How to Remove Blood Stains
Blood is a protein-based stain, which means heat is your enemy. Always use cold water, never hot, when treating blood stains. Fresh blood is relatively easy to remove, but dried blood requires soaking and enzyme-based products to break down the proteins.
Affected Materials
Step-by-Step Removal
- 1
Rinse with cold water
Hold the stained area under cold running water immediately. Cold water prevents the blood proteins from bonding with the fabric.
- 2
Apply hydrogen peroxide or salt paste
For white fabrics, apply hydrogen peroxide directly. For colored fabrics, make a paste of salt and cold water and apply to the stain.
- 3
Soak in cold water
Submerge the garment in cold water with enzyme-based detergent for 30 minutes. For dried stains, extend soaking to several hours.
- 4
Gently scrub
Use a soft brush or your fingers to work the detergent into the stain after soaking.
- 5
Wash in cold water
Launder on a cold cycle with regular detergent. Avoid warm or hot settings entirely.
What Not to Do
- ✗Never use hot water on blood stains — it cooks the proteins and sets the stain.
- ✗Do not iron over a blood stain before it is fully removed.
- ✗Do not use chlorine bleach on colored fabrics.
- ✗Do not put in the dryer until you have confirmed the stain is gone.