How to Remove Blood Stains from Fabric

Nobody wants to deal with blood stains, but unfortunately, they are sometimes unavoidable. Whether you’re dealing with a bloody nose or a cut on your hand, sooner or later, you’re going to have to learn how to get rid of those pesky bloodstains.

In this guide, we will outline the best methods for removing blood stains from fabric.

Best Methods for Removing Blood Stains

Bloodstains can be tricky to remove, but with the right method and some elbow grease, it’s possible to get rid of them for good. Here are some of the best methods for removing blood stains:

Method 1 - Cold water

This is the first method you should always try when dealing with a bloodstain. Simply soak the stained area in cold water for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. Note that for some fabrics, and if the stain is severe enough, you may need to soak them in cold water for 24 hours.

Method 2 - Vinegar and water

Start by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water. Pour the mixture over the bloodstain, and blot gently with a clean cloth until the stain is lifted. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat as necessary.

If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you can try using white vinegar instead of distilled vinegar. Just be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to check for colorfastness.

Method 3 - Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for bloodstains, as it breaks down the protein in the blood, making it easier to remove. You’ll need to be careful with hydrogen peroxide, though, as it can bleach certain fabrics.

To use hydrogen peroxide, simply pour it onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean cloth, blot the stain until it’s gone. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains.

Method 4 - Salt

Salt is another great option for removing bloodstains. Simply pour salt onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The salt will help break down the blood, and make it easier to remove. After a few minutes, rinse the salt away with cold water.

Repeat this process until the stain is gone. You may need to pre-treat the stain with soap before using this method.

Method 5 - Baking soda

Baking soda is another effective way to remove blood stains from fabric. Simply make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain.

Let it sit for a few minutes before washing the item as you normally would. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains.

Method 6 - Ammonia

Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent that can be effective for removing bloodstains. However, you’ll need to be careful when using it, as it can damage some fabrics.

To use ammonia, simply dilute it with water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. For particularly stubborn stains, it may be necessary to repeat this process a few times.

Method 7 - Rubbing alcohol

To remove a blood stain using rubbing alcohol, start by pouring some rubbing alcohol onto a clean white cloth. Then, hold the cloth over the stained area and blot it until the stain is absorbed.

Next, rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process if necessary. Finally, wash the item of clothing in your washing machine as you normally would.

Method 8 - Meat tenderizer powder

If you’re looking for a more natural solution, try using meat tenderizer powder. You can find this at most grocery stores in the spice aisle.

Simply make a paste with water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing as usual. Be sure to test this on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to be sure it doesn’t cause any damage.

Method 9 - Lemon juice and salt

This is a good method to use if you’re dealing with a fresh bloodstain. Combine equal parts lemon juice and salt, then rub the mixture into the stain using a clean cloth.

Once the mixture has been worked into the fabric, rinse it out with cold water. Repeat this process as necessary until the stain is gone.

Method 10 - WD-40

Yes, that’s right, WD-40 can actually be effective for removing bloodstain from fabrics. All you need to do is spray the WD-40 directly onto the bloodstain, wait a few minutes, and then blot away with a clean cloth.

You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains, but it’s definitely worth a try.

As you can see, there are a variety of ways that you can remove blood stains from fabric. Try one of the methods above and see which one works best for you. Remember, always test a small area of the fabric first before using any of these methods on the entire stain.

How to Remove Odor From Blood Stains

If you’re dealing with a bloodstain that also has an unpleasant odor, you’ll need to take care of that as well. Here are a few tips:

Tip 1:
Soak the item

Soak the item in cool water for 30 minutes. This will help break down the proteins in the blood, making them easier to remove.

Tip 2:
Wash with enzymes

Enzymes are a great way to remove both blood stains and odors. Look for a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, or you can pre-treat with a product like Zout.

Tip 3:
Use boiling water

Boiling water is a great way to remove odors caused by blood stains. Simply fill a pot with water and let the stained item soak for 30 minutes. Just be sure to only use this when removing the odors, as hot water can actually help blood stains set.

Why are Blood Stains So Difficult to Remove From Fabric?

One of the main reasons why blood stains are so difficult to remove from fabric is because they contain iron. Iron is a very reactive element, which means that it can easily bind to other materials. This makes it tough to break through and remove completely.

Another reason why blood stains can be difficult to remove is that they often contain other proteins and compounds that can be difficult to break down. This is why it’s often necessary to use more than one method to remove a bloodstain.

Tips To Keep In Mind

When dealing with blood stains, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Act quickly - The sooner you treat a bloodstain, the better. Bloodstains that are allowed to set will be much more difficult to remove.
Be careful with heat - Heat can actually set a bloodstain, so you'll want to avoid using hot water or putting the item in the dryer.
Test first - Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to be sure it doesn't cause any damage.
Always use cold water - Cold water is the best way to remove blood stains from the fabric. Hot water can actually set the stain, making it much more difficult to remove.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to remove blood stains from your fabrics with ease. Also, remember that blood is considered a biohazard. If you have a lot of blood, you may need a professional biohazard cleanup service.

What is a Good Stain Remover?

There are a variety of different stain removers on the market, but some are better than others. When choosing a stain remover, you’ll want to look for one that is specifically designed for removing blood stains.

One option is Zout Stain Remover. This product contains enzymes that break down proteins, making it effective for removing bloodstains. Another option is Oxy-Clean. This stain remover contains oxygen bleach, which is effective for removing a variety of different stains, including blood.

Can Toothpaste Remove Blood Stains?

You might be surprised to learn that toothpaste can remove blood stains from fabric. All you need to do is apply the toothpaste directly to the stain, and then rub it in with a clean cloth.

You can also add a little water to help work the paste into the fabric. Once the toothpaste has been worked into the stain, rinse it out with cold water. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the stain is completely gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need to treat blood stains?

When cleaning blood stains, you’ll need to use a variety of different products and solutions. This includes cold water, detergents, enzymes, and lemon juice.

Can blood stains be removed from clothing?

Yes, bloodstains can usually be removed from clothing. However, it is important to act quickly, and to test any cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first.

How to remove fresh blood stains?

The best way to remove fresh blood stains is to use cold water. You can also try using a mixture of detergent and lemon juice. Be sure to test any cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first, in case it damages the material or design.

How to remove dried blood stains?

The best way to remove dried blood stains is to use a mixture of detergent and enzymes. You can also try using cold water, or even rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first.

Now that you know how to remove blood stains from fabric, you can tackle any stain with confidence. Be sure to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first, and always use cold water when dealing with bloodstains.