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:
- Step 2 - Remove Blood Stains
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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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How to Remove Blood Spots From Clothing
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Removing blood spots is a breeze so long as they have never been exposed to heat. All that's needed is 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide...​
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Fresh/wet blood stains come out virtually instantaneously. Older blood spots may require a bit more time and agitation. Follow the directions below for step by step instructions.
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Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Start with either a 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution. For maximum stain-fighting power, opt for Salon Grade 20 Volume Clear Developer (6% hydrogen peroxide).
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If you're dealing with an older blood stain, hydrogen peroxide alone may not be sufficient. In this case, household ammonia and a spotting bone may be necessary for better results.
Step 2: Blood Stains that Have Been Set In With Heat
In this demonstration, I’m intentionally setting part of the blood stain into the fabric with heat to show you how to remove a stain that has been cooked into the fabric.
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Important: Never put a blood-stained garment in the dryer before fully removing the stain, as the heat can permanently set it.
Step 3: Prepare the Fabric
Wrap the stained garment around a plastic cup or ball, positioning the stain at the base. This will help direct the blood downward and out of the fabric, preventing the stain from spreading.
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Step 4: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray hydrogen peroxide (20 Volume Clear Developer) directly onto the blood stain. If the stain is fresh or not fully set, it will begin to foam upon contact. Reapply the solution every 30 seconds until the foaming stops.
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Step 5: Final Touches
If the hydrogen peroxide has stopped foaming and the stain remains, apply household ammonia and use a spotting bone to gently agitate the fabric, helping to loosen any remaining blood stain.​
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Step 6: Assess the Results
Once you've completed Part 1, wash your garment as usual using a cold water setting. At this point, you can dry the garment in the dryer, as any remaining blood will be considered a set-in stain.
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Congratulations on finishing Part 1 of the blood stain removal process! If any stubborn stains remain after following these steps, don't worry—Part 2 offers additional 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 older blood stains or ones 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 color.
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YOU WILL NEED:
1) 6% Hydrogen Peroxide (USA, UK, CAN)
2) Spray Bottle (USA, UK, CAN)
3) Clothing Iron (USA, UK, CAN)
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Step 1: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray 6% hydrogen peroxide (also known as 20 Volume Clear Developer) directly onto the set-in blood stain.
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Can I use 3% hydrogen peroxide? Yes, but 6% is more effective and generally yields better results.
Step 2: Apply Heat
Set your iron to a low heat setting. Place it over the stain and gently move it back and forth. The goal is to use the heat to help the hydrogen peroxide evaporate completely. As it evaporates, the hydrogen peroxide will break down the blood stain.
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Repeat this process one to three times, or until the stain is fully removed.
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Step 3: Agitate with a Spotting Bone
While performing Step 2, periodically use a spotting bone to gently agitate the stain. The combination of hydrogen peroxide, heat, and light agitation will help break down the stain more effectively.
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Step 4: Final Result
This is the final result. Notice that the portion of the blood stain that was set with heat is still slightly visible. This is because the heat has caused the blood proteins to bond with the fabric, making them difficult to fully remove. This underscores the importance of never exposing a blood stain to heat.
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How to Remove Blood Stains From Clothing - 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.