Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Medical-grade solution that breaks down blood proteins. Safe for most fabrics.
View on AmazonHow to Get Blood Out of Clothes (Even Dried Stains)
Blood stains are protein-based and must be treated with cold water. Never use hot water as it will set the stain permanently. Act quickly for best results.
Difficulty:
Medium
Quick Facts
Time Needed15-30 minutes
Success Rate95% when fresh
Key TipAlways use cold water!
Stain TypeProtein-based
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
1
Act Immediately
The sooner you treat a blood stain, the easier it will be to remove. Blot excess blood with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Critical: NEVER use hot water on blood stains! Hot water will cook the proteins and set the stain permanently.
2
Rinse with Cold Water
Hold the stained fabric under cold running water from the back side. This forces the blood out rather than pushing it deeper into the fabric.
3
Apply Hydrogen Peroxide (for whites)
Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain. It will foam as it breaks down the blood. Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with cold water.
Note: Test on an inconspicuous area first on colored fabrics as peroxide can bleach colors.
4
Use Enzyme Detergent
Apply liquid enzyme laundry detergent directly to the stain. Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
5
Soak in Cold Water
Soak the garment in cold water with enzyme detergent for 30 minutes to several hours for stubborn stains.
6
Wash and Air Dry
Wash in cold water with regular detergent. Air dry - do not use the dryer until you're certain the stain is gone.
Already Washed or Dried?
Blood that went through a warm wash or the dryer is set, but it can often still be lifted. Soak the item overnight in cold water with an enzyme detergent or oxygen bleach, then dab 3% hydrogen peroxide on white fabric and wash cold. Repeat before drying.
By Fabric
- Cotton sheets and underwear: Cold water, salt or enzyme detergent, then hydrogen peroxide on whites.
- Jeans: Rinse from the back with cold water, rub dish soap in and wash cold.
- Silk and wool: Cold water and a mild soap only, dab gently, no peroxide.
- Mattress, carpet and sheets: See the dedicated guides below: they use far less water.
Recommended Products
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Enzyme-based powder for soaking. Excellent for old, dried blood stains.
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DIY Home Remedy
Salt Paste Solution
A simple and effective method using common household items:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon baking soda
Method:
- Mix salt and cold water to form a paste
- Apply paste directly to the blood stain
- Let sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse with cold water
- Repeat if necessary
- Wash normally in cold water
Why it works: Salt helps draw the blood out of the fabric fibers through osmosis, while the abrasive texture helps scrub away the stain.
Not sure what stain it is?
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Guides by Surface
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove old, dried blood stains?
Yes, but it's more challenging. Soak the item overnight in cold water with enzyme detergent. You may need to repeat the treatment several times. Hydrogen peroxide can also help break down dried blood.
What about blood on mattresses or carpets?
Mix 1 cup cold water with 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap. Blot the stain with this solution using a clean cloth. Never soak the mattress. For stubborn stains, use hydrogen peroxide (test first on hidden area).
Why can't I use hot water on blood?
Blood is a protein stain. Hot water causes proteins to coagulate and bond permanently with fabric fibers, making the stain impossible to remove. Always use cold water for blood stains.
Is saliva really effective on blood stains?
Yes! Human saliva contains enzymes that break down blood proteins. This works best on your own fresh blood stains. Apply saliva to the stain, let it sit briefly, then rinse with cold water.
