How to Get Rid of Blood Stains on Clothes

Use cold water to wash blood stains out of clothing.

Improperly cleaning blood-stained clothing leaves a semi-permanent stain on the garment, because blood is a protein-based stain. Washing a garment first in hot water, will, according to Ohioline's extension office, cook the protein, leaving the blood coagulated in the fabric fibers. Before beginning the actual stain removal process, scrape off any blood that is coagulated on the surface of the fabric with a butter knife or plastic scraper, so the clotted blood is not pushed into the fabric fibers.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cap full liquid laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover
• Large wash basin, size 5 gallon, or washing machine
• Cold water
• Soft bristled scrub brush

Instructions

1. Pour a few drops of liquid laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover directly onto the blood stain, and gently rub it in.

2. Pour the remaining detergent from the cap into the wash basin or washing machine, and fill the basin or washer about half way with cold water.

3. Submerge the garment in the cold, soapy water, and allow it to soak overnight.

4. Scrub the spot gently with the scrub brush to remove the stain. If the blood stain does not come out, cover the spot with detergent or enzyme stain remover again, and repeat the soaking and scrubbing steps.

5. Launder the garment as you normally would when the blood stain is no longer visible.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal
• Oklahoma State University Extension: Help Restore Clothing and Washables after a Flood