Reading Time: 6 minutes How to Clean Blood Off Shoes and Clothing Using Hydrogen Peroxide
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
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.
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?
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.
As parents of 3 little kids, Force of Nature is our go-to all purpose cleaner. It's nontoxic but is EPA approved for use against Covid-19.
We love vinegar, but we use Force of Nature every day.
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.
Step 2 Spot Test: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a less visible area of the shoe to check for color fastness.
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.
Step 4 Rinsing: Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the hydrogen peroxide and loosened blood. Repeat the application if necessary.
Step 5 Drying: Let the shoe air dry away from direct sunlight.
Step By Step: Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes
Best Way To Clean Blood Off Of Shoes
Ingredients Â
- 1 TBSP % hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup Cold water
- 1 piece Clean cloth or cotton ball
InstructionsÂ
- 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.
- Spot Test: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a less visible area of the shoe to check for color fastness.
- 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.
- Rinsing: Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the hydrogen peroxide and loosened blood. Repeat the application if necessary.
- Drying: Let the shoe air dry away from direct sunlight.
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.