Blood can be a notoriously tricky customer when it comes to stain removal. Anyone who has ever suffered a nosebleed, or even a particularly deep cut or scratch, knows that in real life – blood is far brighter and far more vivid than the tomato ketchup-like version often seen in Hollywood slasher movies. It therefore follows that blood can be a real nuisance to remove from light-coloured clothing and bedding. To find out how to get bloodstains out of clothes with the minimum hassle and maximum efficiency, read the following guide.
When trying to remove a bloodstain from clothing, it is crucial to avoid all types of heat. This is because blood is protein-based, and applying heat (from hot water, the iron, or tumble dryer) will cause the stain to grip the host fabric. Use cold water to soak and rinse instead.
How to Remove Blood Stains
The most important thing to remember when attempting to remove a bloodstain from clothing is this: the faster you act, the greater your chances of success! Leaving the blood to dry only complicates your task.
1. Just Add Water
If the stain is relatively small, apply a few splashes of cold water directly. If the stain is larger, it may be best to soak the garment in a bowl of cold water. Alternative remedies include coating the stain in white vinegar or even Coca-Cola! Feel free to experiment, but cold water remains by far the safest option.
2. Soap
Using a liquid laundry detergent or plain old soap, rub the stain until it starts to fade. You should notice an immediate effect.
3. Wash
Once the stain has faded, you can wash the garment as normal. It may be worth adding an additional stain-removal product to ensure the bloodstain lifts completely.
Removing Blood Stains – Final Tip
If for some reason you are unable to treat the bloodstain immediately, don’t panic. Various stain removal products are available that are specially designed to battle stains that have dried into the fabric – Omo Ultimate, for example, is proven to help lift stains for up to 48 hours after it first strikes.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to remove bloodstains from clothes and bedding without too much trouble. However, please note, these instructions are intended for common fabrics such as cotton or polyester – if you manage to spill blood on silks or other delicate fabrics, it is worth referring to the instructions on the clothing label, and washing accordingly.
