Are Dried-in-Blood Stains Harder to Remove? Yes, unfortunately they are, and this task often needs something stronger than soap and water. The most effective method is to use hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizing agent that removes old blood stains via a chemical reaction, breaking it down.
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent blood stain remover that works well on both fresh and set-in blood stains. However, hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect on some textiles, so it's important to perform a spot test before using it for stain removal.
First, scrape off all the remnants of dried blood over the garbage can or sink with a dry sponge or scrub brush. Cover the discolored area with hydrogen peroxide. It will bubble up as it attacks the stain, just like it does with fresh blood.
For new blood stains:
cold water. 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain. Leave it for five minutes and then blot with a paper towel. Rub gently with a clean, damp microfibre cloth until the stain has gone. Rinse the area with cold water until all the hydrogen peroxide has rinsed out.
Hydrogen peroxide: If you want a quick solution, then try spraying full-strength hydrogen peroxide onto the stained area and dabbing with a damp sponge or cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful solvent for blood stains that will banish stains fast!
Old blood stains can be especially difficult to remove, however it's not always impossible. If the blood stains have been washed in hot water or put through the dryer, this could have set the stain and made them permanent.
Dawn. If you have some Dawn dish soap, you can also use that to help remove blood stains. Dawn recommends applying a few drops of dish soap directly onto the fabric, covering the entire stain, and then rubbing it in with your fingers.
The types of cleaning solutions used to remove blood stains are upholstery cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, water and soap mixtures, and rubbing alcohol. As soon as the accident occurs, absorb all the excess blood from your couch with the help of a sponge.
Create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the still stained area. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Spray the baking soda with straight white vinegar and allow it to bubble. Blot up the mixture and stain with a clean white cloth.
Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond.
When you apply peroxide to a blood stain, it will encounter an enzyme in the blood called catalase that triggers an oxidizing reaction. This reaction breaks down many of the chemical compounds that cause blood stains to cling to fabric.
The trick to removing dried blood is trying a simple method (soap and water) and moving on to more complicated methods if needed. If at first you do not succeed… Use an enzymatic cleaner. If soap and water do not adequately remove the stain, move on to an enzymatic cleaner, which will biodegrade the stain.
This is because blood and most living cells contain the enzyme catalase, which attacks hydrogen peroxide and converts it into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).
Hydrogen peroxide is very effective when it comes to removing blood stains but it is important to use it with caution and read the instructions before use. It may weaken or bleach some fabrics, so test the area first. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water to create a 50/50 solution.
Wash the stained item with cold water and normally used soap or detergent. You can also soak the entire garment in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the stained clothing from the hydrogen peroxide and rinse it out in cold water.
Using Bleach
Then, pre-treat with a fabric-safe bleach, and machine wash. Most blood stains should come out using these methods, though it may take multiple attempts. Remember not to use hot water or machine-drying during this process, as heat tends to lock in blood stains.
Even when you can't treat a stain immediately, the five powerful Stain Fighters in OxiClean™ Max Force™ Spray tackle tough stains like dried-in blood. Rinse blood stain in cold water. Spray directly onto the spot or stain until saturated.
Natural products like vinegar can actually help get out blood stains from clothing. To use vinegar to remove blood stains, all you need to do is pour the vinegar over the stain until it is completely covered and start gently blotting at it with a clean cloth or sponge.
Wash the stained clothing in cold water with a natural bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, or baking soda. Let the clothing air dry and then see if the stain is gone. Don't dry your clothing after the wash; the heat could set any remaining stain.
A baking soda paste (two parts baking soda to 1 part water) is also a good trick to help lift blood stains. Apply the poultice directly to the stain and leave it for up to 30 minutes. After you've removed the paste, carefully blot the area with a damp cloth or paper towel then wash as normal.
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.