Removing a blood stain from sheets or mattress
A blood stain is scary, but it comes out very well if you know the golden rule: NEVER hot water.
Recommended Materials
- COLD water
- Marseille soap
- Effervescent aspirin (tip)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for whites)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Absolute and non-negotiable rule: always use COLD water. Hot water, even lukewarm, cooks the blood (protein coagulation) and permanently sets the stain in the fibers.
Step 2
If the stain is fresh: simply run the fabric under cold tap water while rubbing fabric against fabric. It comes out on its own in a few seconds.
Step 3
If the stain is dry on a sheet or garment: soak in a basin of cold water with an ice cube (to keep it cold). Then rub with Marseille soap or ox gall soap. Leave on, then rinse or machine wash (cold cycle 30°C max).
Step 4
On a mattress (which cannot be put under water): slightly dampen the stain with an ice cube. Rub with an effervescent aspirin tablet dissolved in very little water. Acetylsalicylic acid helps dissolve blood.
Step 5
Another method for the mattress: make a paste with cornstarch and cold water. Apply a thick layer on the stain. Let dry completely. The paste will 'drink' the blood as it dries. Scrape off the dry crust and vacuum.
Step 6
For white linen only (cotton): dab the stain with 10 volume hydrogen peroxide. It will foam (normal reaction), it's a sign that it's working. Rinse immediately with cold water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about salt ?
Yes, a paste made of cold water and table salt also works by absorption, but it is less effective than cornstarch on old stains.
The stain is old and has already been washed in hot water, is it ruined ?
It's much harder. Try dabbing with diluted ammonia (watch out for fumes, open the window) or soda crystals dissolved in cold water.
Precautions
- Never iron a blood stain that hasn't come out.
- Test hydrogen peroxide on a seam (risk of discoloration).
