Blood stains on clothes usually appear unexpectedly and are difficult to clean. Stains like this must be removed carefully so as not to damage the clothes. Avoid using hot water and chemicals that are not suitable for thin or easily damaged fabrics. Therefore, remove the stain as quickly as possible using ingredients such as soap, salt, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia to return the garment to its former state.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Soap and Water
Step 1. Wet the stain with cold water
Blot the stains (small ones) in cold water to make sure they don't fade. You can also soak it under cold running water (from a faucet, for example). If the stain is large, you can soak it in a bowl or tub of cold water.
- Do not use warm or hot water to prevent the stain from getting worse.
- If the stain fades, you will need to remove the faded color as "part" of the stain you want to remove.
Step 2. Apply the soap on the blood stain
You can use regular hand soap or bar soap. Scrub the soap with a sponge to coat the stain. After that, rinse off the soap using cold water. Reuse soap and repeat if necessary.
Step 3. Wash the clothes as usual
If the stain has started to lift, you can wash the clothes as usual. Make sure you wash them separately. Use the same detergent as your regular detergent. However, do not use warm water when washing in a washing machine.
Step 4. Dry the clothes by airing them
The heat from the dryer prevents the stain from fading completely, so don't put the clothes in the dryer. Instead, hang clothes so they can be ventilated. Once dry, you can store it or put it on right away. Repeat this process and try another method if the stain is still not completely gone.
Do not iron clothes if blood stains are still visible
Method 2 of 4: Cleaning Clothes with Salt Solution
Step 1. Rinse the stain with cold water
Rinse the stain with cold water to remove it. Blot a towel dampened in cold water on the stain. You can also rinse it under running water.
Step 2. Make a paste of salt and water
Mix water and salt in a ratio of 1:2 to make a paste. The amount of water and salt needed will depend on the size of the stain. Do not add too much water to the salt to form a solution. The paste used should be easy to apply.
Step 3. Apply the paste on the stain
You can use your hands or a clean cloth to apply the paste to the stain. Carefully coat the stain with the paste. After that, you can see the stains start to lift..
Step 4. Rinse the clothes with cold water
Once most of the stain has been removed, rinse the garment under cold running water. Wipe until the clothes are clean of paste. If most of the stain hasn't been removed, reapply the salt paste.
Step 5. Wash clothes as usual
Use whatever detergent you normally use for washing clothes. However, only use cold water to wash clothes that are stained with blood. Hang clothes to dry them after washing.
Method 3 of 4: Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Test for hydrogen peroxide on a small area of clothing
Hydrogen peroxide can discolour clothing, so it's important to test it on a small, invisible section of clothing before using it. Use a cotton swab or pour a small amount of the solution on the test area, then follow the other method if the clothing changes color.
Step 2. Dilute hydrogen peroxide if you need to use it on a fabric that breaks easily
Add hydrogen peroxide and water to a bowl in a 1:1 ratio. You can test this solution on your clothes if you're not sure that the mixture is runny enough.
Step 3. Pour the hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the stain
Make sure you apply the solution only to the stain, and not other areas or parts of the fabric. While working, the solution will start to foam. Rub the solution with your hands so that the stain dissolves and is lifted by the hydrogen peroxide mixture.
Step 4. Repeat the process if necessary
One cleaning session using hydrogen peroxide may not completely remove the stain, especially if it's a large one. Reuse hydrogen peroxide if the first cleaning didn't work to fade or remove the stain. Wipe or scrub the stain between each cleaning session.
Step 5. Rinse the clothes with cold water
Once the stain is removed, rinse the garment in cold water. You can wash it in the washing machine or leave it alone. Whatever the next step, make sure you dry the clothes by aerating them or drying them in the sun.
Method 4 of 4: Removing Stains Using Ammonia
Step 1. Dissolve one tablespoon of ammonia in 120 ml of water
Ammonia is a strong chemical and should only be used for stubborn stains. Do not follow this method to remove stains from perishable fabrics, such as silk, linen, or wool.
Step 2. Let the ammonia sit on the stain for a few minutes
Pour the diluted ammonia on the stain. Make sure you're only pouring ammonia on the stain, and not the rest of the garment. After that, let it sit for a few minutes.
If you accidentally spill ammonia on another part of the fabric that isn't stained, rinse the garment and repeat the process from the beginning
Step 3. Rinse the clothes with cold water
After a few minutes, the stain will begin to lift. At this stage, rinse the clothes in cold water. The stain will usually disappear, but if not, repeat the cleaning process.
Step 4. Clean the clothes as usual
Wash clothes in the washing machine as usual. However, make sure you use cold water. If the stain isn't completely gone, you can use an enzymatic detergent formulated to destroy stubborn stains instead of regular detergent.
Step 5. Dry the clothes
The heat can make the stain stick even more so don't put the clothes in the dryer after washing them. Dry the clothes by airing or drying them. After that, save the clothes as usual. If the stain is still visible, repeat the cleaning process or use another method.
Tips
- Today, many detergents or ordinary powder cleaners contain enzymes that can remove blood stains.
- For dried blood stains, apply toothpaste to the stain. Let stand for a few minutes, then rinse using cold water.
- Enzymes in saliva can break down blood stains. Apply spit to the stain, let it sit, then rub to remove the stain.
Warning
- Keep in mind that blood stains will remain visible under ultraviolet light when certain chemicals are applied to the stain.
- As much as possible avoid using hot water. Exposure to heat on the fabric will make the blood stain permanently attached.
- Do not use tenderizers or other enzymatic products on fabrics such as wool or silk as they can damage the fibers of the fabric.
- Always wear protective gloves when cleaning bloodstained areas. Safe preventive measures can prevent you from the risk of infection with blood-borne diseases.
