How to Get Blood Out of Clothes (Quickly Remove Blood Stains)

We’ve all been there. You’re going about your day when suddenly, a blood stain appears on your favorite shirt or a pair of jeans. Whether it’s a minor cut, a nosebleed, or period blood, these stains can be a real pain. But don’t worry, there’s no need to throw away your beloved garment just yet. With the right knowledge and a little bit of patience, you can learn how to get blood out of clothes effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove both fresh and dried blood stains from various types of clothing. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to prevent the stain from setting in the first place, making it easier to get blood out of your clothes.

How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains

Step 1: Blot the Stain

As soon as you notice a fresh blood stain on your clothes, the first thing you should do is blot as much blood as possible using a clean, dry cloth. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can push the blood deeper into the fabric fibers.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

After blotting, rinse the stain with cold water. Remember, always use cold water when dealing with blood stains to prevent the proteins in the blood from setting the stain.

Step 3: Apply a Stain Remover

Next, apply a stain remover directly to the stain. You can use a commercial stain remover, or a small amount of hydrogen peroxide mixed with cold water. If you’re using hydrogen peroxide, apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing again with cold water.

Step 4: Wash as Usual

Once the stain is removed, you can wash the garment in the washing machine as usual. Check the care label for specific washing instructions.

How to Remove Dried Blood Stains

Removing dried blood stains can be a bit more challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here’s how to get dried blood out of clothes:

Step 1: Soak the Stain

Fill your sink with cold water and add a tablespoon of salt. Soak the stained garment in this solution for a few hours or overnight. The salt will help to break down the proteins in the blood, making the stain easier to remove.

Step 2: Apply a Paste

After soaking, make a paste of baking soda and cold water. Apply this paste directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The baking soda will help to lift the stain from the fabric.

Step 3: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the garment with cold water. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until the stain is removed.

Step 4: Wash as Usual

Once the stain is gone, wash the garment as usual. Again, make sure to check the care label for specific washing instructions.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Clothes

White Clothes

When dealing with white clothes, you have a few more options for stain removal. Bleach is an effective stain remover, but it should only be used on white clothes as it can discolor colored clothes. Before using bleach, always check the care label to make sure the garment is bleach-safe.

Colored Clothes

For colored clothes, avoid using bleach as it can cause discoloration. Instead, use a color-safe stain remover or hydrogen peroxide, which is a mild bleaching agent that is safe for most colored clothes.

Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics like silk or wool require special care. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Instead, use a gentle stain remover and always hand wash delicate fabrics. If the stain is stubborn, it may be best to take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.

Preventing Blood Stains

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent blood stains from setting:

1. Always treat blood stains as soon as possible. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
2. Never use hot water on a blood stain. This can cause the proteins in the blood to bind to the fabric, setting the stain.
3. If you’re prone to nosebleeds or menstrual blood stains, consider carrying a small stain remover pen with you for quick stain treatment.

Understanding Blood Stains

Blood is one of the most difficult substances to remove from fabric because of the proteins in the blood. These proteins, when exposed to heat, coagulate and bind to the fabric, making the stain even more difficult to remove. That’s why it’s crucial to never use hot or warm water when treating a blood stain.

Conclusion

Blood stains on our clothes can be a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and tools, they don’t have to be a disaster. Remember, the key to effective blood stain removal is acting fast, using cold water, and choosing the right cleaning products for the job. With these tips, you’ll know how to get blood out of clothes in no time.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any other tips or tricks for getting blood out of clothes, feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy washing!