How to Clean Blood Stains Out of Light Color Clothes

It happens all too often. Whether someone scrapes their knee or accidentally cuts themselves while cooking, the resulting wound is not exactly anybody's idea of a good time. After the wound is bandaged, we frequently find a spot of blood prominently located on a white shirt or a pastel dress. Blood is a protein stain, which can be tricky to remove if not treated correctly and promptly.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Enzymatic detergent
• Stain remover
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ammonia

Instructions

1. Scrape off any dried blood, if necessary.

2. Soak the stained area in cold water. Add an enzymatic detergent for older stains.

3. Rub the stained area with a bar of bath soap.

4. Apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the stained area. This will bleach out the stain.

5. Work a pre-treating fluid into the stain.

6. Dilute a small amount of ammonia in water. Apply it to the stain with a cloth or Q-tip.

7. Wash your clothing using the coolest water possible, then air dry.

8. Remove remaining stains with a chlorine or oxygen bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Take "dry clean only" fabrics to a professional.

• Do not mix chlorine and ammonia together. The fumes are hazardous to your health.

• Do not expose blood stains to heat. Heat can set blood into the fabric, making it difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

References

• Real Simple: How to Remove Blood Stains
• Stain Solutions - Blood
• Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal: Protein Stains