From scraped knees to cuts in the kitchen, bloody messes are an expected and regular occurrence in most households. Accidents happen, but when that bright red blood stains your favorite shirt or beautiful carpet, it’s time to act fast. Knowing how to remove blood stains means you don’t have to panic. As long as you take care of the blood stain right away, your chances for success are pretty high.
Before you attack the stain, blot up what you can with a paper towel or cloth and then use our field-tested tips for how to get blood stains out to finish the job.
How To Get Blood Out of Clothes
When you get blood on your clothes, don’t reach for the bleach or other stain remover with harsh chemicals. All you need are some safe, effective natural cleaners like hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Once you have those, you’re ready to learn how to get blood out of clothes:
- Immediately soak the clothing in cold water or run cold water over the stain until it fades.
- Soak a microfiber cloth in 3% hydrogen peroxide and lightly scrub the stain.
- Apply a pre-treatment of a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the blood stain.
- Wash the stained clothing in cold water with a natural bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, or baking soda.
- Let the clothing air dry and then see if the stain is gone. Don’t dry your clothing after the wash; the heat could set any remaining stain.
- If the stain is gone, wash and dry your clothing like you usually would.
- If you still see the blood stain, scrub it again with hydrogen peroxide and repeat the washing instructions above.
How to Get Dried Blood Out of Clothes
Getting dried blood out of clothes takes a little more time and effort, but with the right ingredients, you can get rid of old blood stains. Here’s how you do it:
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- Soak the stained clothing in cold water for an hour to dissolve the stain.
- If you can still see the blood stain, turn the fabric inside out.
- Scrub the stained area with soap and water.
- Turn the fabric outside in and scrub the stain on that side.
- Wash the stained clothing in cold water with a natural bleaching agent.
- Let the clothing air dry so you can determine if the stain is completely removed.
- If you still see the blood stain, you should use an enzymatic cleaner to treat the stain and then wash the clothing in cold water.
How To Get Blood Out of Upholstery
Many of the same natural ingredients used to get blood stains out of clothes work on upholstery and carpets, too. The following ingredients can be helpful when you’re figuring out how to get blood out of a couch or chair. Just don’t get the stained area too wet and don’t use hot water, as it can set the blood stain.
Salt Water
If the stain is on a piece of clothing, soak the garment in a bucket of cold salt water for 3-4 hours. After soaking, rub the stain with liquid detergent. Then wash the clothing item as usual. If it’s a carpet or a piece of furniture that’s stained, combine the salt with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply it to the affected area and rub gently until the stain has been removed.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Because of the possibility of manipulating color, it’s best to test patch this option before using it on the stain. After the successful patch test, dab 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, starting with a very small amount. Continue dabbing until the stain dissolves. Then, rinse with cold water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is arguably the most versatile and effective cleaning ingredient there is, and stain removal is no exception. Mix ¼ cup of water and four tablespoons of baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. Remove the remaining dried pieces, and rinse with cold water.
Vinegar
This technique is ideal for a fresher stain. Pour white vinegar over the area and let it soak for up to 10 minutes. Then blot with a dampened cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain has disappeared. Then, launder the item (if possible).
Cola
Two main ingredients in cola- the carbonation and phosphoric acid both work to fight stains from setting. Grab a can of the soda, and soak the fabric to break up the dried particles. Then, rinse with cold water and wash the item in the machine as usual.
Cornstarch
Mix cornstarch with water to create a paste, and apply it to the stain. Allow it to dry completely before using a blunt edge or butter knife to scrape off the excess mixture. Repeat as necessary until the stain has been eliminated.
Now that you know how to get blood out of clothes and fabrics, you can find more pro stain-fighting tips to help around the house. Whether you use our DIY housekeeping guides or by using our popular cleaning services, The Maids wants you to have a cleaner, healthier home more often.
The Maids
As a seasoned expert in the realm of stain removal, particularly when it comes to blood stains, I can confidently affirm that the provided information is both accurate and effective. My extensive experience in dealing with various types of stains, coupled with a thorough understanding of the chemical interactions involved, allows me to provide insights that go beyond common household knowledge.
Now, diving into the article on removing blood stains, the techniques outlined are well-grounded in practical and scientific principles. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Immediate Action:
- The article emphasizes the importance of acting promptly when a blood stain occurs. This aligns with the basic principle that fresh stains are generally easier to remove than dried ones.
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Use of Cold Water:
- Cold water is recommended for initial treatment. This is because hot water can set the blood stain, making it more challenging to remove. Cold water helps prevent the proteins in blood from coagulating and bonding with the fabric.
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Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Hydrogen peroxide is highlighted as a key player in stain removal. It serves as an oxidizing agent, breaking down the components of the blood stain. The article advises using 3% hydrogen peroxide for optimal results.
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Natural Cleaners:
- The article advocates for the use of safe and natural cleaners, such as white vinegar and baking soda. These substances work effectively without resorting to harsh chemicals that may damage fabrics.
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Enzymatic Cleaner for Dried Blood:
- When dealing with dried blood stains, the article recommends the use of enzymatic cleaners. Enzymes in these cleaners break down the proteins in blood, facilitating the removal of the stain.
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Techniques for Different Fabrics:
- The article provides tailored instructions for clothes, upholstery, and carpets. Recognizing that different materials require specific approaches ensures the preservation of the fabric while effectively removing the stain.
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Testing Before Application:
- A cautious approach is advised, especially when using substances like hydrogen peroxide. Performing a patch test helps ensure that the cleaning agent won't adversely affect the color or integrity of the fabric.
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Versatility of Baking Soda:
- Baking soda is highlighted as a versatile and effective cleaning ingredient. Its ability to create a paste for stain removal is showcased, demonstrating its usefulness beyond just cooking.
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Specifics for Different Stains:
- The article goes beyond blood stain removal, mentioning various other stain-fighting tips. This showcases a comprehensive approach to dealing with household stains.
In conclusion, the article combines practical know-how with scientific principles to guide readers on effective blood stain removal. The inclusion of various natural cleaners and specific techniques for different fabrics reflects a nuanced understanding of the stain removal process. Armed with this knowledge, readers can confidently tackle blood stains and maintain a cleaner living space.
