How to Remove Blood Stains from Clothes: A Complete Guide

Blood stains on clothing can appear after a cut, a minor accident at home or at work, or even a nosebleed. If left untreated, they can dry and become a real challenge. Fortunately, there are effective methods to completely remove them, whether they're fresh or have been there for hours or days.

Before finishing, we'll detail how to remove blood stains from sheets, nylon fabrics, and white clothing.

Why is it so hard to remove a blood stain?

Blood easily adheres to fabrics because it contains proteins that, when dried, adhere strongly to the fibers. To make matters worse, the iron present in blood can oxidize in the air and darken the stain, making it more persistent. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly.

What to do if the blood stain is recent?

Speed is key. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to remove it.

Steps to remove fresh blood stains :

Dampen the stain with cold water . Never use hot water: it can set the blood into the fabric fibers.
Apply neutral soap or mild detergent . Scrub the stain with your hands or a soft brush.
Rinse and repeat if necessary.
Wash the garment separately in the washing machine once the stain is almost gone.

Helpful tip: Don't dry the garment in the sun until you're sure all traces are gone. Heat can permanently set the stain.

How to remove blood stains from white clothes

It's very common that when something needs to be stained, it's visible to everyone. White clothing presents a special challenge, but the same results can be achieved. For white garments, you can use hydrogen peroxide or bleach, but be careful, as it can discolor the colors.

Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with cold water. Then, use La Corberana liquid laundry detergent . Always check the garment's care label before using hydrogen peroxide.

How to Remove Dried Blood Stains: Home Remedies

If the garment has been in the hamper or the stain wasn't treated in time, there are several homemade solutions you can use to remove dried blood.

1. Bleach (only for white clothes)

Instructions:

Dilute the bleach in water according to the package.
Soak the garment for a few minutes.
Rinse well and wash normally.

Not recommended for colored clothing or delicate fabrics.

2. Hydrogen peroxide

Very effective on white or light-colored clothing.

Instructions:

Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain.
Let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes.
Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Caution: May lighten or damage some fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

3. Baking soda + white vinegar

A powerful and economical solution.

Step by step:

Cover the stain with baking soda.
Sprinkle white vinegar on top.
Leave on for 20–30 minutes.
Rub gently, rinse and wash normally.

Ideal for tough stains on durable garments.

4. Diluted ammonia

Only for heavily stained clothing and non-delicate fabrics.

Recommended use:

Mix 2 tablespoons of ammonia in a glass of cold water.
Apply to the stain with a cloth or sponge.
Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse and wash well.

Important: Wear gloves and ventilate the room well. Do not mix ammonia with bleach.

5. White toothpaste

A simple trick for garments that are not delicate.

Apply a thin layer of toothpaste over the stain.
Let it dry.
Scrub with a brush and rinse.
Wash normally.

What if the stain is on upholstery, carpets, or mattresses?

Not all surfaces are machine washable. In these cases:

Remove excess blood with a damp cloth or absorbent paper.
Apply a mixture of cold water and neutral detergent.
Scrub gently with a brush or sponge.
Dry with a dry cloth, without rubbing.
Repeat if necessary and let air dry.

How to remove blood stains from sheets

If your sheets are stained with blood, it's important to act immediately. Apply an ammonia-based cleaning product directly to the affected area; this type of product helps break down the stain from the fibers. Then, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush (you can use an old toothbrush). Place a clean cloth underneath the fabric to absorb the excess product on both sides.

Apply a little more product to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. If the stain isn't completely gone, repeat the process carefully. Once it's clean, wash the sheet in the washing machine using the usual setting. It should be perfectly clean.

Can blood stains be removed from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon?

Yes, although they require a little more care. First, soak the garment in cold water for a few minutes. Then, apply a mild stain remover and let it sit for about five minutes. Remove it with a clean cloth, avoiding vigorous rubbing to avoid damaging the fibers.

Polyester and nylon are heat-sensitive, so always avoid hot water, as it can set the stain. Check the label instructions before starting the process.

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