Whether you found a bit of dried blood on your favorite shirt or you’re dealing with a fresh blood stain, knowing how to get blood out of clothes properly is essential. Unfortunately, many cleaning methods that people try leave behind yellow or brown stains.
When this happens, people may assume that their clothes are ruined forever. However, with the right steps, you can get blood out of clothes.
Why Blood Stains Are Tough to Remove
Bodily fluids contain proteins, and these protein stains are challenging to remove. Just like you need to take special steps to remove sweat, urine and vomit stains, you also need the right approach to deal with blood stains.
Blood, however, is unique. It contains hemoglobin, which oxidizes once it leaves your body. The oxidation process causes bright red blood to turn to a dark brown color.
How to Get Blood Out of Clothes
You may be inclined to reach for bleach when you are frustrated by a blood stain, but bleach damages many types of clothes and can strip hues from colored fabrics. The good news is that there are other stain treatment options available that are safe and effective.
Fresh Blood Stains on Colored Clothes
The best time to deal with a blood stain is when it is fresh. Before trying any stain removal options, test an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure that the fabric won’t be damaged. These are effective remedies for removing fresh blood stains on colored clothes.
Distilled White Vinegar
Add white vinegar to the stain until the fabric is saturated. After 10 minutes, use a clean cloth to blot at the stain until the blood is gone. If necessary, repeat this step until you no longer see the stain. Then, rinse the garment with cool water.
Enzyme Stain Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in blood. Before using an enzyme stain cleaner, blot as much of the fresh blood as possible using a clean cloth. Then, spray the cleaner directly onto the stain. After 15 minutes, use a clean cloth dampened with cool water rub away the stain. You may need to dip the cloth in cool water several times while rubbing at the stain.
Fresh Blood on White Clothes
Colored garments may be more likely to conceal a light yellow or brown stain left behind by blood that wasn’t completely removed. White clothes require special care to remove the stain effectively.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can fade or discolor colored fabric, but it works well on white fabric. Soak the stain with hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit on the stain for at least five minutes.
Ammonia
Blot the blood stain with a cloth dipped in cold water. In a bowl, combine ½ cup of cold water with a tablespoon of ammonia. Use the cloth to blot the diluted ammonia on the stain. After 15 minutes have passed, rinse the garment with clean, cool water until the blood is removed.
Cold Saltwater
Cold saltwater or even contact lens saline solution will remove blood from white clothes. First, wet the garment with cold water. Warm water can cause the stain to clump, and this could make the stain permanent.
Pour salt on the stain, and rub the stain with your fingers until it is gone. If you use saline solution, simply squirt the solution directly on the stain and rub until the stain is removed.
How Do You Get Dried Blood Out of Clothing?
While it is easier to remove fresh blood from clothing, you can get dried blood out of fabric with a few strategies. You can try the vinegar method above.
However, allow the vinegar to sit on the stain for at least an hour before scrubbing and rinsing the fabric. You can also use an enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide. As with the vinegar, allow the enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to sit on the stain for at least an hour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Blood Stains
- One of the most common mistakes made when removing blood stains is using hot water. While hot water will loosen some types of stains and make them easier to remove, this is not the case with blood stains. Blood stains should only be cleaned with warm or hot water.
- You should never use a stain removal method without reading garment’s label and testing a hidden area of the fabric first.
- Blot the fresh blood with a clean cloth, but do not rub the stain. Blotting will absorb the blood while rubbing may embed the blood deeper in the fabric fibers.
- Never use an abrasive scrubber or brush. These can damage your clothes.
- Do not put blood-stained clothing in the dryer. The heat will cause the stain to set.
FAQs
What Is the Best Blood Stain Remover?
The best blood stain remover is an enzymatic cleaner. This breaks down the proteins in the stain so that the stain can be completely removed. This cleaner works on both colored and white clothing.
Can I Use Bleach to Remove Blood Stains?
Bleach can remove blood stains on white clothes. However, bleach is harsh on fabrics and can damage many types of materials. In addition, on some types of fabrics, it can deepen the stain and make it more difficult to remove. Also, chlorine bleach will discolor colored fabrics.
What to Do If the Stain Persists
The above cleaning methods can be repeated until the stain is removed. If a blood stain persists, make a thick paste using baking soda and water. Put the paste on the stain, and dab at it until the stain is no longer visible. Then, air dry the fabric in the sun.
What If the Blood Stain Is on Delicate Fabric?
Delicate fabrics, such as silk and satin, require special care. Do not use chemical cleaners or ammonia on them. Soak the material in cool water. Then apply dish soap and salt to the stain. Gently massage the material until the stain is gone. Then, rinse the material in cool water.
Stained laundry may only be one of your cleaning challenges. If you are searching for an easier way to keep your home clean, TidyHere is your solution. To schedule Boston cleaning services with our professionals, contact us today.
