How to Remove Blood Stains from Dark Clothes

Blood stains can be one of the toughest stains to remove from clothing. It is also a fairly common stain to get. Don't throw away your clothing because of blood stains. Use this guide to help you in removing them and making your clothes look like new.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cold water
• Absorbent pads
• Detergent or soap
• A small scrub brush
• Ammonia

1. Treat the stain as soon as possible. Fresh blood is easier to remove.

2. While the stain is fresh, sponge away the blood from the center of the stain with a damp sponge or pad. Use cold water and a little detergent.

3. If the stain has not been removed, blot the stain with cold water, a small amount of detergent and an absorbent pad. Allow the pad to cover the stain and change it with a fresh pad as it absorbs the blood.

4. Finally, wash the garment in cold water normally. The stain should be gone.

5. If the blood is dried, soak the garment lukewarm water, detergent and a capful of ammonia for 15 minutes.

6. Gently dislodge the dried stain with a small scrub brush or scraping tool.

7. Using the absorbent pads as mentioned above and then launder in cold water.

Tips & Warnings

• Never wash blood stains in warm or hot water.

Resources

• Reader's Digest article on removing blood stains