How to Clean Blood Stains

Some stains are notoriously difficult to remove if you don’t know how–wine, mustard and blood, for example. Blood is particularly difficult to remove because of its chemical make-up—it contains hemoglobin, which is actually a binding element and once hemoglobin is exposed to air, it binds to the material or fabric that it has stained. A blood stain that has been washed in can be even trickier to remove.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper towels
• Salt
• Detergent
• Baking soda
• Ammonia
• Cold Water

1. Try to remove a blood stain when it’s fresh. Dried blood stains are generally more difficult to remove.

2. Remove blood stains on clothing by first rinsing the clothing in cold water. Then blot the blood stain with a diluted detergent.

3. Remove blood stains on a carpet by blotting with a paper towel, then spraying with an ammonia solution. You can also rinse or spray with cold tap water or a safe detergent such as Joy or Dawn. Repeat the process if necessary.

4. Know that several common household products are effective in removing blood stains. Try using salt, baking soda or meat tenderizer, along with cold water.

5. Know that an old blood stain on clothing can be removed by soaking the area in cool salt water for several hours, rinsing well and then soaking in ammonia.

6. Try spitting on a blood stain if all else fails, if it’s your own blood. Surprisingly, this may help.

Tips & Warnings

• Oxygen based cleaners are effective at removing almost all blood stains.
• Always read the manufacturers instructions before attempting to clean any fabric, and test a small spot to make sure the color will not run or fade. Carpets and rugs containing natural fibers may need special treatment.
• Never use hot or warm water to soak the stain. This will only make the blood more difficult to remove.