It's a common experience for everyone at some point where they trip, hurt themselves, and end up having a stubborn blood stain on their clothing. This situation can be particularly vexing if you're dressed up in your favorite clothes or wearing something new. However, there's no need to worry, as removing blood stains from clothes is simpler than you might think. Whether you're dealing with blood on jeans, white garments, or delicate fabrics, there are straightforward procedures you can follow to restore your fabrics' pristine condition.
Why Are Blood Stain So Difficult To Remove From Clothes?
Blood stains are difficult to treat as they are protein stains, just like other bodily fluids such as sweat, vomit, and urine. However, blood stains differ from other protein stains because the oxidation of hemoglobins causes the stains to change from bright red to dark brown over time after exiting the body.
When blood is exposed to air, its hemoglobin causes it to coagulate, which is useful for faster wound healing and to avoid excessive blood loss. Nevertheless, this clotting capability also causes it to attach to any surface it spills on, posing challenges when trying to remove it from clothes or fabrics.
How to Remove Fresh Blood from Clothes
The best time to remove blood stains from clothes is when they are fresh, similar to most other stains. The instructions below are applicable for many types of colorfast fabrics such as white cotton tees and jeans, and can also be used for removing blood stains from sheets. When you first notice blood on your clothes, promptly gather necessary supplies from your laundry room and medicine cabinet, and proceed with the following steps:
The items required for the task include:
- bar soap
- fabric-safe bleach
- laundry pre-treater
- enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent
- hydrogen peroxide.
- As soon as possible, immerse the stained area in cold water. If the stain is new, you can place it under cold running water and attempt to remove as much fresh blood as possible.
- Afterward, either rub bar soap into the stain or use a sponge to apply hydrogen peroxide to it. Make sure to pour the hydrogen peroxide onto the sponge instead of directly onto the stain, then manually scrub the affected clothing in cold water.
- Next, apply a laundry pre-treater or apply an enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent. Use warm water and fabric-safe bleach to wash the garment in a washing machine.
- If the stain remains, repeat the above steps. Do not place the garment in the dryer until the stain is fully removed.
How to Remove Dried Blood from Clothes
Even if you have waited to remove a dried blood stain, it is still possible to remove it. It only requires a little patience and the usage of a potent stain remover. Here are the steps to follow:
The items required for the task include:
- laundry soaker for removing stains
- bar soap
- fabric-safe bleach
- enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent
- ammonia
- laundry pre-treater.
- To begin with, pre-soak the garment. Combine cold water with either a couple of teaspoons of liquid laundry detergent or a product designed to remove stains, such as Carbona Oxy Powered Laundry Soaker. Allow the garment to soak in the mixture for several hours or overnight.
- Next, apply a laundry pre-treater or use bar soap to rub the stain. Then, wash the garment with fabric-safe bleach in warm water.
- If the stain persists, repeat the pre soaking process for an extended time or make a solution of one teaspoon laundry detergent, one tablespoon of ammonia, and one quart of water. Soak the garment in this solution for several hours or as long as necessary based on the stain's severity.
- Finally, pretreat the stain and wash the garment.
Expert Tips To Remove Blood from Clothes
- Contrary to popular belief, menstrual blood stains can be eliminated from clothing using the same methods and products as stains caused by cuts or scrapes.
- When removing blood stains from jeans, flip them inside out to directly apply the stain remover on the affected area.
- Avoid using hot water to clean blood stains since it can cause the stain to set into the fabric. If you have already washed the garment in hot water, you can still attempt the above steps, but the stain may not come off entirely.
If you adhere to these basic procedures, it should be relatively easy to eliminate blood stains from your garments and linens. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that these guidelines are designed for fabrics that are commonly used, like cotton or polyester. If you accidentally stain delicate materials such as silk, it is recommended that you check the clothing label for specific washing instructions.
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