Whether it’s from paper cuts, scraped knees or a nosebleed – blood stains can happen anywhere at any time. But while it has a bad reputation for being tough to shift, removing blood stains from clothes and sheets, fresh or dried, can be surprisingly simple.
Our guide will show you how to get dried blood out of clothes and sheets, as well as removing any fresh stains, using easy and effective methods with great results.
Act fast when treating blood stains – the quicker you start to deal with a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Once you’ve treated the stain, wash on a normal cycle with a high-quality laundry detergent until it’s fully removed.
Removing blood stains
This simple method works well to remove blood stains from clothes, sheets, carpets and upholstery. For best results, we recommend treating the stain as soon as possible and always test on a small area first before starting work on the stain removal.
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How to remove blood stains from clothes
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1
Rinse the stain with cold water.
When it comes to blood stain removal, using cold will make sure that the stain does not dry and become more difficult to deal with. Larger stains will need to be submerged in a bowl or sink, while smaller ones can just have water applied directly to them – you can hold the stain under a stream of cold water from the tap.
Never use hot water to remove blood stains, as it will set in the stain and be much harder to remove.
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2
Apply soap to the stain.
Hand soap or a bar of soap is fine, when you want to remove blood stains, or you could also using washing up liquid. Gently work the soap into the stain. Then, rinse the soap away in cold water, and reapply more soap if necessary and repeat the process. You should be able to see a difference immediately, particularly if the stain is fresh
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3
Rinse and repeat.
Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.
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Wash as normal
Wash with laundry detergent for clothes and sheets to remove blood stains. We suggest using a good quality biological detergent that contains enzymes to break down stains or a non-bio detergent if you have sensitive skin, such as Persil Non-Bio Liquid. Select a regular cycle on a cool setting.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide on how to wash the clothes right away to get more tips on getting stains out of fabrics.
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How to get blood out of sheets
The process for removing blood stains from sheets is like the method for cleaning clothing.
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1
Soak the sheets.
When it comes to blood stain removal, it’s best to soak the sheets in cold water as soon as you see the stain. If the stain is fresh, you can flush it out by running it under cold water.
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2
Apply detergent.
If you have coloured sheets, you can remove blood stains by apply some liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain, working it in with a cloth.
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How to get blood out of white sheets.
If you want to remove blood from white sheets, apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the area, working it in with a soft bristled brush (this chemical can cause discolouration to coloured sheets). Finally, put the sheets on a cool wash and air dry.
Knowing how to wash bed sheets and remove blood stains will help keep them looking new and feeling fresh.
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How do you remove old blood stains?
We’ve covered how to get blood out of clothes and linen when the stain is fresh, but do you know how to remove dried blood from sheets and other fabrics? These stains are a lot harder to remove, so require something stronger than soap and water. The most effective method is to use hydrogen peroxide, an oxidising agent that removes old blood stains via a chemical reaction that breaks down the discolouration.[1] While it’s safe to use, hydrogen peroxide can cause discolouration to some fabrics and can irritate skin, so always wear gloves, test on a hidden area first and check the care label to make sure it’s suitable.
How to get dried blood out of clothes and sheets
If you want to learn how to get dried blood out of clothes and other fabrics, follow the steps below:
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Remove any solid deposits using a blunt knife or spoon.
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Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
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Leave it for five minutes and then blot with a paper towel.
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Rub gently with a clean, damp cloth until the stain is gone.
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Rinse the area with cold water until all the hydrogen peroxide has rinsed out.
How to remove blood stains from a mattress?
Removing blood stains from a mattress requires prompt action. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much blood as possible. Mix cold water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent to create a soapy solution. Dab the stain with the soapy water, gently scrubbing it with a clean cloth or soft brush. Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry. For stubborn stains, you can try using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cold water, applying it to the stain and blotting it dry. Repeat the process if needed, and allow the mattress to air dry thoroughly before using it again.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide on getting stains out of clothes to get tips beyond blood stain removal.
Expert recommendations for blood stain removal
Here are some expert-approved blood stain removal reminders:
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Test on an inconspicuous area: When you’re removing blood stains on fabrics that are not colourfast or dry-clean only materials, you should be extra cautious. Remember to spot-test the stain remover before you proceed with the entire process. Also, don’t forget to flush out the solution once you’re done.
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Use cold water: As we’ve mentioned, hot water will cause the blood stain to set into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. So, when you’re learning how to remove blood stains, always treat cold water as your bestie. Besides, cold water will keep the blood proteins from seeping deeper into your clothes.[2]
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Check the fabric care label: Note that various types of fabric require specific care. So, always check the care label on your clothes before using any type of cleaning agent to remove blood stains. Besides, following the guidelines will help you get the best results.
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Take safety precautions: Are you removing a blood stain that’s not yours? If so, wear gloves to protect yourself from infection.
How to Prevent Fake Blood from Staining Your Skin
Fake blood can be used for a variety of costumes, but it can also leave behind permanent stains if not dealt with properly.
Use a Barrier Cream
One of the best ways to prevent fake blood from staining your skin is by using a barrier cream. Before applying any fake blood, you should apply a thin layer of barrier cream on your skin. This will create a barrier between your skin and the fake blood, so it won't seep into your pores. Petroleum jelly or baby oil is an excellent barrier cream to use for this purpose. Apply a small amount of the cream on your skin, and then spread it evenly using your fingers.
Apply Fake Blood Carefully
When applying fake blood, you need to be careful to avoid any skin contact. You can use a cotton swab or a small brush to apply fake blood to your skin. Avoid applying too much fake blood in one go, as it will not only look unrealistic, but it may also stain your skin. Always apply thin layers of fake blood, and then use a tissue to blot off any excess blood.
Wait for it to Dry Completely
After applying fake blood, you should wait for it to dry before heading out. Wet fake blood is more likely to stain your skin, clothing, or any other surface it comes into contact with. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to dry the fake blood quickly. Once it's dry, use a tissue to gently wipe away any excess blood.
Use Soap and Water
If you do end up with fake blood stains on your skin, don't panic. You can easily remove them using soap and water. Rinse your skin with lukewarm water, and then apply soap to the affected area. Rub gently in circular motions, and then rinse off with water. Repeat this process until the stain is completely removed. Peroxide or alcohol wipes can also help to remove fake blood stains from your skin.
Consider Using Water-Based Fake Blood
If you're worried about preventing fake blood stains on your skin, you might want to consider using water-based fake blood instead of oil-based. The water-based fake blood is thinner, easier to manipulate, and dries quickly. It's also easier to wash off your skin and clothing. However, it's less realistic-looking than oil-based fake blood.
With this simple, step-by-step guide you should now know how to get blood out of clothes and sheets and remove old blood stains in no time.
References:
1. Al-Nahedh, H. N., & Awliya, W. Y. (2013). The effectiveness of four methods for stain removal from direct resin-based composite restorative materials. the Saudi Dental Journal, 25(2), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2013.02.002
2. Lindberg, S. (2019, December 10). What’s the best way to get rid of blood stains? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-remove-blood-stains
Common questions on removing blood stains
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What takes out blood stains naturally?
Did you know that baking soda is a natural method for removing blood stains, as well to help clean the rest of the house? Simply mix one part baking soda with two parts cold water in a bowl and dab onto the stain using a cloth. Leave for thirty to forty minutes, or overnight if it’s particularly stubborn, then wipe off all the remaining residue with a clean, damp cloth. -
How do you get a period stain out of your mattress?
The best way to get rid of blood from a mattress is to use a hard-hitting bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. Simply apply the hydrogen peroxide to a sponge (you will need something porous) and dab it directly to the stain using pressure, but not rubbing. Continue this until the stain has been removed, then rinse the area with cold water using a clean, damp cloth. Leave enough time for your mattress to completely dry out before you use your bed again. -
Can you remove old blood stains with vinegar?
Vinegar is especially effective at removing stains from white clothes, although it works best if used before the blood stain dries out. Apply some vinegar directly onto the stain and leave it to soak for ten minutes. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot away the stain, repeating this step as necessary and washing the item on a cold wash. -
Does lemon juice remove blood stains?
Yes. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to removing blood stains, lemon juice is an ideal option. The citric acid in the liquid reacts with the blood particles, making it easier for you to rinse it out. All you need to do is squeeze lemon juice onto the affected area and let the solution sit on it for about ten minutes. Once the time’s up, you can use a toothbrush to softly scrub the blood stain off.
