Blood stains are a nightmare. It’s stressful enough having to deal with an accidental cut, a nose bleed, or whatever else caused you to bleed. The last thing you want is to then notice that blood has stained your clothes, carpet, or sheets.
What do you do? Firstly, don’t panic! The good news is, most blood stains can be removed using common household cleaning products. The key is to act fast and treat blood stains as soon as you notice them
We’ve put this article together outlining the most effective methods and techniques for removing blood stains.
How to remove dried blood stains
Dried blood stain removal can be more challenging as the blood has seeped down into the fabric fibres and become ingrained in the material.
Removing dried blood requires more effort and stronger cleaning products, but you can banish stubborn blood stains.
How to remove dried blood stains using solvents:
- Laundry products: Use a laundry detergent that contains hydrogen peroxide, such as Clorox formulas to remove the stain. Hydrogen peroxide oxidises blood stains, leaving your fabric stain-free!
- Vinegar: White vinegar can break down blood stains while also disinfecting the area. Dilute one part of vinegar with one part of cold water and soak the stained item in the solution for 30 minutes before washing with warm soapy water.
- Hydrogen peroxide: If you want a quick solution, then try spraying full-strength hydrogen peroxide onto the stained area and dabbing with a damp sponge or cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful solvent for blood stains that will banish stains fast!
Specialist stain remover for blood stains
You can also purchase specialist cleaning formulas that break down the proteins in blood, meaning you can remove the stain without having to scrub as hard. One of the best products on the market for dried blood stain removal is Zout Stain Remover.
Keep in mind that it may take several treatments to remove dried bloodstains.
How to clean blood stains that are wet
If you notice a blood stain while it’s still wet then you’re in luck! Removing a fresh blood stain is easier than removing a dried one, so act as quickly as possible to get the best results.Run the stain under cold water
For wet blood stains, you should run the stained fabric under cold water straight away. This will help to remove blood from fabric and make the cleaning treatment more effective. TIP: You should always use cold water when removing blood stains from fabrics. Applying heat can bake the stain into the fibres of your fabrics.How to remove blood from fabric
According to advice on Healthline.com, you should “be careful not to use too much water as it might spread the stain. Always use cold water as warm or hot water will “cook” the protein in the blood into the fabric resulting in a lasting stain.” Once you have run the fabric under cold water, you can try the stain removal methods outlined above to remove the blood stain.
How to get blood stains out of sheets
Removing blood stains from sheets is fairly easy if you act quickly. Follow these simple steps to get your sheets looking clean and fresh again:
- Pour hydrogen peroxide or another solvent for blood stains on the affected area and use a soft bristled brush to dab the mixture in.
- Leave the sheets to soak in cold water overnight. Repeat the process if the stain remains.
- Wash your sheets in cold water using your normal laundry detergent.
How to get rid of blood stains on a mattress
It’s frustrating enough to get blood on your sheets because of a nose bleed or your period, but it’s even worse if blood gets through and stains your mattress. Luckily, you can remove most blood stains from your mattress completely with a little bit of effort.
Method 1: Hydrogen peroxide
Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and leave for a few minutes before dabbing with a damp cloth. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to remove the blood stain from the mattress.
Method 2: Baking soda & water
Make a paste by mixing baking soda and cold water. Apply to the bloodstain and leave for 30 minutes before removing with a damp cloth.
Tip: Avoid applying too much moisture to your mattress as water can damage the mattress and contribute to the spread of mildew and bacteria
How to remove blood stains from carpet
The most effective method to remove blood stains from carpet will depend on whether the blood is wet or dry.Removing wet blood stains from carpet
- Blot the excess blood with a damp cloth.
- Cover the blood stain with baking soda.
- Add small amounts of water until you see a reaction e.g. bubbling.
- Scrub the area of the carpet until it is clean and then use a vacuum to remove any leftover moisture. If the stain remains, repeat the process.
Removing dry blood stains from carpet
- Create a stain removal formula by mixing 500ml of warm water, 500ml of white vinegar, and 4 tablespoons of baking powder.
- Spray the solution onto the bloodstain and leave it to sit for five minutes.
- Blot with a damp cloth until the stain has been removed.
- Leave to air dry or vacuum up the leftover moisture.
How to remove blood stains from upholstery
Blood stains on upholstery can be quite stubborn and unsightly. Whether it’s a sofa or a chair, it’s essential to tackle these stains quickly to ensure the best outcome.How to remove blood stains from a sofa
Sofas are often the centrepiece of our living spaces, and blood stains can be particularly noticeable on their fabric. Follow these steps to remove blood stains from a sofa:- Blot the stain using a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fabric.
- Dampen another clean cloth with cold water and gently blot the stain again. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.
- Mix a mild detergent with cold water to create a cleaning solution. Test the solution on a small area of the sofa first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently dab the blood stain. Continue dabbing until the stain starts to lift.
- Using a clean cloth dampened with cold water, rinse the area to remove any remaining detergent. Then, blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
- Allow the sofa to air dry completely and repeat the process if necessary.
How to remove blood stains from a chair
Chairs, especially those with fabric or cushioned seats, are prone to blood stains due to regular use. Luckily, with the right approach and prompt action, you can effectively eliminate the stains and restore your sofa’s appearance. You can follow the steps outlined above to remove blood stains from an upholstered chair. Remember that you may need to repeat the process a few times to remove the stain completely.
How to get blood out of clothes
Getting blood out of clothes can be difficult and staining your favourite items is extremely frustrating. The good news is that you can get blood out of clothes and most clothing items can be saved if you act quick!How to get blood out of a white shirt
- Soak the blood stain in cold water as soon as possible. If the blood stain is fresh, then run it under a cold tap to remove as much blood as possible.
- Use a laundry pre-treatment or apply laundry detergent directly to the affected area to remove blood stains from clothes.
- Wash the item of clothing in warm water using a fabric-safe bleach like Oxygen Bleach until the stain has gone. If the stain remains, repeat the process.
- Avoid putting the item of clothing in the dryer until the blood stain has been removed completely as heat can cause a lasting stain.
- Getting blood out of clothes is as simple as that!
Thank you for this information. I decided to have a bottle of vinegar in my laundry room. I’m trying the vinegar solution on my favorite quilt wish me luck.
Debra King