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How to get blood stains out of clothes — naturally.

Last Updated: May 19, 2022


Got blood on your clothes? Don't worry! We've got you covered. Read on for our guide on how to get blood out of clothes with all natural cleaners.
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Trying to get blood out of your clothes can be the worst. It’s hands down one of the hardest stains to remove – but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.


Learning how to get blood out of clothes can be frustrating. Keep reading for our best tips to help you salvage your favorite items without having to use harsh chemical cleaners.

Why does blood stain so badly?

Due to the hemoglobin that’s present in blood, it stains very easily. This is because hemoglobin and other coagulating agents bond with anything they can when exposed to air — including fabric fibers. This can make removing blood stains tough, but fortunately, we’re in the business of breaking through stain barriers with some natural cleaning and stain removal techniques.


The truth is, there are multiple ways of getting blood out of clothes – depending on the size and depth of the stain, as well as the fabric material.


We’re starting with the most natural methods, like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. However, if you have a really stubborn blood stain, hydrogen peroxide might be the fix you need (read on to the bottom for that method).

How to get blood stains out with dish soap

This method is ideal for upholstery and carpets that are not machine washable.


What you need:


How to do it:


Step 1: Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with cold water.

Step 2: Take a clean cloth, preferably white so it doesn’t transfer color, and dampen it with the cleaning mixture.

Step 3: Dab the stain with your damp cloth until the stain disappears.

Step 4: Clean the stained area with a cloth dampened with cold water, or launder the item if it is machine-washable.

Step 5: If the stain does not come out, try using an enzymatic stain remover, as it will help to dissolve the blood proteins.

Grove Tip

Removing period blood and dried stains


There’s no doubt that the best way to remove a fresh blood stain completely is to clean them right away. Dried stains may require stronger cleaning products, which may, in turn, damage delicate fabrics such as silk and wool.


For period stains and dried blood stains, scrape or wash out the excess blood in the sink with the dish soap/water mixture above, before putting in the washing machine.

How to get blood stains out with vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is one of the most accessible blood cleaning items. It works best on fresh stains, as well as on mattress blood stains.


Simply pour the vinegar on the blood stain and let it soak for 10 minutes. Blot with a damp cloth and repeat as necessary.


You can also try cleaning vinegar on truly stubborn stains, which is stronger than distilled white vinegar.

How to get blood stains out with salt


Salt is a strong dehydrating agent. Therefore, it can easily lift up water and blood from fabric.


Make a thick paste with salt and water and rub directly onto the stain. Allow it to dry and then scrape it off. Rinse with cold water. Easy!


How to get blood stains out with meat tenderizer


Meat tenderizer is designed to break down protein within the meat. When applied on blood stains, it breaks down the proteins in the blood, making it easier to get them out of fabrics.


Make a paste with unseasoned meat tenderizer and cold water, and soak the stain with this paste for 30 minutes. Rinse and launder in cold water.


This technique works efficiently even on old, dried blood stains.

How to get blood stains out with baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent cleaner. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly onto the stain. Let it sit for an hour, or longer – depending on the depth of the stain.


Learn how to clean more stained items with baking soda, straight from one of our Grove writer’s who tried it out on several dirty places around her home.

How to get stubborn blood stains out with hydrogen peroxide

How to do it:

This method works best for smaller stains, both fresh and dried blood smudges that require spot treatment.


What you need:




How to do it:


Step 1: Dampen a towel with cold water and dab at the stain to remove as much blood as possible.

Step 2: Fill up a big bowl with water along with a couple drops of laundry detergent. You can also use a stain remover instead of the detergent, too.

Step 3: Soak the affected fabric in this solution for at least an hour. You may require a longer soaking time depending on the severity of the stain.

Step 4: After soaking, blot the stain with hydrogen peroxide using a dish towel, or apply it directly and then rinse.

Step 5: Thoroughly rinse out the hydrogen peroxide, and let the fabric air dry.

Step 6: If the stain hasn’t come out completely, repeat these steps until you see success.