How to Remove Blood Stains From Fabric with Ease

How to Remove Blood Stains

Follow the steps below to remove blood stains for good, and once the stain is gone, toss machine-washable items into the laundry. Double-check that the stain is fully removed before throwing it into the dryer. Your shirt (or sheets or towels) will look good as new. Keep in mind that blood stains should be cleaned as quickly as possible as that is your best chance at removing the stain.

How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains

1. Do a Spot Test

   Test hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it won't discolor the fabric. For new blood stains, be sure to wear gloves when treating.

2. Cover Stain with Hydrogen Peroxide

   If the fabric passed the spot test, go ahead and cover the blood stain with hydrogen peroxide, then let it sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes, dab the stain with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.

3. Try Another Method

   If the stain is still there, try this: Apply a couple drops of dishwashing liquid to the stain and gently rub with a clean cloth. Splash with ammonia (test a small spot first), then sprinkle with baking soda and let sit for a few minutes.

4. Scrub the Stain

   Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the stain in a circular motion until it disappears. Rinse with cold water.

5. Launder

   If necessary, repeat the steps above until the stain is gone. Once the stain is removed, launder the fabric in cold water.

How to Remove Dried Blood Stains

1. Presoak with Laundry Pre-treater

   Mix 1 teaspoon of a laundry pre-treater detergent or stain remover and cold water. Allow the fabric to soak for several hours or overnight for best results.

2. Launder

   Wash the garment in warm water with a mild detergent that is safe for the fabric.

3. Asses the Stain

   If the stain was not removed, repeat the pre-soak and add 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Following the pre-soak, launder the garment and assess the stain again.

Additional Tips

• If you can't wash the item immediately, dab at it with hydrogen peroxide until it can be properly cleaned.
• Blood stains are quite stubborn. If the stain does not come out after hand washing, check the care label to see if it can be tossed in the washing machine on cold.
• If you don't want to risk removing the blood stain or constantly attempting to clean it, you can try taking your garment to a professional cleaning service. Be sure to tell them the methods you used to attempt stain removal.