How To Remove A Blood Stain

Blood stains on fabric and clothing can be tough to tackle. Once blood sets in, it’s one of the hardest stains to remove. Whether it’s from a nosebleed, a small accident, a paper cut, or someone else’s blood, knowing how to treat the stain can make all the difference.

You’ve likely heard plenty of tips and tricks for removing blood stains. Over time, people have tried nearly everything to solve this stubborn problem, and some methods have proven especially effective.

The Basics of Blood Stain Removal – Act Quickly

Acting quickly is best for removing blood stains, but this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, you may not notice the stain right away, or you might be unable to treat it immediately. When you do spot a blood stain, try to wash it out right away or, if that’s not possible, at least pre-treat the stain until you can properly wash it.

Avoid using hot water on blood stains, as it can set the stain deeper into the fabric. Additionally, never put a blood-stained garment in the dryer, as the heat can cause the stain to set permanently and darken, making it nearly impossible to remove.

Effective Methods for Removing Blood Stains

Here are some reliable techniques to help remove blood stains. Keep in mind, your results may vary depending on the fabric type and how long the stain has been there.

Can Windex Really Remove a Blood Stain?

Windex, typically used as a glass cleaner, contains ammonia, which can sometimes help break down proteins in blood stains, especially on fresh stains. However, Windex isn’t usually the best choice for blood removal, especially on fabrics, because it can cause discoloration or damage certain materials.

How to Remove Blood Stains from Delicate Fabrics

To protect delicate fabrics from harsh chemicals, try these gentle steps:

1. Soak in Cold Water: Begin by soaking the stained garment in cold water for 10–30 minutes.
2. Optional Pre-Treatment: For fresh stains, pre-treat by gently dabbing shampoo or bubble bath on the area—though this step is often unnecessary if the stain is new.
3. Apply Liquid Soda Crystals: Pour a small amount of liquid soda crystals onto the stain and gently scrub with a soft nailbrush.
4. Wash as Usual: Wash the garment in the washing machine on its regular setting.
5. Check for Stain Removal: If the stain is gone, air-dry the garment. If traces remain, repeat the steps as needed.

The Best Way to Remove Blood Stains from White Clothing

To effectively remove a blood stain from white clothing, start by immediately rinsing the stain under cold running water, which helps to loosen the blood from the fabric fibers. Be sure to hold the fabric with the stained side facing down so the water flows through it, pushing the stain out rather than deeper in. Avoid rubbing at this stage, as it can spread the stain.

Next, gently blot the damp area with a clean, absorbent cloth to lift any remaining blood without spreading it. Once the initial stain is minimized, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain as a pre-treatment. Hydrogen peroxide works well on whites as it acts as a mild bleaching agent, effectively breaking down the proteins in the blood.

Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the stain for a few minutes, then rinse again with cold water. Follow this by washing the garment as you normally would with a regular detergent in cold water. Avoid using hot water at any stage, as heat can set the stain permanently, making it far more difficult to remove.

For particularly stubborn stains, you can repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment before washing. Once the stain is removed, air dry the garment. Using a dryer too soon may set any residual stain that wasn’t fully lifted, especially since heat can cause the blood to darken and become more permanent.

Emergency Blood Stain Removal: What to Do When You’re Not Home

If you’re away from home and notice a blood stain, quick action can prevent it from setting and becoming more difficult to remove. Here’s what to do with limited resources:

Cold Water Rinse: If possible, rinse the stain immediately with cold water. Many public restrooms have cold tap water, which is ideal for breaking down fresh blood. Hold the fabric under cold water and let it run through the back of the stain to push the blood out of the fibers. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.

Blot, Don’t Rub: If you don’t have access to water, gently blot the stain with a clean napkin, tissue, or paper towel to absorb as much of the blood as possible without spreading it. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fabric and make it harder to remove later.

Use Salt or Saline Solution: If you’re somewhere that has salt, mix a pinch of salt with a few drops of cold water to create a paste and apply it to the stain. Salt is an effective stain remover that can help break down blood. Alternatively, if you have contact lens saline solution, spray it onto the stain, then blot with a tissue to remove as much as possible.

Dab with Hand Sanitizer (If Safe for Fabric): If you have hand sanitizer and the fabric is colorfast, dab a small amount onto the stain. The alcohol can help lift fresh blood from the fibers. Be careful not to oversaturate, as excessive alcohol may damage delicate fabrics or cause color fading.

Keep Damp for Later Treatment: If the stain is still visible, keep the item damp (but not soaking wet) until you can get home to fully treat it. Dampening the stain helps prevent it from setting into the fabric, making it easier to remove later.

Quick Follow-Up at Home: Once you’re home, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water and follow up with a hydrogen peroxide or mild detergent pre-treatment before washing as usual.

With these steps, you can minimize the stain’s impact and make it much easier to remove when you have access to the proper cleaning supplies.