How to remove blood stains from clothes?

Blood stains on clothing can be an annoying problem, but with the right techniques, it is possible to remove them effectively. Whether you've accidentally cut yourself, had a small accident, or just come across a blood stain on your clothes, don't worry.

1. Act quickly

The key to removing blood stains is to act quickly. The sooner you address the problem, the better your chances of success. If the stain is fresh, it is easier to remove before it fully adheres to the fibers of the fabric. Therefore, as soon as you notice the stain, try to address it immediately.

2. Don't use hot water

Counterintuitively, hot water can set blood stains instead of removing them. Heat can cause proteins in the blood to clot and stick more tightly to the fibers of the fabric. Instead, use cold water. This will help loosen the stain and make it easier to remove.

3. Rinse with cold water

Rinse the blood stain with cold water as soon as possible. You can do it under the tap or submerge the garment in a bowl of cold water. Gently rub the stain with your fingers or a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing hard, as this could cause the stain to spread or stick further.

4. Use salt or brine

Salt is known for its ability to absorb liquids, including blood. Make a paste with salt and water and apply it to the stain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water. If you prefer, you can also soak the garment in a brine solution for about 30 minutes before washing it.

5. Aspirin or baking soda

Both aspirin and baking soda have been highlighted as effective agents in the fight against blood stains on clothing, providing accessible and easy-to-apply solutions. These two elements, common in many homes, have properties that help break down and eliminate proteins present in the blood, thus facilitating the task of restoring the integrity of stained clothing.

Aspirin:
Aspirin, known mainly for its analgesic function, reveals another of its practical uses when dealing with blood stains. To use it as a cleaning agent, start by crushing one or two aspirin tablets into a fine powder. Afterwards, mix this powder with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply this paste directly on the blood stain and leave it on for approximately 15 minutes. Then, rinse the garment with cold water to remove both the mixture and the stain. This method is particularly effective on resistant fabrics and does not usually cause discoloration.

Sodium bicarbonate:
On the other hand, baking soda, an ingredient commonly used in cooking and with multiple properties, is also presented as a valuable ally in removing blood stains. To use, mix baking soda with water to create a uniform solution. Apply this mixture to the stain and let it act for about 15 minutes. Baking soda works by breaking down the stain particles and absorbing the residue, making it easier to remove during the subsequent rinse with cold water.

6. Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing blood stains, but you should be careful as it can discolor certain types of fabrics. Test the hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous part of the garment before applying it directly to the stain. If there is no discoloration, apply the peroxide to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse with cold water.

7. Lemon and salt

The combination of lemon and salt can be effective in removing blood stains. Squeeze the juice of a lemon onto the stain and sprinkle salt over it. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

8. Ammonia

Diluted ammonia can be useful for removing blood stains, but you should use it with caution. Mix a small amount of ammonia with cold water and apply the solution to the stain. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse well.

9. Commercial pretreatment

There are numerous commercial products designed specifically to remove blood stains. Follow the product's instructions and be sure to test it on a small area before applying it to the stain.

10. Wash the garment properly

Once you have successfully applied the cleaning methods and specific treatments to remove blood stains from your garment, it is crucial to give it the final touch through proper washing. This step is essential to ensure that the garment is completely free of residue and ready to be used again.

Instructions for effective washing:
Follow the instructions on the label: Before doing any washing, carefully review the care instructions found on the garment label. These directions provide essential information on the recommended water temperature, the appropriate type of detergent, and other important guidelines you should follow to maintain fabric quality.

Wash separately if possible: If the stained item can be washed separately, do so. This will minimize the risk of blood transferring to other clothing during the washing process.

Use a quality detergent: Opt for a high-quality detergent and, if possible, one that is known for its ability to remove tough stains. Be sure to follow the recommendations for using the detergent.

Select the appropriate water temperature: In most cases, cold water is the best option to prevent blood from settling into the fibers of the fabric. However, if the care instructions allow, you can use warm water. Avoid hot water, as this could make the stain stick harder.

Proper drying : After completing the wash cycle, dry the garment according to the label directions. Some garments may require air drying, while others benefit from low-temperature machine drying.

Final inspection: Before putting the garment away, perform a final inspection to make sure the blood stain has been completely removed. If you still notice any traces, repeat the steps above or consider other cleaning methods.

Removing blood stains from clothing can be a challenge, but with patience and the right techniques, it is possible to restore the garment to its original state. Remember to act quickly, use gentle methods, and test any solution on a small area before applying it to the stain. With these strategies, you can keep your clothes impeccable and free of blood stains.