Although having blood stains on clothes is not common, it sometimes becomes quite common if you work as a medical personnel in a hospital or clinic. So, if you’re someone like that, it’s compulsory to have the knowledge about how to remove blood stains on your clothes. If you’re quite new in this field or you happen to have blood stains on your favorite clothes, then you have to remove them immediately if you don’t want to say goodbye to them. However, you don’t panic because the following 3 ways to remove blood stains on clothes will help you in this case.
Use cold water for a quick action
The first way you can implement when it comes to how to remove blood stains on your clothes is to use cold water for a quick action. This is the quickest way to remove blood stains on your clothes because you can find cold water anywhere, and when it comes to removing blood stains, time is of the essence. So, when you happen to have blood stains on your clothes, you can immediately run to a water tap near you and run the cold water through it while holding the fabric with the affected area under it. You have to note that you mustn’t use hot water because it can set the stain, making it much harder to remove. Then, you can start rubbing the fabric together gently to loosen the stain, and if it remains, you can soak the clothes in cold water for around 30 minutes before washing it with a washing machine as usual.
Use baking soda paste for persistent stains
If the first way doesn’t really work because the blood stains are still in the affected area, then you might have to go with the second way, which is to use baking soda paste for persistent stains. This is because baking soda works well when it comes to removing blood stains, but it requires more preparation time. To use it, you have to first make the paste by mixing baking soda and cold water with a 1:2 ratio. Then, you can start applying the paste on the affected area and then gently rub it using your finger or a soft brush before letting it sit there for around 30 minutes and rinsing it with cold water.
Use a commercial blood stain remover product for complete treatment
Finally, the third way to remove blood stains on your clothes is to use a commercial blood stain remover product for complete treatment. This is because such a commercial blood stain remover product has gone through numerous tests to make sure that it can do its job in the most effective and efficient way. As for how to apply it, you only need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions that are usually written on its packaging. However, they usually require you to apply the product on the affected area, let it sit there for several minutes, and rinse it with cold water.
Pre-treat with hydrogen peroxide for tougher stains
If the blood stain is still proving stubborn despite using cold water, baking soda paste, or a commercial stain remover, another option is to pre-treat with hydrogen peroxide. This method is particularly effective for older or dried blood stains.
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach and can break down the proteins in the blood, helping to lift the stain from the fabric. To use this method, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain and let it bubble for a few minutes. Afterward, blot the area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the stain. Rinse with cold water and then launder as usual. Be sure to test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric won’t be damaged.
Try saltwater solution for a natural remedy
For those who prefer a more natural approach to removing blood stains, a saltwater solution can be an effective remedy. Salt is a common household item with strong stain-removing properties, making it an excellent option for treating blood stains.
To create the solution, mix about two tablespoons of salt in a cup of cold water and stir until it dissolves completely. Once the solution is ready, soak the stained area of the fabric in it for about 30 minutes. After soaking, gently rub the fabric together to help loosen the stain, then rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. This method works well for fresh stains, but if the stain has already dried, it may require a little extra time to see results.
Salt helps to break down the blood proteins and lift the stain, and because it’s a gentle, non-toxic substance, it’s a great option for delicate fabrics. However, if the stain persists, you may need to try one of the other methods mentioned above for a more thorough treatment.