How to Get Blood Stain Out of Shirt Without Damaging the Fabric

You got blood on your shirt. Maybe it was from a cut, a nosebleed, or an accident. The dark red stain seems impossible to remove, but blood stains can be removed from most washable fabrics if you act quickly. The key is using cold water and the right products. Here’s how to get blood stain out of a shirt without damage.

A blood stain on a shirt is a protein stain caused by hemoglobin (the protein in blood) bonding with fabric fibers. Blood stains are protein stains, which means hot water will set them permanently. Removing blood requires cold water to rinse, hydrogen peroxide to break down the hemoglobin, and an enzyme detergent (Tide Free and Gentle) to wash.

To get blood out of a shirt, rinse with cold water immediately, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide and let it bubble for 5 minutes, apply Dawn dish soap, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold water, and check before drying. For white shirts, use oxygen bleach. Don’t use hot water, don’t rub, and don’t put blood-stained shirts in the dryer.

Step-by-Step: Removing Blood from a Shirt

Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water

Rinse the stain under cold running water immediately. Hold the fabric with the stain facing down. Cold water rinses away the water-soluble components of blood.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain. It will bubble as it breaks down the hemoglobin. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

Note: Test on a hidden area first. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some colored fabrics.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap

Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the stain. Work it in gently.

Step 4: 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.

Step 6: Check Before Drying

If the stain remains, treat again and re-wash. Don’t put blood-stained shirts in the dryer.

For White Shirts with Blood Stains

Step 1: Follow Steps 1 to 4 Above

Step 2: Apply Oxygen Bleach Paste

Make a paste of oxygen bleach powder and water. Apply, let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Wash in Cold Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold water. Add 1 scoop of oxygen bleach.

Step 4: Dry in the Sun

Sunlight helps break down the remaining hemoglobin.

For Dried Blood Stains

Step 1: Soak in Cold Water

Fill a tub with cold water and add 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle. Soak for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

After soaking, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it bubble for 5 minutes. Rinse.

Step 3: Apply OxiClean

Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes. The enzymes break down the proteins.

Step 4: Apply Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with cold water, apply, let sit for 30 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse.

Step 5: Wash and Check Before Drying

Repeat if needed. Dried blood stains may need 2 to 3 treatments.

For Stubborn Blood Stains

Use Shout Foam

Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Use Amodex

For blood stains that leave a persistent mark, apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.

Use Ammonia (For Tough Stains)

Apply a small amount of ammonia to the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

Warning: Don’t mix ammonia with bleach. Test on a hidden area first.

Use Salt Paste

Mix salt with cold water to form a paste. Apply, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub, rinse.

What Not to Do

Don’t use hot water. Hot water sets blood stains permanently. Always use cold water.

Don’t rub the stain. Rubbing spreads the blood. Press gently.

Don’t put blood-stained shirts in the dryer. Dryer heat sets blood permanently.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored shirts. Use oxygen bleach.

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.

Don’t use warm or hot water for soaking. Always soak in cold water.

FAQ

How do you get blood out of a shirt? Rinse with cold water immediately, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes, apply Dawn dish soap, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold water, and check before drying.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove blood stains? Yes. Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain. It bubbles as it breaks down the hemoglobin. Let it sit for 5 minutes, rinse with cold water, and wash. Test on a hidden area first.

Does cold water remove blood stains? Yes. Cold water rinses away the water-soluble components of blood. Always use cold water for blood stains. Hot water sets blood permanently.

Can you put blood-stained shirts in the dryer? No. Dryer heat sets blood stains permanently. Air dry and check first.

How do you remove dried blood from a shirt? Soak in cold water with Tide Free and Gentle for 1 to 2 hours, apply hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes, spray with OxiClean for 15 minutes, apply baking soda paste, and wash in cold water. Repeat if needed.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Blood from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Blood Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Blood Stain Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. OxiClean. “Stain Solutions Guide.” oxiclean.com.