You ever wake up ready to take on the world… until you throw back the blanket and see blood on your sheets?
Yeah. That happened to me last week.
Apparently, I scratched a mosquito bite in my sleep and bled everywhere. And if you’re prone to sleep-scratching, surprise nosebleeds, or you’re just a klutz, you know the feeling you get when you see blood where it definitely shouldn’t be – especially on your favorite sheets or clothes.
But don’t panic. Here’s a go-to trick that works to get blood stains out every time: hydrogen peroxide. And today, I’ll walk you through how to remove blood stains from clothing and bedding – without throwing anything out or avoiding white fabrics forever.
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Why Hydrogen Peroxide Works Like Nothing Else
Blood is a protein-based stain, which makes it super stubborn. But hydrogen peroxide (just your regular 3% drugstore kind) breaks down those proteins and lifts them from fabric fibers, removing blood stains. It’s one of the simplest and most effective DIY stain remover for clothes – no spray bottle necessary.
The bubbling action literally lifts the blood out. And it doesn’t only get blood out of clothes and sheets – it also removes blood from your mattress, carpets and upholstery!
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What Not to Do
- Don’t use hot water – it sets the stain.
- Don’t rub it in – blot gently with a clean white cloth or paper towel.
- Don’t skip the test patch – especially on dark colors or delicate fabrics.
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How To Remove Blood Stains From Fabric (and Clothes) in 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: Patch Test First
Before applying anything to your clothing, especially dark or delicate pieces, do a quick test on a hidden corner to make sure the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t lighten the fabric.
Step 2: Protect Underlying Layers
If possible, protect the surface underneath by placing cardboard or an old towel beneath the stained area – because one bloodstain is enough to deal with.
Step 3: Blot – Don’t Rub
If the blood is fresh, blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. If it’s already dried, don’t worry – it can still come out.
Step 4: Pour It On
Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain until the stain is saturated. If it bubbles, it’s working. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step 5: Blot Again
Gently blot the area to lift the stain. You may need to repeat this step for tougher stains, like an old dried period stain or deeper set spot. Remember to let the peroxide sit for a few minutes before blotting again.
Step 6: Rinse With Cold Water
Always rinse with cold water – hot water can actually set the stain and make it permanent.
Step 7: Wash As Usual
Throw it in the wash with your regular detergent on a cold cycle. Let it air dry to make sure the stain is totally gone before using heat (which can lock in leftover stains).
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Life is messy – between accidental scratches, period stains, mystery nosebleeds, pets and kids, blood stains happen. But you don’t have to throw out your favorite clothes every time there’s blood.
Turns out, a little effort (and peroxide) can bring a surprising number of things back to life. With a little hydrogen peroxide and the know-how to remove blood from fabric, your favorite clothes and sheets can live to see another day.
Because being an adult is hard… but doing laundry doesn’t have to be.