hot.
Does hydrogen peroxide take blood out of clothes? Yes. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down blood proteins. Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain, let it bubble for 5 minutes, rinse with cold water, and wash. Test on colored fabric first.
Does cold water take blood out of clothes? Yes. Cold water is the first and most important step. Rinse blood stains with cold water as soon as possible. Hot water sets blood permanently.
Does baking soda take blood out of clothes? Yes. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse with cold water, and wash with enzyme detergent.
Can you put blood-stained clothes in the dryer? Don’t put blood-stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat sets blood stains permanently. Always air dry and check first.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Blood from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Blood Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Blood Stain Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- OxiClean. “Stain Solutions Guide.” oxiclean.com.
