Does hydrogen peroxide remove blood?

Yes, very effectively on white and light fabrics. It breaks down hemoglobin. Test on colored fabrics first -- it can bleach.

Can you use bleach on blood stains?

On white fabrics only. Bleach works but is harsher than peroxide. Peroxide is usually sufficient and safer.

Cold water rinse immediately, treat with peroxide or enzyme cleaner, wash on cold. Check before drying.

Blood is protein-based. Cold water keeps the protein from binding to fibers. Hot water cooks the protein, bonding it permanently.

Stain Removal

Stain removal is all about speed and technique. Here's the proven method for tackling blood stains effectively.

1
Rinse with cold water immediately
Hold the stained fabric under cold running water from the back side to push blood out rather than deeper in. Never use hot water.
2
Apply salt paste
Make a paste of salt and cold water. Apply to the stain and rub gently. Salt draws blood out of fabric fibers.
3
Treat with hydrogen peroxide
For white and light fabrics, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. It will fizz as it breaks down the blood.
4
Wash with cold water
Wash the garment on a cold cycle with Power Wash Laundry Detergent. Check the stain before drying -- heat sets blood stains permanently.

TIPCold water is critical -- hot water cooks the protein in blood and sets the stain permanently.
TIPYour own saliva contains enzymes that break down your own blood. It sounds odd but works on small fresh stains.
TIPFor dried blood, soak in cold water with enzyme-based detergent for 30 minutes before treating.

XUsing hot water, which denatures the blood proteins and bonds them to the fabric permanently.
XPutting the garment in the dryer before confirming the stain is gone -- heat sets blood stains.
XUsing hydrogen peroxide on dark or colored fabrics, which can bleach the color.

Yes, but it's harder. Soak in cold water with enzyme detergent for several hours, then treat with hydrogen peroxide (on light fabrics).