How to Remove Blood Stains from Clothes?

 
Prepare Your Workspace
 

• Choose a well-ventilated area and gather all the necessary materials: cold water, mild detergent or soap, hydrogen peroxide (if safe for the fabric), a soft brush or cloth, and a clean towel.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with blood and cleaning agents.
• Ensure you have a container or basin large enough to submerge the stained garment entirely.

 

 
Act Immediately
 

• The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of complete removal. Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones.
• Avoid letting the stain dry as dried blood can significantly set into the fabric fibers.
• Do not use hot or warm water at this stage, as it can cause the blood proteins to coagulate and further set the stain.

 

 
Initial Rinse with Cold Water
 

• Hold the stained area under a cold running tap to flush out as much blood as possible.
• If the stain is large, soak the fabric in a basin filled with cold water to loosen the dried blood.
• Gently rub the fabric together to help dislodge the blood particles; avoid scrubbing too harshly to prevent damage.

 

 
Pre-Treatment with Detergent or Soap
 

• Apply a small amount of mild detergent or liquid soap directly onto the blood stain.
• Gently work the detergent into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush, covering the entire stained area.
• Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the soap to break down the blood proteins before rinsing.

 

 
Utilizing Hydrogen Peroxide (For Whites and Color-Safe Fabrics)
 

• Test for colorfastness by dabbing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area of the fabric.
• If safe, pour a small quantity of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain and allow it to fizz, which can help lift the blood.
• Gently blot the area with a clean cloth; avoid rubbing as this might spread the stain.
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water immediately after treatment.

 

 
Soaking and Additional Treatments
 

• If the stain persists, mix cold water with a tablespoon of salt or a drop of ammonia (only for colorfast items) in a basin to create a soaking solution.
• Submerge the stained item in the solution and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to one hour.
• After soaking, gently agitate the fabric to further release the blood remnants and then rinse well with cold water.

 

 
Laundering the Garment
 

• After pre-treating the stain, launder the garment as usual following the care instructions on its label. Always use cold water for washing blood-stained items.
• Avoid drying the garment in a dryer until you are sure the stain has completely disappeared, as high heat can set any remaining stain.
• If the stain remains after washing, repeat the pre-treatment steps before drying.

 

 
Post-Treatment and Final Checks
 

• Once the fabric is clean, inspect it under good lighting to ensure no blood stain residue remains.
• If needed, repeat a gentle treatment and rewash the garment prior to drying.
• Consult a professional cleaner if the stain persists, especially for delicate or antique fabrics.