Remove blood stains with cold water and hydrogen peroxide

Rinse the blood stain under cold running water immediately, working the fabric gently with your fingers. For stubborn residue, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse and wash.

Why It Works

Blood contains hemoglobin, a protein that coagulates with heat — making cold water essential. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer that breaks the iron bonds in hemoglobin, causing the red color to disappear. The visible fizzing indicates the compound is actively breaking down.

Tips

• Never use hot water on blood — heat permanently bonds the protein to fabric fibers
• Test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area first, as it can lighten colored fabrics
• For dried blood, soak in cold salt water for 30 minutes before applying peroxide
• Saliva contains enzymes that break down blood proteins — effective for small fresh spots on your own clothes