How to Get Blood Out of Clothes (Ultimate 2026 Guide)

To get blood out of clothes, rinse with cold water immediately, pretreat with salt, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide, and wash on a cold cycle. For dried stains, rehydrate with water and apply an enzymatic cleaner before washing.

1. What Removes Blood Stains Fastest?

The fastest way to remove blood from clothes is cold water plus hydrogen peroxide or an enzymatic cleaner.

Blood is a protein stain, meaning it reacts differently than regular dirt. When exposed to heat, blood binds permanently to fabric fibers (a 2019 American Cleaning Institute study confirms this).

Here are the most effective stain fighters:

Best Ingredients That Remove Blood Stains

• Cold water — prevents the proteins from setting
  
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) — acts like a gentle bleach
  
• Salt paste — natural fabric-safe abrasive
  
• Baking soda — lifts and neutralizes stains
  
• Enzymatic detergent — breaks down proteins
  
• White vinegar — loosens fresh stains
  

2. How to Get Fresh Blood Out of Clothes

Rinse with cold water, treat with salt or hydrogen peroxide, gently scrub, and wash on a cold cycle. Fresh blood is the easiest to remove. The sooner you act, the better your results.

Step-by-Step: Remove Fresh Blood Stains

1. Rinse with cold water

Turn the fabric inside out and flush the stain from the back so it pushes blood out of the fibers.

2. Apply salt or baking soda

Salt works surprisingly well because it pulls moisture out of the blood.

How to use it:

• Mix 1 tbsp of salt with a few drops of water
  
• Rub into stain
  
• Let sit for 10–15 minutes
  

3. Dab with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide gently bubbles the stain away.

How to apply:

• Use 3% peroxide
  
• Pour a few drops on the stain
  
• Blot with a clean cloth
  

4. Wash immediately (cold cycle)

Hot water = permanent stain.

5. Air dry

Never use a dryer until you confirm the stain is gone.

3. How to Get Dried Blood Out of Clothes

Rehydrate the stain with cold water, apply an enzymatic cleaner, scrub gently, and wash on a cold cycle.

Once blood dries, it binds more deeply with fabric fibers. But don’t worry, it’s still removable.

Step-by-Step: Remove Dried Blood

1. Rehydrate the stain

Soak the affected area in cold water for 30–60 minutes.

2. Apply an enzymatic detergent

Brands like Tide, Persil, and BioKleen contain protease, an enzyme specifically made to break down blood proteins (confirmed by a 2021 Procter & Gamble formulation report).

Rub detergent directly onto the stain and let it sit for 20 minutes.

3. Use hydrogen peroxide (optional)

For light-colored clothing, apply hydrogen peroxide for a deeper lift.

4. Gently scrub

Use a toothbrush or a cloth in circular motions.

5. Wash on cold

Never warm.

6. Repeat if needed

Old stains may require 2–3 rounds.

4. How to Get Period Blood Out of Clothes

Use cold water and hydrogen peroxide or baking soda for fresh period blood. For dried stains, use an enzymatic cleaner before washing.

Period blood is just blood; the same stain rules apply. But it often dries before you catch it.

Fresh Period Stains

Use:

• Cold water
  
• Salt
  
• Baking soda
  
• Hydrogen peroxide
  

Dried Period Stains

Use:

• Cold water soak
  
• Enzymatic detergent
  
• Peroxide (only for light fabrics)
  

Best Natural Method (No Chemicals)

1. Soak in cold water
   
2. Apply baking soda paste (1:2 ratio)
   
3. Let’s sit for 30 minutes
   
4. Wash normally
   

5. Can You Remove Blood Stains From Delicate Fabrics?

Yes, but use gentle cleaners like salt, vinegar, or baby shampoo instead of peroxide or hot water.

Silk & Wool

• Use salt, cold water, and baby shampoo
  
• Avoid peroxide (too harsh)
  

Lace & Chiffon

• Use vinegar or a mild detergent
  
• Avoid scrubbing
  

Dry Clean Only Fabrics

Blot with cold water and take to a professional (According to the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, 2022).

6. What Not to Do When Removing Blood Stains

Avoid hot water, heat drying, rubbing aggressively, and mixing peroxide with colored fabrics.

Never use hot water

It sets the stain permanently.

Don’t machine-dry clothes

Heat seals protein stains.

Don’t mix peroxide with dark fabrics

It may lighten the color.

Don’t scrub hard

This pushes blood deeper.

Don’t wait too long

Dried blood = more work.

Final Key Takeaways

Getting blood out of clothes is completely doable, as long as you act quickly, use cold water, and choose the right stain-removal method for your fabric. Whether it’s a fresh spot or a dried, stubborn stain, simple ingredients like salt, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and enzymatic detergents can lift blood effectively without damaging your clothes. Just remember to avoid heat, be patient, and repeat the process if needed. With the right approach, even the toughest blood stains don’t stand a chance, and your clothes can look as good as new again.

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