How to Remove Blood Stains

Dealing with blood stains and how to remove it from fabric can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you can effectively remove those stubborn stains from sheets, furniture, clothes, or carpets.

Follow these expert tips to remove blood stains confidently.

Evaluate the Stain

Before diving into the cleaning process, assess the stain’s nature and the material it has affected. Consider factors such as washability, age of the stain, special cleaning instructions, and any additional substances present.

This is because you’ll utilize different types of removal methods for different types of material.

• What type of material is stained?
• Is the material washable or dry clean only?
• Is the blood stain new or old?
• Does the material have any special cleaning instructions?
• Is there anything MORE than just blood staining the item?
• Has the stain been worked on previously?
• Has the blood stain been exposed to heat, and is permanently set on the fabric?

Gather the Cleaning Supplies

Equip yourself with the essential cleaning supplies for effective blood stain removal. Make sure you have the right cleaning supplies such as: hydrogen peroxide, shampoo, pH neutral detergent, salt, and paper towels or cleaning cloths.

Blood Stain Removal Methods

Regardless of the material, adopt a gentle approach to prevent damage and spreading of the stain. Avoid exposing the stain to heat, and refrain from using warm water or putting the item in the dryer until you are certain the stain is gone.

Heat permanently sets blood stains!

Know the type of material that has been stained and that you have the right stain removal supplies before you begin the cleaning process.

Rinse the blood stain with cold water to remove as much blood as possible, then try a cleaning method.

Removing Blood Stains from Washable Fabric

Remove a Blood Stain Using Salt Water

Rinse the garment completely in cold running water, then soak in a solution of 1 cup salt to 8 cups COLD water. Let the stain soak for 60 minutes. Rinse the item in cold water. Wash as directed.

Removing Blood Stains Using Ammonia

Ammonia has a strong aroma but it can work well to remove blood stains. Do not use more than a few drops and be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Use a 50/50 solution of ammonia and cold water then apply to the blood stain. Launder as usual.

Removing a Blood Stain Using Shampoo

Add a bit of shampoo directly to the stain while rubbing the soiled portion until the stain is removed. Wash as directed.

Removing Blood Stains from Non Machine Washable Fabric

How to Clean a Blood Stain With Ammonia

Ammonia works well to remove blood stains but has a very strong scent. Do not use more than a few drops and be sure to rinse thoroughly.

• Add a few drops of ammonia to a clean towel/rag that has been rinsed in cold water.
• Avoid over saturating the fabric with your cleaning solution and spreading the blood stain.
• Dab lightly at the blood stained material.
• Blot with a clean paper towel as you clean to keep moisture to a minimum.
• Work in from the outside of the stain moving inward.
• Rinse the cloth frequently in cold water.

How to Clean Blood Stains Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a solvent and dries quickly. Be sure to avoid over saturating the fabric and spreading the blood stain further.

• Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to a cleaning cloth.
• Dab lightly at the blood stained material.
• Blot with a clean paper towel as you clean to keep moisture to a minimum.
• Work from the outside of the stain moving inward.

Removing Blood Stains From Dry Clean Only Fabric

Don’t try to remove blood stains from material like suede, leather or silk. Take the stained garment to a dry cleaner to remove the stain.

Removing Blood Stains From Carpet

The key to removing blood stains from carpet is to work gently, blot gently rather than scrubbing the carpet to avoid fraying the carpet fibers and spreading the stain.

Use Liquid Dish Washing Detergent

• Mix one tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water.
• Using a clean white cloth, dip it in the solution and blot the stain. Work from the outside of the stain in towards the center.
• Repeat until the blood stain has been removed.
• Clean the area with plain water when finished and blot dry.
• Cover until dry.

If Any Color Remains

If any color remains after the carpet has dried, you can try one of the following methods to remove the stain.

Using Ammonia

When the area has completely dry and if you see there is still color remaining, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with 1/2 cup of warm water. Sponge the stain with the solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Before using this method, test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t change the color of the carpet.

If you don’t notice any color changes, dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide and apply it carefully to the stain. Cover for about 20 minutes then check the progress. Repeat if needed.

Removing Blood Stains From Mattresses or Furniture Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is safe for fabric. It bleaches (oxidizes) without damaging delicate fabric fibers.

Household hydrogen peroxide foams upon contact with biological material. We use this foaming action to our advantage and blot up traces of blood that foam up when it is applied to the stain.

Blot using a paper towel or clean cloth. Repeat if needed.