How to Get Blood Out of Fabric

Blood is one of the worst things that can touch clothing or any other fabric. It is difficult to get out, and may never be gotten rid of completely in a lot of circumstances. The real trick to getting blood not to leave a stain is to catch it as quickly as possible.

A small amount of blood, if gotten to quickly, can be held under the tap so that the water is running completely through the fabric. Adding a little detergent, such as a pre-treater, can help the stain to lift before it gets set. NEVER use hot water on a blood stain. Hot water is good for a lot of hard stains, but it will set a blood stain so that it can never be removed.

If there is more than just a few drops of blood, it is a good idea to put the item, or at least the stained part of the item, in cold water to soak for awhile. The sink is the ideal place for this, if the item will fit. Just don't forget it's in there. I have walked into a room too many times and seen what looked like a big sink full of blood. Let the fabric soak and then get it out before anyone else happens along and dials 911.

After a cold soak, the item can be washed in warm water. Hot water, again, will set the stain. Washing it in cold water may not be strong enough to get the blood out. A lot of people will say to use bleach, and in many circumstances it will help if not eliminate the stain. I won't use it though for a few reasons. The first is that bleach in a washing machine can contaminate the next load that is washed, causing those items to lighter or streak. Because bleach is clear, it is difficult to know if any has been left in the machine. The second reason is that it weakens fabrics. I was a bleach proponent until bleach ate right through a couple of items that I had dabbed with it. And, it not only weakens fabrics, it can also yellow them.

If you have a great deal more blood than this, it is probably best not to worry too much about the fabric involved and simply worry about the medical emergency unfolding around you.