Blood stains on clothing can be stubborn, especially if they have dried. Hydrogen peroxide 3% is often used as an aid to remove blood stains from textiles. Below is a practical guide to using it correctly and safely.
Supplies
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- Cold water
- Clean cloth or paper towel
- White cloth or sponge
- Brush for scrubbing
- Stain remover (optional)
- Laundry detergent
Step-by-step guide to removing blood stains
- Direct action
- Try to treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer the blood stain remains, the harder it will be to remove.
- Rinse with cold water
- Rinse the stained fabric with cold water to remove as much blood as possible. Never use hot water as this can cause the blood to clot and make the stain harder to remove.
- Remove excess water
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently dab the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
- Applying the hydrogen peroxide
- Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) directly onto the blood stain. You will see it start to foam and bubble, which means the blood is being broken down.
- Let the hydrogen peroxide work for about 5 minutes.
- Scrub
- Use a cloth or brush to gently scrub the stain if it is stubborn.
- Rinse and repeat
- Rinse the garment again with cold water and check to see if the stain has disappeared. If not, repeat the application of hydrogen peroxide and blotting until the blood stain has disappeared.
- Pretreatment
- If a light stain is still visible, you can apply a stain remover to the stain and let the garment sit for a few minutes before washing.
- To wash
- Wash the garment as usual in the washing machine with detergent. Use cold water to ensure that any remaining blood stains are removed.
- Check
- After washing, check the garment to see if the stain has completely disappeared. Allow the garment to air dry, as heat from the dryer can set any remaining stains.
Tips
- Always test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it does not cause discoloration.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide on delicate fabrics such as silk or wool, as it can damage the fibers.
- Always allow garments to air dry after treatment.