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How to Get Blood Stains Out

A protein stain that heat sets permanently — always start with cold water.

Quick answer

Fresh Blood on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Rinse immediately under cold running water — never hot.
  2. Blot, don't rub.
  3. Rub liquid detergent into the stain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Launder in cold or warm water per the care label.
  5. Air-dry and check before drying.

Don’t do this

  • Hot water sets blood permanently.

Sources: Tide; King University stain removal guide (PDF); The Spruce

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

Look up Blood on your material

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Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.

Blood on specific materials

Blood on CottonFresh & dried steps Blood on LinenFresh & dried steps Blood on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Blood on NylonFresh & dried steps Blood on SilkFresh & dried steps Blood on WoolFresh & dried steps Blood on DenimFresh & dried steps Blood on LeatherFresh & dried steps Blood on SuedeFresh & dried steps Blood on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Blood on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Blood on WoodFresh & dried steps Blood on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Blood on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Blood on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Why cold water for blood?

Heat cooks the proteins into the fibers, setting the stain permanently. Cold water keeps them soluble.

What removes dried blood?

Soak in cold water with an enzyme-based detergent — enzymes break down the proteins. Never use hot water first.

Does hydrogen peroxide work on blood?

It can help on sturdy whites, but it can bleach colors. The enzyme soak is the safer documented method.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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