9 Ways To Get Rid Of Stubborn Blood Stains

Getting rid of blood stains is not a child’s play, once the blood stains settles on fabric it stays there no matter how long you rinse or how hard you rub for that matter.

Thank god, there are some things like H2O2 and Meat Tenderizer Powder that breaks down the protein so that it can be removed like regular stains.

Here are 9 ways to get rid of those stubborn stains:

1. Saliva

One can use saliva as an effective way to remove blood stains, because the enzymes in saliva that help digest food also break down the proteins in the blood, and it's those proteins that make blood so difficult to clean. Note that this method is best used on small and fresh stains.

2. Cold water

This is the easiest way to get rid of fresh blood, and it works well if you can catch it right away. If your stain is marked on a carpet, mattress, or heavy furniture that cannot be soaked, use a clean cloth or sponge to blot the stain. Don't use hot water - this could cause the blood to set in the fabric.

3. Salt And Cold Water For Delicates

The faster you can treat the stain with salt and water paste, the less time it has to set into the fibers. Using a paste of salt and water is a great way to get rid of blood stains from items that cannot be put in the wash like mattresses. 

4. Soap Or Shampoo

Sometimes you don't have hydrogen peroxide or salt on hand. This method is similar to the salt method, but instead of salt, you rub soap or shampoo directly into the stain. If you are using this method on carpets, mattresses or furniture it's important not to use too much soap, since it's difficult to wash it out.

5. Toothpaste On Linen

This method is best used on fabrics that can be washed in a washing machine or thoroughly washed by hand. If you use this method on carpets, rugs or furniture, you run the risk of the smell of the toothpaste permanently permeating into the fabric.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

This only works with wet blood. Before deciding to use hydrogen peroxide, note that it may bleach or weaken certain fabrics, and can cause stains itself. 

So use it cautiously and make sure to pretest the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous spot on the stained item. Hydrogen peroxide can safely and effectively remove blood stains from porous surfaces like concrete.

7. Ammonia

Start with "household ammonia" or "ammonia hydroxide," sold as a cleaning product. Dilute this with an equal amount of water, and leave it on the stain for fifteen minutes before blotting and rinsing, such as 15 ml household ammonia, 1 L  water, and a drop of liquid handwashing detergent. Avoid use on silk and wool. 

8. Meat Tenderizer Powder

Put about 15 mL (1 tbsp) unseasoned meat tenderizer into a small bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a thick paste is formed. Both blood and meat are organic material that can be broken down by the action of enzymes: proteases, cellulases and lipase. Commercially-made unseasoned meat tenderizers can be effective when applied liberally to dry blood stains. Dishwasher powder or capsules usually contain these enzymes as well.

9. H2O2 and Iron

Pour Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2) on the stain and give it a good scrub with the clean rag. 

Give it one last splash, and let sit for 5 minutes or so.

Once it's had a chance to soak for a few minutes, take your hot iron and go over the spot until the stain disappears. You may notice a ring around where the peroxide was - just wet it with the spray bottle and go over it with the iron again. Voila!