How to Get Blood out of Cotton

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Ever have a really bad nose bleed while wearing your favorite white cotton shirt? This article will give you some tips to remove the stain, without sending it to the cleaners.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Rinsing and Preparing the Stain for Treatment

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-1.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Let it run for a few minutes, especially if it is a hot day, so that the water can cool down some more.
    • Never use hot or warm water, or you might end up making the stain bond with the fabric.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-2.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Gently grip the garment, keeping your fingers to either side of the stain, and pull. The fabric should be stretched out, like the top of a drum. Don't pull so hard that you risk ripping the garment, though.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-3.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold it for a few minutes until turning it over. Most of the blood should have come out.
    • Over time, blood will react with oxygen in the air and will get bound to the fibers more strongly. If you've found a fresh blood stain, go ahead and put it under water as fast as you can.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-4.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can also use an old toothbrush, but be careful not to scrub too hard, or you will risk setting the stain into the fabric.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-5.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use any type of soap, including liquid and bar soap. You can use basic hand soap or even a small amount of laundry detergent.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-6.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be sure to keep scrubbing the stain until all of the soap is gone. Most of the blood should be gone by now. The stain will likely still remain, however.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Stain

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-7.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are many products available that can remove blood stains. Some of these products are simple household products that you may already have in your bathroom cabinet or pantry. This section will show you how to use these products. [1] Keep in mind, however, that some stains may have permanently set into the fabric, and you may still have some slight residue.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-8.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply sprinkle some salt over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with your finger or an old toothbrush. Rinse the stain well with cold water.
    • If you don't have any salt on hand, but you happen to wear contacts, try using some of the saline solution you use for your contacts.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-9.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Crumble a few aspirin pills in a small dish and mix them with just enough cold water to create a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight before rinsing it off.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-10.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sprinkle some baking soda into a small dish and add in a few drops of cold water. Mix until you get a paste, then spread the paste over the stain. Wait 30-40 minutes or let it sit overnight before rinsing the garment off with cool water.
    • You can also add some lemon juice to lighten the stain.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-11.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply pour some hydrogen peroxide (the same kind that comes in a brown bottle and that you can find in the first aid section of a drug store) or lemon juice over the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out using water. Be sure to scrub the stain with you finger or an old toothbrush.
    • Both hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice can lighten fabric, so they are not recommended for bright or dark-colored garments.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-12.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply pour some white vinegar over the stain and let it sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing it out.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-13.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply spray or pour the stain remover onto the fabric and leave it on for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer; this is usually around five to 20 minutes.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-14.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    These types of detergents are great at breaking down proteins, which is what blood is made out of. [2]
    9. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Knowing What to Do and Avoid

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-15.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try to get the stain out as soon as you see it; the longer the blood sits in cotton, the harder it will be to get out.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-16.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The hot water will set the stain into the fabric, making it almost impossible to remove. When using cold water, try to make it as cold as you can. Turn on the tap to the coldest setting and let the water run for a few moments until it becomes really cold.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-17.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Bleach can remove almost anything, including blood stains. Unfortunately, it can also remove color, so it is not recommended for colored garments. It is also very harsh and can eat away the fibers in fabric, creating holes and tears. Lastly, bleach does not react well with hard/well water, and it can worsen the blood stain. [3]
    • Avoid mixing detergents when using bleach, or you may cause a chemical reaction and create dangerous fumes.
    • Be careful using bleach even on all-white garments, since it can create an uneven yellow look.
    • Always test bleach in an inconspicuous part of the fabric to make sure it's safe to use.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-18.jpg\/aid696641-v4-728px-Get-Blood-out-of-Cotton-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even if the garment looks clean and spotless after you have washed it, there might still be some residue, which won't show up until after everything is dry. Instead, hang the garment in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun. If you toss it into the dryer, you will risk setting the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove. [4]
    • If you are in a rush and it is gloomy outside, consider turning a fan on and pointing it at the garment.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Blood stains very easily because it coagulates when it gets warm, so when you treat it like a regular stain and wash it in warm water, you will set the stain.
        Thanks
      • Blood is traditionally one of the most difficult stains to get out, even with all of these precautions you may still see a shadow of a stain.
        Thanks
      • Hydrogen peroxide works great with blood along with or in place of your detergent. Peroxide is a bleaching agent in high concentrations, so 3% is advised.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Peroxide does foam when it comes into contact with blood, and it can get warm when doing so! Please take the necessary caution when using it.
        Thanks
      • Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, and avoid getting it on your skin.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      The 7 Best Ways to Get Blood Stains Out of a Mattress
      How to
      Remove a Blood Spot from a Cotton Pillow Case
      How to Get Dried Blood Out of Fabric & Clothing
      How to
      Remove Vomit Stains from Clothing
      How to Remove Blood from Sheets: Tips & What to Use
      How to
      Remove Dried Blood Stains from a Couch
      How to
      Clean a Blood Stain from Car Upholstery
      How to
      Clean Blood from Walls
      How to Get Fresh or Dried Blood out of Jeans
      How to
      Remove Bloodstains from Clothing
      How to
      Clean Blood Stains from Leather
      How to
      Remove Blood from Your Underwear After Your Period
      How to
      Remove Blood Stains from Carpet
      4 Methods for Getting Blood Stains Out of Wood for Good
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Teen Vogue, The Most Genius Tricks Ever for Cleaning Period Stains
      2. ↑ Real Simple, How to Remove Blood Stains
      3. ↑ Mama's Laundry Talk, How to Remove Blood From Fabric
      4. ↑ Mama's Laundry Talk, How to Remove Blood From Fabric

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get blood out of cotton, start by rinsing the stain with cold water. Then, scrub the stain with some liquid dish soap to get out as much of the blood as possible. When no more blood will come out, try sprinkling some salt on the stain and letting it sit for several minutes. You can also apply a baking soda paste to the stain and let it sit overnight. If it's a light-colored fabric, pour hydrogen peroxide over the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the stain with your finger or an old toothbrush. To learn more, such as how to use an enzymatic cleaner or vinegar, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 173,135 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Andrea Lewis

        Feb 14, 2018

        "I ran cold water on a sweatshirt that had blood on it. I spread the fabric with my fingers so it was taut and used ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement