Blood is one of the trickiest stains to treat. Like other bodily fluids, such as vomit, urine, and sweat (sorry!), blood is a protein stain. However, unlike other protein stains, blood stains undergo a gradual change over time, as oxidation of hemoglobin begins to occur when blood exits the body, causing the blood stains to transition from bright red to dark brown.
There are many ways to remove blood stains, some of which are unconventional. But which methods actually work? Continue reading to discover how to remove blood from clothes.
The Basics of At-Home Blood Stain Removal
A tricky thing about blood stains is that there are so many solutions that people swear by, from crushing up aspirin to make a stain poultice to soaking a blood-stained item in milk. Figuring out which of these methods to use can be confusing.
Two things to know about these types of stain treatments: 1. They work, and 2. No single method is the exclusive remedy for blood stains. Some are definitely better than others, but to find the best one for your needs, consider what has been stained, the size and depth of the stain, and the products you have available to remove it.
Some, but not all, of the methods you might hear about for removing a blood stain include:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Oxygen bleach
- Enzymatic stain removers
- Pet mess stain removers
- White vinegar
- Milk
- Lemon
- Meat tenderizer
- Baking soda
- Aspirin
- Salt
- Contact/saline solution
- Saliva
While each of these methods works to varying degrees, we'll provide how-to instructions for the three most common blood-stain removal methods, as well as tips for removing set-in blood stains and blood stains on white clothing.
How to Remove Blood Stains Using Soap and Water
Soap and water are the most effective way to remove most blood stains, especially when applied to fresh blood stains on clothing or other small items, such as pillowcases.
Step 1: Flush the Stain
Start by flushing the blood stain with cold running water. If possible, run the water through the back of the stained garment, so that the stain is pushed away from the fabric rather than through it. You might find that simply flushing the stain with water removes it.
Step 2: Apply Soap to the Stain
Using your thumb and forefinger, rub a small amount of liquid soap, such as hand or dish soap, into the fabric. If using bar soap, wet the bar and rub it directly on the stain. Work the soap into the stain using your fingers and, if possible, rub the stained fabric against itself.
Step 3: Alternate Soap and Water
Alternate massaging soap into the stain and flushing the area with cold running water to push the stain out of the fabric.
Step 4: Launder as Usual
Repeat as needed until the stain is completely gone. Then, flush the garment with cold, running water to remove any remaining soap residue and launder it as usual. Do not put the item into the dryer until you are sure the stain is completely removed.
How to Remove Blood Stains Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent blood stain remover that works well on both fresh and set-in blood stains. However, hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect on some textiles, so it's essential to perform a spot test before using it for stain removal.
Step 1: Test for Color Loss
Test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't cause color loss.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide to Stain
Apply hydrogen peroxide to a light-colored cloth and gently dab at the stain. For larger stains, use a spray bottle to mist the area with hydrogen peroxide. For minor stains, use a cotton swab to gently dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain.
Step 3: Rinse
Once the stain has been removed, dip the cloth in clean water and gently rinse the area to remove any residue from the fabric, including hydrogen peroxide.
How to Remove Blood Stains Using an Enzymatic Stain Remover
Enzymatic stain removers, including those formulated to clean up pet messes, break down blood stains in washable garments.
Step 1: Flush Stain with Cold Water
Before applying a stain treatment, flush the stain with cold running water.
Step 2: Apply Enzymatic Stain Treatment
Apply an enzymatic stain treatment to the stain. More set-in stains may benefit from the use of a laundry brush to help penetrate and break down the stain.
Step 3: Launder
Launder the item using cold water and the machine's regular setting, unless otherwise specified on the garment's care tag.
Step 4: Check the Stain Prior to Drying
After laundering a blood-stained item, check that the stain was fully eliminated in the wash. If there is still staining, do not put the item in the dryer, as heat will set the stain.
How to Remove Blood Stains from White Clothing
When it comes to removing blood stains from white clothes, it's essential to apply a stain treatment and launder the garment as soon as possible. When washing blood-stained whites, it's best to avoid using chlorine bleach, as it can cause a chemical reaction that deepens protein stains, such as blood. If you're unable to launder a blood-stained garment immediately, dab the stain with water or, if possible, flush it with cool running water.
Step 1: Flush Stain with Cold Water
Before applying a stain treatment, flush the stain with cold running water.
Step 2: Apply Enzymatic Stain Treatment
Apply an enzymatic stain treatment to the stain. More set-in stains may benefit from the use of a laundry brush to help penetrate and break down the stain.
Step 3: Launder
Launder the item using cold water and the machine's regular setting, unless otherwise specified on the garment's care tag.
Step 4: Check Stain Prior to Drying
After laundering a blood-stained item, check that the stain was entirely eliminated in the wash. If there is still staining, do not put the item in the dryer, as heat will set the stain.
How to Remove Set-In Blood Stains
Soaking a heavily blood-stained item in an oxygen bleach solution is a hands-off way to remove stains from bulky or large items, such as white jeans or hoodies, or significant stains from smaller items, like a white tee that has been stained by a bloody nose.
Step 1: Identify a Place to Soak the Garment
Soak a stained item in a vessel large enough to hold both the water and the item in need of cleaning, such as a kitchen or bathroom sink, a utility sink, a bathtub, a bucket, or a wash basin. If your washing machine has a top-loading feature, you can also soak the item directly in the washer's basin.
Step 2: Fill Basin with Hot Water
Fill the basin about halfway up, and no more than ⅔ full, with hot water, leaving enough room to fully submerge the item.
Step 3: Add Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach should be dissolved in hot water; if the garment in need of soaking cannot tolerate hot water, allow the solution to cool before introducing the garment. Follow the package instructions for dosing.
Step 4: Submerge Stained Item
Place the item in the oxygen bleach solution, using your hands to submerge it fully. Then, use your hands to agitate the item so that the solution can penetrate its fibers.
Step 5: Soak Garment
Allow the item to soak for an hour up to overnight, then launder as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does vinegar remove blood stains?
Distilled white vinegar is an effective tool for removing blood stains from fabric, particularly if the stains are still fresh. Pour a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water over the stain and let it soak for about 10-20 minutes. Then, rinse or blot (don’t scrub) with a damp cloth, and repeat as necessary. You can use undiluted vinegar to treat blood stains, but be aware that repeated use will break down the fibers of your fabric.
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Can I use salt to remove blood stains?
Salt is also an effective blood stain remover, particularly handy when traveling or away from home. Mix plain table salt with cold water until it forms a thick paste, and then rub the paste directly on the stain. Let it sit for about 10-20 minutes (or until dry), then scrape off the paste. Rinse the stain with cold water and launder as usual.
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Does toothpaste remove blood stains?
Toothpaste (white, non-gel) can work on minor blood stains in a pinch—mainly if your brand contains hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Gently rub the toothpaste into the stain, allow it to dry completely, and then rinse the fabric with cold water. This solution should be avoided on fabrics that are not washable, as the paste may cause additional staining and the smell may linger.
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How do you remove blood stains from denim?
The best cleaning method for removing blood stains from denim is using liquid laundry detergent. Soak the garment, then apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain and massage it into the fabric. Let the detergent sit for 10 minutes and launder the garment as usual, making sure to let the denim air-dry.
Source: Kerr, J. (2025f, August 19). How to get blood out of clothes—5 simple household methods that actually work. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-get-blood-out-of-clothes/