Skip to content
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
  • DIYExpand
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money MattersExpand
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat WellExpand
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live LifeExpand
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel TipsExpand
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
ByGreg Wilson, CFA Updated onJuly 23, 2024 Reading Time: 6 minutes
Home » DIY » Green Cleaning » How to Clean Blood Off Shoes and Clothing Using Hydrogen Peroxide

How to Clean Blood Off Shoes and Clothing Using Hydrogen Peroxide

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.

Share with your friends!
FacebookPinterestMessengerWhatsAppEmailShareFlipboardRedditSMSX

We recently visited some friends in Kansas City. We were all just hanging around having fun, and then we noticed blood on their carpet. It was fresh blood.

It turns out their sweet new puppy stepped on something and cut his paw. One of our friends is a nurse. She treated her puppy’s wound and made sure he was fine.

But as my friend was taking care of their dog, he ended up with blood on his shoes.

Blood on shoes
Miley’s bloody shoe

I love cleaning hacks, so what Crystal did next to her husband’s shoes seemed like magic. Crystal isn’t just a nurse, she is a hospice nurse. She knew exactly what to do. She grabbed hydrogen peroxide and a cloth.

So I knew I had to write a tutorial on how to clean the blood off of shoes and clothing and another one on how to clean the blood off of the carpet!

This blog post will guide you through the process, explain why hydrogen peroxide works, and offer important tips on when to use it and when to avoid it.

Table of Contents

  • What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
  • Why Hydrogen Peroxide Works for Blood Stains
  • When Not to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
  • How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Blood Off Shoes
  • Step By Step: Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes
  • Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes
  • Do’s and Don’ts Of Cleaning Blood Off Of Shoes
  • Things Not to Do
  • How To Clean Blood Stains
  • Next Up From ChaChingQueen

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound that acts as a powerful oxidizing agent. It’s essentially water (H2O) with an extra oxygen molecule.

This composition makes it effective for cleaning and disinfecting, as it breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues.

Available in various concentrations, for household cleaning and as an antiseptic, a 3% solution is typically used.

Why Hydrogen Peroxide Works for Blood Stains

The effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide in removing blood stains lies in its ability to break down the blood’s structure.

Blood stains contain hemoglobin, which, when broken down, loses its color and dissolves more easily in water.

Hydrogen peroxide’s oxidizing properties allow it to react with the hemoglobin, making it easier to remove the stain.

When Not to Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Despite its effectiveness, hydrogen peroxide is not suitable for all situations. Avoid using it on:

  • Delicate fabrics: Silk, wool, or any fabric that may be damaged by bleaching agents should be cleaned using a different method.
  • Colored materials: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach or discolor fabrics. Always perform a spot test on a hidden area first.
  • Very old stains: For stains that have set in for a long time, hydrogen peroxide might not be effective, and professional cleaning could be necessary.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Blood Off Shoes

Materials Needed To Remove Blood From Shoes

  • 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • Cold water
  • Clean cloth or cotton ball
  • Soft brush (for shoes)

Tutorial: Cleaning Blood Off Of Shoes

Step 1 Preparation: If the blood is still wet, blot (do not rub) as much of it off with a clean cloth. If the blood has dried, scrape off any excess from the surface.

A person wiping a shoe with a cloth.
A person wiping a shoe with a cloth.

Step 2 Spot Test: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a less visible area of the shoe to check for color fastness.

A person cleaning a pair of shoes on a tile floor.
A person cleaning a pair of shoes on a tile floor.

Step 3 Application: Dab a cloth or cotton ball in 3% hydrogen peroxide and gently pat it onto the stain. For textured surfaces like sneakers, you can use a soft brush to lightly apply the hydrogen peroxide.

A person holding a paper towel dispenser.
A person holding a paper towel dispenser.

Step 4 Rinsing: Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the hydrogen peroxide and loosened blood. Repeat the application if necessary.

A person putting a shoe on a tile floor.
A person putting a shoe on a tile floor.

Step 5 Drying: Let the shoe air dry away from direct sunlight.

A pair of white running shoes on a tile floor.
A pair of white running shoes on a tile floor.

Step By Step: Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes

Blood on shoes

Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes

This is the best way to clean blood off of shoes. A hospice nurse showed us this blood cleaning hack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 TBSP % hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 cup Cold water
  • 1 piece Clean cloth or cotton ball

Instructions
 

  • Preparation: If the blood is still wet, blot (do not rub) as much of it off with a clean cloth. If the blood has dried, scrape off any excess from the surface.
    Blood on shoes
  • Spot Test: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a less visible area of the shoe to check for color fastness.
    A person putting a shoe on a tile floor.
  • Application: Dab a cloth or cotton ball in 3% hydrogen peroxide and gently pat it onto the stain. For textured surfaces like sneakers, you can use a soft brush to lightly apply the hydrogen peroxide.
    A person holding a paper towel dispenser.
  • Rinsing: Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the hydrogen peroxide and loosened blood. Repeat the application if necessary.
    A person putting a shoe on a tile floor.
  • Drying: Let the shoe air dry away from direct sunlight.
    A pair of white running shoes on a tile floor.

Related: Toothpaste Magic: 70 Household Items You Won’t Believe It Can Clean

Do’s and Don’ts Of Cleaning Blood Off Of Shoes

Do:

  • Act quickly: The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove.
  • Use cold water: Hot water can set the stain, making it harder to remove.

Don’t:

  • Rub the stain: This can spread the blood further into the material.
  • Use too much force: Gentle patting is key to avoid damaging the material.

Things Not to Do

  • Do not use on dry-clean-only fabrics without consulting a professional.
  • Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or bleach, as this can create harmful reactions.
  • Do not apply heat (like using a hair dryer) to speed up the drying, as it may set the stain.

Related: Creative and Practical Uses of Magic Eraser You Might Not Know

How To Clean Blood Stains

  • Fresh stains: Treat immediately with hydrogen peroxide for the best results.
  • Old stains: Pre-soak the area with cold water for at least 30 minutes before applying hydrogen peroxide. This may help loosen the stain, making it easier to remove.

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful tool for cleaning blood off shoes and clothing, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the material and age of the stain.

Always test a small area first and proceed with caution. With the right approach, you can remove these challenging stains and keep your belongings looking their best.

Next Up From ChaChingQueen

  • 64 Creative And Practical Uses Of Hydrogen Peroxide
  • How To Clean A Microwave: Eight Easy Ways
  • Top 10 Travel Tips To Pack Lighter
  • How To Clean A Mattress: Ultimate Guide To Mattress Stain Remover
  • Water Park Essentials: Why Aqua Shoes Should Be On Your List

Trending Now

How Often Should You Clean Your House: Woman Cleaning Oven

How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips

Woman Doing Laundry Using Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets

Earth Breeze Review: Dehydrated Laundry Sheets

amazon prime box

My Secrets: How To Get Amazon Coupons, Discount Codes, Promo Codes, Free Stuff, and Deals

Text reads: "18 DIY Homemade Household Products you can easily make at home" in colorful handwritten-style font on a dark background.

18+ DIY Household Products You Can Make at Home

Amazon Gift Card

How To Save On Amazon Prime Membership + Prime Benefits

What To Teach Kids About Money

What To Teach Kids About Money: An Expert Weighs In

As Seen On
bloomberg logo
business insider logo
msn logo
usa today logo
family handy man logo
yahoo finance logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Disclosure and Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Web Stories
Email Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

© 2025

ChaChingQueen does not provide individual or customized medical, legal, or financial advice. Since each individual's situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted about your specific situation before making financial and/or medical decisions.

Cha Ching Queen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

  • DIY
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money Matters
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat Well
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live Life
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel Tips
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Facebook X Instagram
Search
Share to
BufferCopyEmailFacebookFlipboardHacker NewsLineLinkedInMessengerMixPinterestPocketPrintRedditSMSSubscribeTelegramTumblrXVKWhatsAppXingYummly