How to Remove Blood Stains

Advice from our experts

How to get blood stains out of whites and bleach-safe fabrics How to get blood stains out of colored clothing and fabrics

One

Rinse

If the blood stain is fresh, rinse it in cold water first, then dab it with hydrogen peroxide.

Two

Presoak

Presoak the stain in cool water using a good detergent that contains enzymes. Soak item for 30–60 minutes. Following the presoak, drain the presoaking solution and rinse the item.

Three

Apply

Rub the stain gently with Clorox^® Bleach Pen Gel immediately before laundering.

Four

Wash

Wash immediately in the hottest water recommended on the care label with detergent and ½ cup Clorox^® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX^®.

Five

Check

Air dry and check for success. If residual stain remains, repeat the treatment.

Note: Blood stains on wool, silk or other dry clean only items should be treated by a professional dry cleaner.

FAQs

Q. Do I use hot or cold water to remove blood stains?
A. Use cold water when washing an item with blood stains. Never use hot water. After you remove the blood, then you can use warm or hot water.

Q. How can I get blood stains out of colored cotton?
A. It’s best to start off presoaking the item in cool water for at least 30–60 minutes using a good liquid detergent that contains enzymes. See above for Presoak and Pretreat instructions using Clorox 2^® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener.

Q. How do I get dried blood out of a mattress?
A. If it’s a recent stain that has dried, you should be able to remove it with Clorox^® Urine Remover. Then, do a follow-up treatment with a steam cleaner using the upholstery attachment.

Q. How do I remove blood stains from white sheets and clothes?
A. Start by presoaking the stains in cool water using a good detergent that contains enzymes. Look at the list of ingredients on the product to make sure. You’ll need to soak your sheets for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 60 minutes. Read on for next steps to remove blood stains from your white sheets and clothes.

Q. Can nail polish remover remove blood stains?
A. Unfortunately, nail polish remover will not get rid of blood stains. It’s acetone, which is a solvent, and shouldn’t be applied to clothing or textiles that will be machine washed.

Q. How do I remove menstrual blood stains?
A. Begin by rinsing the stain with a little cool water. Apply Clorox 2^® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener to both sides of the stain. The Clorox 2^® For Colors product will start to work right away.

DO rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible.

DO dab a little hydrogen peroxide or saliva on the stain.

DO use laundry products that contain hydrogen peroxide, like Clorox 2® For Colors products, to make it easier to remove the stain.

DON'T rinse the stain with warm or hot water.

DON'T use nail polish, which is acetone, or other flammable solvents to remove blood stains.

One

Rinse

If the blood stain is fresh, rinse it in cold water first, then dab it with hydrogen peroxide.

Two

Presoak, if Needed

For larger stains or stains that cover an entire piece of clothing or fabric, soak the stained areas in 1 quart of water mixed with 1 cup of Clorox 2^® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener for up to 60 minutes.

Three

Apply

For smaller stains, pour Clorox 2^® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener onto the blood stain. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, and make sure not to let it dry. If the stain is particularly tough to remove, gently rub the stained area with Clorox 2® For Colors.

Four

Wash

For colored clothing and fabrics, set your washer to the hottest recommended water setting on your garment’s care label. Then, add detergent and Clorox 2^® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener into the dispenser to help remove stains and odors, and make both colored and white clothing brighter and cleaner.

Five

Check

Air dry and check for success. If residual stain remains, repeat the treatment.

Note: Blood stains on wool, silk or other dry clean only items should be treated by a professional dry cleaner.