How to Clean Dry Blood Stains.

Removing Dry Blood Stains

Just a quick look down at my thumb while I’m writing this is a reminder to me that cuts are a part of life. The other day, I cut my thumb while cutting a tomato, it wasn’t too bad and I cleaned it right away but it doesn’t always work out this way for everyone.

Cleaning a fresh blood stain is always preferable to a dried one. Usually, a quick rinse or soak with cold water will do the trick before the stain sets in. But many times, blood will set long before you even know there is a stain.

Sometimes, children will try to hide blood stains from minor cuts from parents for fear of getting into trouble. Or a cut you thought was protected by a bandage actually bled through the cotton. And ladies, we all know the frustration when our feminine protection shifts without realizing it.

So on the occasions where you’re dealing with a set-in stain, here are a few methods to remove dry blood stains. It may take a bit more time and a little more effort but it can be done.

Using White Vinegar to Remove Dry Blood

Vinegar has amazing cleaning powers, and is an incredibly inexpensive way of dealing with many household messes.

• Pour some vinegar in a bowl and submerge the stained area for about 30 minutes, then gently scrub (start from the outside of stain and work towards the middle) the stain using your fingernail, clean toothbrush, or soft bristled brush.
• Rinse and if necessary, repeat.
• If any color remains, pre-treat then wash as usual but don’t put in the dryer until you are positive the stain is gone.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Blood Stain Removal

Another product for cleaning dried blood stains is hydrogen peroxide. Place a towel under the stain and simply pour the hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, cover it with another clean cloth, then let sit for a about 5 to 10 minutes.

Take a peek and see how the progress is going. If necessary repeat the process. If there is any discoloration left, apply a stain removal product and wash in cool water.

Although it works great on whites, for colors, make sure you start with a drop in an inconspicuous part of the clothing first to make sure that it won’t ruin the color.

Using Ammonia to Clean Blood Stains

Ammonia has a very strong smell and should be used in a well ventilated area and should not be used with other chemicals. You may want to wear a mask and gloves while using it. With whites, ammonia can be an easy solution but you may want to try something different for colored items.

Wet the stain under cool water to see if some of the dried blood will be removed. Place a towel under the stained area you’re working on. Apply the ammonia to a damp sponge then blot the stained area. Rinse sponge and reapply the ammonia as needed so the sponge is clean while you are blotting the stain. You only need a few drops of ammonia.

More Tips for Treating a Dry Blood Stain

• As a first option, soak item in cold water overnight.
• Don’t leave a clean section of clothing under the blood stain you are working on so it does not transfer to a clean are of the clothing.
• If you’re not sure how a stain remover will react with your clothing, test in an inconspicuous spot first for colorfastness.

There are commercial products with enzymes that help remove blood stains, and many non-chlorine bleach products work as well. But it’s just as easy to use a household product and save the money and your clothes.