How Do I Get Dried Blood Stains Out of Clothes: What Works and What to Avoid
How Do I Get Dried Blood Stains Out of Clothes: What Works and What to Avoid
You found a dried blood stain on your shirt. It’s been there for days and the blood has turned brown and bonded with the fabric. You thought the shirt was ruined, but dried blood can be removed from most washable fabrics. It’s harder than removing fresh blood because the proteins have bonded with the fibers, but with the right products and methods, it’s possible. Here’s what works and what to avoid when getting dried blood stains out of clothes.
Dried blood stains on clothes are marks caused by proteins in blood that have bonded with fabric fibers over time. Dried blood is harder to remove than fresh blood because the proteins have fully bonded. Removing dried blood requires a protein-breaking agent (hydrogen peroxide or enzymes) and cold water.
To get dried blood stains out of clothes, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the 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. Never use hot water and never put blood-stained clothes in the dryer.
What Works
Hydrogen Peroxide (Best for Dried Blood)
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) breaks down the proteins in dried blood. It’s the most effective treatment for set-in blood stains.
How to use: Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. It will bubble as it breaks down the proteins. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first, as peroxide can lighten some fabrics.
Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Stains)
Baking soda helps lift dried blood by absorbing the proteins.
How to use: Mix Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash.
Enzyme Detergent (For Washing)
Enzyme detergents contain protease, an enzyme that breaks down protein stains like blood.
How to use: Apply liquid Tide Free and Gentle directly to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash in cold water.
OxiClean Max Force Spray (For Very Stubborn Stains)
OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down blood proteins.
How to use: Spray the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in cold water with enzyme detergent. Not safe on silk or wool.
White Vinegar (Alternative)
White vinegar can help break down dried blood stains.
How to use: Pour white vinegar directly on the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot with a cloth and wash in cold water.
Dish Soap (For Fresh Blood Residue)
Dawn Ultra Dish Soap can help lift remaining blood after hydrogen peroxide treatment.
How to use: Apply dish soap to the stain, work it in gently, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash.
What to Avoid
Using hot water. Hot water cooks the proteins in blood and sets the stain permanently. Always use cold water.
Putting the garment in the dryer. Dryer heat sets blood permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Rubbing. Rubbing spreads the blood and pushes it deeper. Blot or press gently.
Using chlorine bleach on blood. Chlorine bleach can react with blood proteins and make the stain worse. Use hydrogen peroxide instead.
Giving up after one treatment. Dried blood may need 2 to 3 treatments to fully remove. Repeat the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda method.
Using warm water to rinse. Even warm water can start to set blood proteins. Use cold water only.
Comparison: What Works vs. What to Avoid
| Action | Effect on Dried Blood |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide | Works (breaks down proteins) |
| Baking soda paste | Works (lifts proteins) |
| Enzyme detergent | Works (breaks down proteins) |
| OxiClean Max Force | Works (enzymes break proteins) |
| White vinegar | Works (mild protein breaker) |
| Cold water | Works (prevents setting) |
| Hot water | Avoid (sets proteins permanently) |
| Dryer | Avoid (sets stain permanently) |
| Rubbing | Avoid (spreads stain) |
| Chlorine bleach | Avoid (makes stain worse) |
Step-by-Step: Removing Dried Blood Stains
Step 1: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the dried blood stain. Let it bubble for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Blot
Blot with a clean cloth. Don’t rub. The blood will transfer to the cloth.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the area with cold water to remove the baking soda and loosened blood.
Step 5: Apply Enzyme Detergent
Apply liquid Tide Free and Gentle to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Wash in Cold Water
Wash in cold water with enzyme detergent. Check before drying.
Step 7: For Very Stubborn Stains, Use OxiClean
If the stain remains, apply OxiClean Max Force Spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash again in cold water.
Step 8: Repeat If Needed
Dried blood may need 2 to 3 treatments. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
FAQ
How do you get dried blood stains out of clothes? Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the 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. Never use hot water.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove dried blood from clothes? Yes. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) breaks down the proteins in dried blood. Apply it to the stain, let it bubble for 5 minutes, blot, then wash in cold water. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
Can you use hot water on dried blood stains? No. Hot water cooks the proteins in blood and sets the stain permanently. Always use cold water for blood stains, fresh or dried.
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 permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Does baking soda remove dried blood from clothes? Yes. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash. Baking soda helps lift the proteins from the fabric.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Dried Blood Stains from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Dried Blood Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Blood Stain Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- American Cleaning Institute. “Protein Stain Guide.” cleaninginstitute.org.
