How to Get Rid of Blood Stains in Clothing & Fabrics: Best DIY Methods

Whether they’re from unexpected nosebleeds or accidental cuts, blood stains can be frustrating because they’re often difficult to remove. However, if you act quickly, it’s not as hard to remove blood stains as you might think. For this article, we interviewed cleaning expert Elias Weston to teach you all the best ways to remove fresh and dried blood stains from clothes, bedding, carpet and upholstery, and other surfaces. Plus, get answers to other common questions about removing blood stains.

How to Get Blood Out of Clothes & Fabric

If the stain is fresh, rinse the item with gold water to remove as much excess blood as possible. Check the fabric’s care label to see what stain removal products are safe to use. In most cases, pour some hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and gently dab it with a sponge until the blood is removed. Launder as usual.

Section 1 of 5:

Removing Fresh Blood Stains from Clothes & Fabric

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Rinse lightweight fabrics with cold water. If you act fast enough, this is often the easiest way to get fresh blood stains out of fabric. Hold the stained area taut under cold running water until the stain comes out. Even if it doesn’t come out entirely, running the fabric under water can help prevent the stain from setting further and will make it easier to remove later on.^{[1]
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- Do not use hot water, as the heat will cause the blood to set in the fabric.
- This method can work for any washable fabric, though you’ll likely have the most success if it’s a lightweight fabric, like underwear or pajama bottoms.
- If you’re in public, go to a bathroom as soon as possible to rinse the stain. Then, rub some soap on the area. This may be enough to get small stains out entirely, or it can help prevent the stain from setting until you get a chance to clean it properly.
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Use hydrogen peroxide on most fabrics. Hydrogen peroxide can stain some fabrics, so test an inconspicuous area first. If it doesn’t discolor the garment, soak a sponge or cloth in the peroxide and lightly dab the stain, working from the outside in. Then, run the fabric under cold water, and repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.^{[2]
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- Hydrogen peroxide is the best option for both white clothing and colored clothing.
- It’s also okay to pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain. Alternatively, soak the entire garment in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide for 15-20 minutes, then rinse in cold water.
- If you’re treating delicate fabrics, first dilute the peroxide with 50% water, and take care not to let the foam spread outside of the original stain area.
- Once the stain is gone, wash the fabric as you normally would in cold water. Allow it to air dry, as heat from the dryer can set the stain if any remains.
- Hydrogen peroxide is also a great way to remove dried blood stains.
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Pretreat cotton and linen with liquid detergent. First, soak the garment in cold water to begin the pretreating process. Then, apply liquid laundry detergent (or gentle dish soap) directly to the stain and massage it in. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and repeat as necessary until the stain is removed. Wash the garment as usual, and allow it to air dry.^{[3]
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- If the detergent doesn’t do the trick, try using an enzyme cleaner instead.
- When washing linen, Weston says, “If machine washing, make sure it is on the gentle cycle, and if being washed with other items, make sure they are of similar quality, size, and color. If hand washing, never twist or scrub the linen. Use gentle washing motions and a mild detergent. Never use bleach on linen.”^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Elias Weston
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
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Try an enzyme cleaning spray on polyester and nylon. Rinse the fabric with cold water as soon as possible. Then, apply an enzyme cleaner according to its instructions and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the garment with cold water and repeat the process if the stain remains. Wash the garment as you normally would and let it air dry.^{[5]
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- Enzyme cleaners work well for most synthetic fibers. Do not use them on wool or silk, however.
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Apply white vinegar to wool. Dampen a sponge with cold water to moisten the fabric and lift any excess blood. Then, apply undiluted white vinegar directly to the stain and massage it into the fibers. Rinse the area with cold water, and repeat the process if the stain remains. Once the stain is gone, launder the garment as you normally would and allow it to air dry.^{[6]
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Spray silk with salt water. To treat delicate fabrics like silk, first soak the stain in a bowl of cold water. Boil an additional cup (236 ml) of water and 2 tbsps (36 g) of table salt on the stove until the salt dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to a spray bottle. Remove the garment from the bowl of water and spray the stain with the salt water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then massage the garment under cold water until the stain disappears.
- Once the stain is gone, wash the garment as you normally would and allow it to air dry.
- Alternatively, mix a little water with salt to create a paste and rub it directly onto the stain. The abrasiveness of the salt will help loosen the stain and draw it out of the fibers.
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Rub saliva on small stains. It may sound gross, but saliva contains enzymes that can help break down the proteins in blood. If you don’t have access to any other cleaning methods, spit on the blood-stained area and rub the saliva into the fabric until the stain comes out. Then, rinse the garment in cold water and wash as you normally would.^{[7]
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- This works best for small stains, as it may be difficult to gather enough saliva to remove large ones.
- Using saliva is also a good option for delicate fabrics that may not be able to tolerate harsh cleaning methods.
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Make a baking soda paste for stubborn stains. Baking soda is well-known for its stain-removing abilities. Mix some baking soda with enough water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to the blood stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (and up to overnight). Then, launder the garment as usual.^{[8]
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- Weston recommends baking soda and dish soap to pretreat tough stains: “Soak a clean cloth in cold water, and gently blot the area. Then, make a paste by thoroughly mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of liquid dish soap and 4 cups of water. Using a clean cloth, dip it into the foamy solution and soak the affected area. Take another clean, dry cloth and blot the area to lift the stain from the upholstery. Alternate between saturating the area with the baking soda solution and blotting with the clean cloth until the stain is gone.”^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Elias Weston
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}

Section 2 of 5:

Removing Dried Blood Stains from Clothes & Fabric

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Pretreat dried blood stains with an enzyme-based stain remover. One of the most common ways to remove dried blood stains is to presoak the garment with an enzyme cleaner. Fill a sink, bucket, or bowl with water and add a teaspoon of an enzyme cleaner of your choice. Soak the garment in the solution for at least 3 or 4 hours. If the stain is still visible at that point, add a bit more cleaner and scrub it into the fabric with a toothbrush. Then, wash the garment as you normally would with cold water.^{[10]
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- If the stain is still there after you wash it, repeat the process. It may take a few soaks before it is completely removed.
- Another option is to rewash the garment using a bleach safe for fabric. Do not mix bleach with any other cleaning products.
- Do not put the fabric in the dryer until the stain is completely gone, as the heat will only set it further.
- Weston says, “If the stain is old, try to remove as much of the dry, excess material with a soft-bristled toothbrush [first].”^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Elias Weston
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
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Try ammonia for tough stains. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of ammonia with 1/2 cup (118 ml) of cold water and blot it onto the dried blood stain with a sponge or cloth. Keep blotting until the stain disappears. Alternatively, soak the stain in the solution directly. Rinse the garment with clean, cold water, then launder as you normally would.^{[12]
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- Avoid using ammonia on linen, silk, or wool.
- Do not mix ammonia with bleach, as this can create toxic fumes. Avoid breathing in the ammonia and wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
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Rub salt or saline on dried stains. In addition to removing fresh blood stains, salt is an effective way to remove dried blood, as well. Mix table salt with enough cold water to create a paste and rub it directly on the stain. Alternatively, rub some saline solution (like contact solution) onto the stain for the same effect. Then, wash the garment as you normally would.^{[13]
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Try unseasoned meat tenderizer on sturdy fabrics. Both blood and meat are organic materials that can be broken down by enzymes found in meat tenderizers. Place the stained area in a bowl of cold water and sprinkle enough meat tenderizer onto the stain to create a paste. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water, and wash as you normally would.^{[14]
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- For particularly tough stains, let the tenderizer sit for up to 24 hours, massaging it into the fabric every few hours.
- This method is best used to clean sturdy fabric like jeans, but not delicate fabrics like linen, silk, or wool. These fabrics are made of proteins, which the meat tenderizer breaks down.
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Use toothpaste on washable fabrics. If you’re in a pinch, white, non-gel toothpaste can sometimes remove small blood stains. Apply the toothpaste directly to the stained area, rub it in, and let it dry. Then, rinse the toothpaste away with cold water and wash the fabric with gentle soap (like dish soap) and water. Repeat as necessary, then launder as usual.^{[15]
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- Note that toothpaste can stain some fabrics, so test it in an inconspicuous area first.
- It isn’t the best idea to use this method on non-washable fabrics, as it may also leave an unwanted odor.

Section 3 of 5:

Removing Blood Stains from Mattresses & Bedding

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Use a light touch when removing blood stains from a mattress. Most of the stain removal methods used for clothing will also work on mattresses, but because they can’t go in the wash, try to go easy on the liquids. Dab a small amount of your preferred stain remover onto the blood stain with a clean cloth or cotton ball. Then, let it dry completely. It may take several applications before the stain is removed entirely.^{[16]
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- For fresh stains, try dabbing a bit of cold water to flush the stain. Don’t rub, as this will only make the stain worse. If the stain remains, try sprinkling a bit of baking soda on top and letting it sit for 30 minutes.
- For dried stains, try dabbing a bit of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, then let it sit for about 5 minutes before blotting it with a paper towel.
EXPERT TIP

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist

Spot clean a mattress using a stain remover. Enzyme-based stain removers are designed to remove biological stains, like urine or blood. Once you’ve removed any stains from the mattress, sprinkle it with baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuum.
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Pretreat sheets and comforters according to their fabric. Because bedsheets and comforters can be made of different fabrics, it’s important to check their care tag before choosing a stain removal method. In general, cotton or linen sheets can handle the same solutions as clothes, but silk sheets often need a gentler touch. Try dabbing the blood stain with a bit of white vinegar—this method is usually gentle enough to use on any fabrics.^{[17]
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- If your bedding is colored, avoid using hydrogen peroxide, as this may discolor them.
- Make sure the stain is completely gone before putting your bedding in the dryer.

Section 4 of 5:

Removing Blood Stains from Other Surfaces

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Remove blood stains from carpet with detergent and ammonia. Mix 1 tsp (5 ml) of a mild detergent (like dish soap) with 1/2 pint (284 ml) of cold water. Use a sponge or cloth to blot the mixture onto the carpet. If that alone does not remove the stain, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of ammonia to 1/2 cup (118 ml) of water and blot it onto the stain. Once the stain is gone, place an absorbent pad over the area to soak up the liquid, then allow the carpet to air dry.^{[18]
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- This works for carpets made of synthetic fibers. If your carpet is made of wool or silk, do not use ammonia, as it may damage the fibers. In this case, it may be best to have your carpet professionally cleaned.
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Use baking soda to remove blood stains from a couch. If you’ve gotten blood on a sofa or other type of upholstery, first check the care label to find out which cleaning materials are safe to use. For most fabrics, blot the stain with cold water, then mix baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove the paste and the stain, then allow the upholstery to dry.^{[19]
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- If the baking soda doesn’t work, try dabbing the stain with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. This can discolor some fabrics, however, so test it on an inconspicuous area first.
- If you’re not sure what material your couch is made of or you don’t want to risk damaging your upholstery, have your furniture professionally cleaned.
Hardwood finishes like wax, urethane, and polyurethane help protect floors from moisture, wear, and most stains. In most cases, simply wipe the blood up with a rag, then clean the floor with water and a common household cleaner.^{[20]
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If the stain is fresh, blot up as much blood as possible. If it’s dried, scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush to remove the dried particles. If the stain remains, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the area and let it sit for about 15 minutes so it has time to break down the blood. Then, wipe it up with a paper towel. Repeat as necessary until the stain is completely gone.^{[21]
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Section 5 of 5:

Removing Blood Stain FAQs

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How do you remove blood stains from white clothes? While you may be tempted to reach for the bleach, hydrogen peroxide is usually the safer option to get blood stains out of white clothes. Pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and massage it into the fabric with an old toothbrush or sponge. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse. Make sure the stain is gone before laundering the garment.^{[22]
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- Like bleach, hydrogen peroxide can stain colored fabric, but there are usually no problems with white fabric. Still, test the peroxide on an inconspicuous area first to be sure.
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Does vinegar remove blood stains? Yes, white vinegar can remove blood stains. It can discolor or damage some fabrics, however, so be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first. Then, pour the vinegar directly onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing the item in cold water. For more delicate fabrics, try diluting the vinegar with an equal amount of water.^{[23]
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How do you remove period blood stains? Removing period blood stains works the same way as removing any other blood stains. Flush the stained fabric with cold water, then use one of the stain removal methods listed in this article to get rid of the stain. Blood stains can be stubborn, so it may be necessary to try a few different methods until you find the one that works best for you.
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Are old blood stains permanent? Old blood stains can be very difficult to remove, but they’re not always permanent. Try the stain removal methods listed above to see if you can remove the stain on your own, or have the item professionally cleaned, if possible. If an item has already been washed in hot water and run through the dryer, it may not be possible to remove the stain.^{[24]
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In general, the best way to remove blood stains from jeans and denim is to pretreat with liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme cleaner. Soak the jeans in cold water, then massage the detergent directly into the stain. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then wash the jeans as you normally would. Allow them to air dry.^{[25]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you remove really old blood stains?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

It depends on what the blood stain is on, but generally speaking, you need to pre-treat the stain by blotting the area with a cloth soaked in cold water. Then, make a paste out of baking soda, dish soap, and water. Cover the stain in that and then scrub the area with a clean cloth. That might do the trick!

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Question

Can vinegar disinfect fresh blood stains?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

It might, but I'd recommend trying an enzyme cleaner instead. An enzyme-based stain remover is great for any biological agent you need to clean, like urine or blood.

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Tips

The sooner you can treat your blood stain, the better your chances of getting it out.

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Always check your garment’s care label to ensure your cleaning agent is safe to use.

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If your garment is dry clean only or you don’t want to risk damaging it, have it professionally cleaned.

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Warnings

Do not inhale ammonia, as it is hazardous.

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Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach as it will result in hazardous fumes.^{[26]
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Always take care handling blood. Handling blood from someone other than yourself puts you at risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Avoid touching someone else's blood with your bare hands, and always wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling blood.^{[27]
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