Accidents happen — whether it’s a nosebleed, a scraped knee, or a surprise stain that caught you off guard. The good news? You can get blood out of clothes, no matter how bad it looks. The key lies in knowing how to wash blood out of clothes properly — without setting the stain or damaging your fabric.
This guide walks you through every step, from treating fresh stains to tackling dried ones, using household products you probably already have on hand.
Why Blood Stains Are Tricky to Remove
Blood stains are notoriously stubborn because of the protein and iron found in hemoglobin. When blood meets warm or hot water, the protein “cooks” into the fabric, making the stain almost permanent. That’s why cold water is your best friend when dealing with blood stains.
The sooner you act, the easier the cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Blood Out of Clothes
Follow these easy steps to remove blood stains effectively — even from delicate fabrics.
Step 1: Rinse Immediately with Cold Water
The first and most important rule: never use hot water.
Here’s what to do:
-
Hold the stained area under cold running water.
-
Let the water flow through the fabric to push the blood out.
-
Avoid rubbing too hard — that can spread the stain.
If the stain is fresh, this alone may remove most of it.
Step 2: Pre-Treat with Soap or Detergent
Once you’ve rinsed the fabric, it’s time to break down the remaining residue.
You can use:
-
Liquid laundry detergent
-
Dish soap (gentle yet powerful)
-
Hand soap (for delicate fabrics)
How to use:
-
Apply a few drops directly onto the stain.
-
Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.
-
Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes before rinsing again with cold water.
Step 3: Use a Natural Stain Fighter
If the stain persists, try one of these easy household remedies:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide (for white or light-colored fabrics)
-
Apply a small amount directly to the stain.
-
Let it fizz for a few seconds — that’s it breaking down the blood.
-
Blot with a clean cloth, then rinse with cold water.
2. Baking Soda Paste (for colored clothes)
-
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
-
Apply the paste to the stain.
-
Let it sit for 30 minutes.
-
Rinse and repeat if needed.
3. Salt Water Soak (for delicate materials like silk or wool)
-
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of cold water.
-
Soak the garment for 30 minutes.
-
Gently blot, rinse, and wash as usual.
Step 4: Wash Normally (But Carefully)
Once the stain fades:
-
Wash the clothing in cold water using your regular detergent.
-
Check the fabric before drying — heat can make remaining stains permanent.
-
If you still see traces of blood, repeat the pre-treatment before drying.
How to Remove Dried Blood Stains
If you discovered the stain too late, don’t panic — even dried blood can come out with the right approach.
Here’s what to do:
-
Soak the fabric in cold water for at least 1 hour.
-
Add a bit of enzymatic laundry detergent or white vinegar to the soak.
-
Gently scrub the stain with a soft toothbrush.
-
Rinse and repeat as needed before washing.
For tough stains, you can also use oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) — just make sure it’s safe for the fabric color.
How to Get Blood Out of Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or wool need extra care.
Try this gentle method:
-
Blot (don’t rub!) with a cold damp cloth.
-
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water.
-
Use a soft cloth or sponge to dab the solution onto the stain.
-
Rinse carefully, then air dry flat.
If the fabric is expensive or sentimental, take it to a professional dry cleaner — just be sure to point out the stain.
How to Remove Blood from White Clothes
White clothes are easier to treat because you can safely use mild bleaching agents.
Try this combo:
-
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap.
-
Apply directly to the stain.
-
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
-
For a deep clean, follow up with a soak in oxygen bleach before washing.
Avoid chlorine bleach unless the garment’s label says it’s safe — it can yellow fabrics over time.
Bonus Tips for Best Results
-
Act quickly: Fresh stains are always easier to remove.
-
Always use cold water: Hot water will “cook” the stain into the fabric.
-
Check before drying: Heat locks in stains permanently.
-
Be patient: Some fabrics may need multiple treatments.
FAQs About Washing Blood Out of Clothes
1. Can I use hot water to remove blood stains?
No — hot water sets the protein in blood, making it nearly impossible to remove. Always use cold water.
2. Does vinegar remove blood from clothes?
Yes. Vinegar breaks down the protein in blood stains and works well for both fresh and dried spots.
3. What’s the best cleaner for old blood stains?
Hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach are most effective for dried blood stains.
4. Will baking soda damage my clothes?
Not at all. Baking soda is gentle and works great as a natural stain remover.
5. Can I use salt on colored fabrics?
Yes — salt is safe for most fabrics, especially delicates, when used with cold water.
Conclusion
Blood stains may look intimidating, but with the right technique, they’re totally manageable. The secret to mastering how to wash blood out of clothes lies in acting fast, using cold water, and choosing the right cleaning method for your fabric.
Whether it’s a fresh spill or a stubborn dried stain, a little patience — and the right household ingredients — can make your clothes look brand new again.
