How to Remove Any Blood Stain From Clothing, Fabric, or Underwear
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​Blood stains come in two distinct types: those that have been exposed to heat and have subsequently been cooked into the fabric (known as set-in blood stains), and those that have not been exposed to heat (blood spots).
In this post, I'll explain why heat exposure makes a blood stain significantly harder to remove and I’ll provide comprehensive methods for effectively removing both types of stains.
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SKIP TO:
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Imagine you spilt raw egg on your shirt and instead of trying to clean the stain right away, you popped the shirt into the microwave and cooked the egg into the fabric. Not an ideal scenario, right?
Blood stains operate on a similar principle. Even slight elevations in temperature can trigger chemical changes within blood, leading to its adhesion to fabric fibers. Whether it's heat from a clothing dryer, exposure to sunlight, or the friction of everyday wear, these factors can transform a simple easy to remove blood spot into a set-in stain.
This article is divided into two parts: first addressing the removal of regular blood spots—those yet unaffected by heat—and then delving into the process of combating set-in stains.
Regardless of the type of blood stain you are dealing with, it is important to always start with part one, then proceed to part two only if necessary. Skipping straight to part two, may further embed the stain into the fabric.
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PART 1: Spot Removal - How to Remove Blood Spots or Stains from Clothing, Fabric, or Underwear
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Part 1 will work well on fresh blood stains, and most old dried stains, provided they have never been exposed to heat.
Acting swiftly is the best approach when it comes to tackling blood stains on fabric. In the demonstration below, we’ll be removing 4 different types of stains: a simple and easy fresh blood stain, a dried two-day old stain, and a 2 week hold stain, half of which was set in with heat.
If your blood stain is fresh and still wet, part one will be fast and easy!
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Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Equip yourself with either 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution. Opting for Salon Grade 20 Volume Clear Developer (6% hydrogen peroxide) ensures optimal stain-fighting power.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric
For added containment and ease of treatment, wrap the blood-stained fabric around a plastic cup (stain at the base). This step helps prevent the stain from spreading.
Step 3: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray the hydrogen peroxide (20 Volume Clear Developer) directly onto the blood stain. If the stain is fresh or not fully set-in, it will begin to foam upon contact with the hydrogen peroxide. Reapply the solution every minute or two until the foaming subsides.
Step 4: Allow Time for Treatment
Should the stain persist after initial treatment, transfer the fabric to a glass bowl, apply a few more sprays of hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit for one hour or more if the stain continues to foam.
Step 5: Assess the Results
After one hour, check the progress. In most cases, the blood stain will vanish completely after the hydrogen peroxide treatment alone. However, if traces remain, proceed to the next step.
Step 6: Final Touches
For stubborn stains, lightly spray the stained area with household ammonia, then gently scrub the area with an old toothbrush or a spotting bone. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain is gone or progress stalls.
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Once you've finished part 1, wash your garment as you normally would, choosing a cold water setting.
Congratulations on successfully completing Part 1 of the blood stain removal process! If any stubborn stains persist even after following these steps diligently, fret not. Part 2 awaits, offering effective solutions for tackling set-in blood stains.
PART 2: Stain Removal - How to Remove Set-In Blood Stains from Clothing, Fabric, or Underwear
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Part 2 is tailored for blood stains that have become cooked into the fabric due to exposure to heat. NOTE: it's crucial to begin with Part 1 regardless of whether heat exposure has occurred.
This method harnesses the power of heat and 6% hydrogen peroxide (20 Volume Clear Developer) to effectively break down the red hemoglobin and yellow blood plasma, restoring the fabric to its original state.
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YOU WILL NEED:
1) Mini Wet/Dry Vacuum (USA, UK, CAN)
2) 2 Spray Bottle (USA, UK, CAN)
3) 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (USA, UK, CAN)
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Equip yourself with 6% Salon Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (20 Volume Clear Developer) solution, a clothing iron, and an ironing board.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution directly onto the blood stain.
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Can you use 3% hydrogen peroxide? Yes, but 6% is more effective and tends to produce better results.
Step 3: Apply Heat with an Iron
Set your clothing iron to the appropriate heat setting for the fabric type. Then, gently place the iron over the set-in blood stain for 20 to 30 seconds.
Step 4: Agitation
Following ironing, utilize a spotting bone to delicately scrape and loosen the blood stain. For optimal results, position the fabric atop a firm surface like a plastic cutting board when using the spotting bone.
Step 5: Repeat
Repeat steps 2 to 4 a few times, until the yellow, red, and brown hues of the stain have vanished from the fabric.
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Step 6: Assess the Results
Upon completing both Part 1 and Part 2, you may notice a faint white mark surrounding the blood stain. This discoloration is caused by the blood that has been cooked into the fabric. Though we were able to break down the colour of the blood, unfortunately, the cooked proteins may not come out of the fabric, resulting in a white shadow.
It's important to note that this white shadow is rare and typically occurs only with the most stubborn set-in blood stains. This serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly addressing blood stains and avoiding the use of a dryer before fully treating the stain.
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How to Remove Virtually Any Spot or Stain From Carpet - Video Instructions
Notes
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No Dilution Needed: Do not dilute the 6% hydrogen peroxide or household ammonia. Use them as-is for optimal results.
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Handle Delicates with Care: Avoid using these methods on delicate materials such as wool, silk, or other natural fibers. For these items, it's best to consult a professional cleaner.
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Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Always test any stain removal method in an inconspicuous area on your clothing before full application. This can be done using fabric on the inside of a pocket, under a collar, or on a sample piece, if one was provided with your garment.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Stain removal should not be conducted in direct sunlight. Close the blinds to prevent exposure to harsh sunlight when using hydrogen peroxide.
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Ventilation for Ammonia: Household ammonia has a strong odour. We recommend opening a window to enhance ventilation and reduce the odour.
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Protect Your Skin: Always wear plastic gloves to shield your skin when handling hydrogen peroxide.
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Never Mix with Bleach: Never mix household ammonia cleaner with bleach. This combination produces a toxic gas called chloramine, which can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain.
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Use at Your Own Risk: These methods are offered for informational purposes, and we recommend using them at your own risk.