How to get blood stains out of clothes

HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS FROM CLOTHES

Learn how to remove blood stains, step-by-step. These stain removal tips will help you get your clothes clean. Always check and follow your appliance and product use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.

 

Removing blood stains from clothing can be quick and easy, as long as proper steps are followed. A common mistake people make when attempting to get blood out of clothing is washing the stain in warm water. Be careful to avoid this mistake and remember to always wash blood stains in cold water. Follow our step-by-step guide below to remove blood stains from sheets, towels, jeans and more.

Someone showing how to remove blood stains from clothes

HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS FROM COTTON & COTTON/POLY BLENDS

Good for: white clothes, lights, darks, jeans, towels, sheets

 

Step 1: Flush fresh blood in cold water as soon as possible.

Step 2: Soak in cold water with an enzyme detergent1 for 30 minutes or longer.

Step 3: If any stain remains, apply some detergent directly on the stain and wash in cool or cold water with an oxygen bleach.2

The 2nd step to get blood stains out of clothes

HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS FROM POLYESTER, SPANDEX & NYLON

Good for: white clothes, lights, darks, active wear, pantyhose, tights and leggings

 

Step 1: Flush fresh blood in cold water as soon as possible.

Step 2: Soak in cold water with an enzyme detergent1 for 30 minutes or longer. 

Step 3: If any stain remains, apply some detergent directly on the stain and wash in cool or cold water with an oxygen bleach.2

The 3rd step for how to remove blood stains

HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS FROM WOOL, SILK, LINEN, RAYON & ACRYLIC

Good for: sweaters, blouses, sheer fabrics, swimsuits

 

Step 1: Flush fresh blood in cold water as soon as possible.

Step 2: Soak in cold water with gentle detergent for 30 minutes or longer.

Step 3: If any stain remains, apply some detergent directly on the stain and wash in cool or cold water with an oxygen bleach.2

Maytag tip icon

Never apply heat to a blood stain

Whether you’re washing or drying, exposing blood stains to heat will cause proteins to bind to fibers, essentially “cooking” the stain into your clothes.

TERMS TO KNOW FOR THIS STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE

 

1. Enzyme detergents target stains such as blood, ketchup stainsink stains, food stains,  grass, chocolate stains and others. These are most commonly liquid formulations but powdered formulations are also available. Check the label of your detergent to see if yours contains enzymes.

2. Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It's colorless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form.

 

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