HOW TO GET BLOOD STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES AND OTHER FABRICS
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 the step-by-step guide below to help remove blood stains from sheets, towels, jeans and more.
WHAT TO USE TO GET BLOOD OUT OF YOUR CLOTHES
Enzyme detergents help target stains such as blood, ketchup stains, ink stains, food stains, grass, chocolate stains and others. These detergents are most commonly liquids but powdered versions are also available. Check the label of your detergent to see if yours contains enzymes.
Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It's colorless, fragrance-free and available in either a liquid or powder form.
WILL VINEGAR GET BLOOD OUT OF CLOTHES?
If you have a fresh blood stain, you may be able to use a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water to help remove it. Apply it directly to the stain and blot with a damp cloth.
Be sure to completely rinse out the vinegar from your clothing before placing the items in the washing machine. Always check spot treatment solutions on an inconspicuous area of your garment to see if it damages the fabric.
HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS
You can help get blood stains out of your fabrics by flushing the stain with cold water as soon as possible, soaking the stain in a solution of cold water and detergent and washing the garment using a cold water wash cycle.
Use the following steps along with the instructions on your garment care label to treat blood stains on your clothes.
SUPPLIES
Cold water
Enzyme or gentle detergent
Oxygen bleach
TOOLS
Washing machine, like the Maytag® Top Load Washer with Extra Power
Large bowl or sink
1. FLUSH WITH COLD WATER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Like dryer heat, warm water can encourage the stain to set into the fabric. So, as soon as you notice a blood stain on your clothes, flush the area with cold water.
2. SOAK AND SPOT TREAT
Fill your sink or a large bowl with cold water and add some detergent. Use enzyme detergent for polyester, nylon or spandex and gentle detergent for wool, silk, linen, rayon or acrylic garments. As always, check your garment labels to be sure. Let the fabric soak for at least 30 minutes. You can extend the soaking time if the stain is older or more stubborn.
If the stain is still there after soaking in the detergent solution, apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain and gently work it in.
3. WASH USING A COLD WATER CYCLE
Wash the garment with oxygen bleach on a cold water wash cycle in your washing machine. If the stain remains after the wash cycle completes, repeat. Don’t place the garment in the dryer until the stain has been sufficiently removed.
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.
HOW TO GET OLDER, DRIED BLOOD STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES
If you aren’t able to catch the stain right as it happens, you may still be able to treat the stain. To help remove dried blood stains, use a blunt knife or spoon to scrape any blood off the fabric, then pretreat the fabric in a solution of cold water and detergent or stain remover.
BLOOD STAIN REMOVAL TIPS
While treating a blood stain may seem daunting, these laundry tips and tricks can simplify the process for you.
Avoid using chlorine bleach when treating blood stains, as it can cause a chemical reaction with blood that can cause the stain to spread.
Never wash blood stains—old or fresh—with warm or hot water, as this can cause the stain to fuse to the fibers of your garments.
If you notice a blood stain on a washable rug, spot treat it with a solution of dish soap and cold water. Blot the solution into the stain with a clean cloth, then blot with a clean cloth soaked in cold water to rinse.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS
Investing in the right washer helps you take better care of your clothes and keep them looking great. With features on select models like Extra Power or the Built-In Water Faucet, Maytag brand has the washer options that work hard for you and let you get on with your day.
