How to Get Rid of Blood Stains on Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Get Rid of Blood Stains on Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
You got blood on your clothes. Maybe it’s a cut, a nosebleed, or a period stain. 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 how to get rid of blood stains on clothes without damage.
Blood stains on clothes are protein stains caused by hemoglobin bonding with fabric fibers. Blood is a protein stain, which means hot water can set it permanently. Removing blood stains requires cold water, an enzyme detergent, or hydrogen peroxide to break down the proteins.
To get rid of blood stains on 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.
Step-by-Step: Removing Fresh Blood Stains
Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the stain under cold running water as soon as possible. Hold the fabric with the stain facing down so the water pushes the blood through the fabric.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide (For Stubborn Stains)
Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. It will bubble as it breaks down the blood proteins. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Test on colored fabric first.
Step 3: Rinse Again with Cold Water
Step 4: Apply Enzyme Detergent
Apply 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 with Tide Free and Gentle in cold water. Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda for extra cleaning.
Step 6: Check Before Drying
Check the stain before putting the clothes in the dryer. If the stain remains, treat again and re-wash.
Step-by-Step: Removing Dried Blood Stains
Step 1: Soak in Cold Water with Enzyme Detergent
Fill a tub with cold water and add 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle. Submerge the clothes and soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Apply OxiClean (For Stubborn Stains)
Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Wash in Cold Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold water. Add baking soda for extra cleaning.
Step 5: Check Before Drying
Blood Stains on Different Fabrics
| Fabric | Best Treatment | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| White cotton | Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + oxygen bleach | Hot water |
| Colored cotton | Cold water + enzyme detergent + OxiClean | Hot water, chlorine bleach |
| Polyester | Cold water + enzyme detergent | Hot water, hydrogen peroxide (may lighten) |
| Denim | Cold water + OxiClean | Hot water |
| Mattress | Cold water + hydrogen peroxide + blot | Soaking |
| Silk | Professional cleaning | All home treatments |
| Wool | Cold water + gentle detergent | Hot water, enzymes |
What Not to Do
Don’t use hot water. Hot water sets blood stains permanently by cooking the proteins. 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 stains are much easier to remove than dried ones.
FAQ
How do you get rid of blood stains on clothes? Rinse with cold water immediately, apply hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains, apply enzyme detergent, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash in cold water. Check before drying. Don’t use hot water or put the clothes in the dryer.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove blood stains from 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 remove blood stains from clothes? Yes. Cold water is essential for blood stains. Hot water sets blood permanently. Always rinse blood stains with cold water and wash in cold water.
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.
How do you remove dried blood stains from clothes? Soak in cold water with enzyme detergent for 30 minutes to 1 hour, apply hydrogen peroxide for 5 to 10 minutes, spray with OxiClean for stubborn stains, and wash in cold water. Check before drying.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Blood Stains 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.
