How to remove blood stains: 6 simple and effective systems

If you are wondering how to remove blood stains from fabrics in a fast, simple and effective way, you have come to the right place: we even recommend 6 useful systems, some more suitable for eliminating fresh blood stains (even menstrual), others preferable if the stains are of dried blood.

Whether it's removing stains from sheets, clothes, underwear or mattresses, the rule doesn't change: the sooner you act, the better! Unfortunately, dry blood is likely to remain permanent. So, no more delay! As soon as you notice the presence of a stain, immediately follow one of the following methods and you will not regret it.

1. Use cold water and soap for fresh blood stains

To remove fresh blood stains, never use hot water, unless you want the opposite effect of fixing it on the fabric! Always serve cold water, wetting the fabric immediately. You should keep the stain facing down, so as to facilitate the flow of blood and prevent it from penetrating into the tissues. In the most fortunate cases, especially if you act super-timely, simple water will be enough to remove the stain.

Most of the time, however, it will be useful to use soap as well. A simple Marseille soap (you can find it on Amazon for about € 1) will be fine, no specific product is required for the treatment. Rub some soap on the stain and let it sit for a few seconds before rinsing. If you have the impression that there is some halo left or that the stain has not completely gone away, proceed with a cold wash in the washing machine .

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2. Sparkling or hydrogen peroxide: how to remove dried blood stains

Carbonated water can be very useful for removing stains from fabrics: its carbon dioxide bubbles act by promoting the dissolution of blood in the fibers. It can be a quick and convenient solution if you are out, perhaps in a bar, and you have no other available.

Hydrogen peroxide works more or less in the same way, but it is much more powerful and effective: its oxygen acts on the fibers allowing the detachment of blood, even the dry one! Attention, however: avoid using it on very delicate fabrics, because it could affect the color. It is always better to first check its effectiveness and resistance of the garment on a corner of fabric, or remember to always dilute it with 50% water.

In general, hydrogen peroxide should be avoided on silk and wool, while it can be used on cotton. It is fine, for example, on sheets, which often (especially when we are on period) end up staining ... And after having washed them well , learn and fold them quickly with this trick:

3. Remove stains with ethyl alcohol or baking soda

Who among us does not already have some ethyl alcohol at home for domestic cleaning? This product can also be useful and effective for removing blood stains from fabrics: in fact it has the ability to quickly eliminate encrusted blood. it is certainly a more delicate system than hydrogen peroxide (to be preferred therefore in the case of delicate garments), but which can still discolour the fabric: even in this case, it is better to first do a small test in an invisible area of ​​the garment to be to deal! To remove the alcohol, then, use sparkling water and rinse with plenty of cold water.

Even baking soda can come to your rescue to remove stains from fabrics: it is very effective against blood! Take a basin and soak the stained garment in a solution of baking soda and water, scrubbing the stain carefully. Then rinse, also in this case, with lots of cold water.

4. Use water and salt (they also work for menstrual blood stains!)

Another really good way to get rid of blood stains is to use a water and salt preparation. Just mix a little water with common table salt and make a paste. Saturate the stain in question with salt (to choose the amount to use, based on the size of the stain)!

After rubbing the mixture well on the fabric, you will notice how the granules of salt are able, thanks to their abrasive and dehydrating power, to eliminate the blood. Then rinse with cold water. If the stain has not gone completely , put the garment in the washing machine, with cold wash.

You can use this system on your underwear if you notice the presence of menstrual stains, perhaps using an old toothbrush to rub the mixture on the fabric. Speaking of periods, browse our album: there is always something to learn about " subject!

See also: Everything you didn't know about menstruation

© iStock Everything you didn't know about menstruation

5. Use toothpaste to remove stains from fabrics (and also from the mattress)

When the mattress is stained with blood, things get complicated ... you certainly can't stick it in the washing machine, scrub it vigorously or soak it in a basin! The following system can then be very useful: use toothpaste to remove the stain. This will also prevent the mattress from absorbing a lot of liquids.

The toothpaste is applied directly to the "area where" the blood is present. Smear it and wait for it to dry. Then proceed with a cold water rinse. Then wash the treated area with soap and rinse again, until the stain is completely gone.

6. Use enzyme-based cleaners

A final system to eliminate blood stains involves the use of enzymes-based detergents (such as that of Soft, on Amazon for about € 2), therefore capable of destroying the organic proteins contained in the blood. These products are effective even if the stains are now dry.

If you think they are who knows what specific detergents, you are wrong: even a simple washing powder contains this type of enzymes! Prepare a basin with cold water, sprinkle a teaspoon of product on the stain and leave it to soak for a day, rubbing occasionally. The next day you will wash your garment normally.

Attention, however: these products should not be used on delicate fabrics such as linen, silk or wool, which could be damaged! They are very effective, however, on resistant fabrics, such as jeans.