Blood stains can be painful enough on their own, but trying to get them out of fabric adds another layer of trouble. Whether it’s a nosebleed that went unnoticed, a scrape that left a mark, or a menstrual leak that dried overnight, blood stains that have had time to set can feel impossible to remove. Once dried, blood binds tightly to fabric fibers, especially on absorbent materials like cotton sheets, underwear, or pants. But with the right approach and the right product (and maybe a little patience), even deep-set blood stains can be lifted.
If you’re not sure how to remove dried blood stains or how to get old stains out of clothes, Zout® Laundry Stain Remover is a proven solution. Its triple-enzyme formula is specially designed to break down protein-based stains, including blood, even after they’ve dried or gone through the wash.
Here’s how to tackle set-in blood stains on everything from white sheets to dark denim, using reliable, real-world tips that work.
Why Removing Set-In Stains Is So Hard
Blood is primarily a protein stain. When it’s fresh, rinsing with cold water can help remove some of the residue. But once blood dries, the proteins start to bond with the fabric; worse, if exposed to heat, blood stains can become even more baked-in and resistant to ordinary detergents.
To remove set-in blood stains, you need something that can break down those stubborn proteins. Zout’s protease enzyme is designed to dissolve protein structures, making it an excellent set-in stain remover to tackle blood and other protein stains.
How to Get Dried Blood Stains Out of Clothes
1. Identify the Fabric and Stain Age
The first step is to examine the item to determine whether it’s been washed and dried with the stain still present. If the stain has had time to set, it may take multiple treatments to get the fabric clean. Common items affected by dried blood include:
- Underwear and pants from menstrual leaks
- Bed sheets or mattress covers
- Shirts after accidental cuts or nosebleeds
Check the care label to know what kind of water temperature and wash cycle the fabric can tolerate.
2. Rinse with Cold Water
Even though the blood has dried, rinsing the fabric under cold running water can help loosen surface particles. Avoid using hot water at this stage to prevent any remaining proteins from bonding more deeply into the fabric.
For large items like sheets, soak the stained area in a cold water basin before applying any product.
3. Apply Zout® Laundry Stain Remover Generously
Spray Zout directly onto the dried blood stain, making sure the area is fully saturated. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. For deeply embedded stains or older items, you can let Zout sit even longer — up to 30 minutes is safe for most fabrics.
4. Wash According to Fabric Instructions
Once Zout has had time to work, wash the item according to the care label instructions and watch the stains disappear.
Using Zout on Menstrual Blood Stains
Menstrual blood can be particularly frustrating to remove from fabrics like underwear, leggings, pajama bottoms, or sheets. The same treatment steps apply:
- Rinse in cold water if possible
- Spray with Zout
- Let sit for 5 minutes
- Wash in cold or warm water
Tips for Preventing Set-In Blood Stains
- Spray stains as soon as you notice them. The sooner you act, the easier they are to remove. That said, always tend to any wounds before worrying about laundry — safety first!
- Keep Zout handy. Store a bottle in your bathroom or laundry room for fast response to leaks or cuts.
- Avoid hot water early on. Always rinse and wash blood stains in cold or lukewarm water at first.
A Reliable Way to Get Rid of Dried Blood Stains
If you’ve been searching for how to remove old blood stains from clothes, Zout is your go-to solution. It’s enzyme-powered, fabric-safe, and designed for the real-life messes that don’t always get treated right away.
Whether it’s underwear, pants, or bedsheets, Zout is the best stain remover spray to give you another chance at saving your favorite items. Visit the Zout product page to learn more or find Zout at a retailer near you.
