How to Get Blood Out of Shoes

Whether you’ve suffered a nosebleed, minor scrape or a more significant cut, if you’ve got blood on your favourite shoes, don’t panic.

Luckily, there are a several methods you can use to remove both fresh and dried blood. So, if you want to get your footwear looking fresh again, keep reading to learn how to get blood out of shoes.

Whatever the material, from canvas to leather, we’ll outline the best products and techniques to use for a stain-free finish. Let’s get started!

 

How to Treat Fresh Blood Stains on Shoes

The first step to getting fresh blood out of canvas shoes and trainers is to blot up as much as you can.

The best way to do this is with a damp microfibre cloth dipped in cold water and wrung out.

Just make sure you avoid using hot water as this can set the blood into the fibres. You should also rotate the cloth as you blot and work from the outside in to stop it spreading.

Once the bulk of the residue has been removed and a faint pink mark remains, you can move onto stain removal.

There are three main options when it comes to getting fresh blood stains out of shoes. These are washing up liquid, enzyme-based detergent and white vinegar.

Method 1: Washing up liquid

1. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with cold water, then add a few drops of washing up liquid. Ecover and Wilton London both offer colourless formulas which are ideal.
2. Agitate gently to create a sudsy mixture, then dab it directly onto the stain. Be careful not to rub or press too hard when dabbing, otherwise you may push the stain in further. Repeat as needed, rinsing the cloth and reapplying washing up liquid each time.
3. When the blood stops lifting from the fabric, rinse the area with a clean cloth dipped in cold water. Then pat dry with some paper towel.
4. If your shoes are machine washable, you can finish up by running them through a 30°C cycle on a low spin setting. This will help to brighten the fabric, but be sure to pre-treat the shoes to remove the blood before laundering. Then leave them to air dry.

 

Method 2: Enzyme-based detergent

Alternatively, you can try the same method but with half a teaspoon of biological liquid laundry detergent instead. These grime-fighting formulas contain enzymes which break down tough organic stains, including blood. Apply onto a cloth or directly on the stain, then blot as above.

Tip: if laundering after pre-treatment, there’s no need to rinse the detergent off beforehand.

 

Method 3: White vinegar

If you’d prefer to use a natural cleaner, distilled white vinegar is another effective way to get blood out of shoes.

For best results, dab neat vinegar onto the dampened stain, then leave for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.

You may need to repeat the process several times, but you should see the red stain lightening after each treatment.

Tip: if treating mesh shoes, dilute the vinegar 50:50 with cold water to prevent weakening.

 

How Do You Get Dried Blood Stains Out of Shoes?

Wondering how to get dried blood out of shoes? Start by removing any visible flakes, either with a brush or a blunt knife.

Then blot with cold water, as you would if treating fresh blood. Next, whilst the material still damp, apply one of the following to help lift the remaining stain.

Method 1: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective when it comes to breaking down the proteins found in blood droplets. It can used on both fresh and dried stains, and is more powerful than vinegar for the latter.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that as a mild bleaching agent, it should be tested it on a discreet area first. Provided the shoes are colourfast or white, you’re good to go.

1. Start by combining 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts cold water in a bowl. (For white shoes, you can increase the ratio to 50:50).
2. Dab the solution onto the dampened stain using a white, lint-free cloth. Once saturated, leave to soak into the material for 3 minutes.
3. When time’s up, rewet the cloth with the solution and begin blotting the stain. You should see the red tint lifting from the shoe onto the cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone or no more colour comes up.
4. Next, rinse well with a clean cloth dipped in cold water and leave to air dry.

 

Method 2: Bicarbonate of soda

Another option is a bicarbonate of soda paste. This gentler approach can help to prolong the life of your shoe’s fabric.

The mildly abrasive texture and natural lightening properties can work wonders on blood stains. Especially if you’re treating white canvas shoes or trainers!

All you need to do is combine 2 teaspoons of bicarb with a splash of water to create a paste.

Apply over the damp stain and leave to soak for half an hour. Then, brush off the excess with a soft bristle brush – this may well look pink as the bicarb is absorbent. 

Next, re-wet the stain and apply another sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda. Then, use an old, clean toothbrush to scrub the area and work out any blood trapped deeper in the fibres.

Once you’ve done that, rinse well and then check to see if the stain has gone. Repeat as required.

 

Method 3: Oxygen bleach

If the above fails, you can try an oxygen bleach-based stain remover like Vanish Oxi Action.

However, we’d recommend using this as a spot treatment, rather than a soak, as this can weaken the shoe’s adhesive.

Dissolve in warm water as directed on the packet, then leave to cool before applying to the stain. Leave to sit for 5 minutes, then rinse well with a clean cloth.

 

Can You Get Blood Out of Leather Shoes?

Leather shoes are somewhat water repellent and therefore fairly resistant to blood stains.

With that in mind, you can often get blood out of leather shoes with a simple washing up liquid and water solution.

Simply wipe the blood spatter off the surface with the soapy mixture, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Pat dry with some paper towel, then leave to air dry.

The exception to this rule is suede, which you mustn’t get wet if you want to avoid damaging the material.

In this case, rubbing alcohol is your best bet. Pour onto a clean white cloth, then use to blot the stain, rotating to a clean section each time.

Once you’re done, allow to air dry. You can also use rubbing alcohol to tackle stubborn blood stains on leather or canvas shoes.