It’s not such an easy decision to make when you’re skeptical about how to get blood out of shoes. There are so many processes and stain removers one can use to do this; the confusion is which stain remover is suitable.
So, how to get blood out of your shoes? You can blot the blood with a rag or towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Rinse the shoe with water, scrub the shoe with soapy water, and use wine away to scrub off the blood.
In this article, we’ve discussed in detail the step-by-step process of how to get blood out of your shoes. Also, we’ve addressed how to care for your shoes. You’ll discover some vital information in the course of reading this article. So, continue reading to find out more about this subject.
Article Summary:
- There are so many methods listed here to get blood out of your shoe. When you notice there is blood on your shoe, immediately start one of the methods.
- The most effective stain remover used to remove blood stains from shoes is hydrogen peroxide. The bubbling nature helps it bubble out tough stains within seconds.
- When cleaning blood out of your shoe, avoid scrubbing the blood with a rag. Instead, dub it so as not to spread the blood all over the shoe.
- When taking care of your shoe, ensure to have different shoe brushes for different colors of polish so that you don’t mix different colors of polish on your shoe.
- Ensure to always clean the shoe with a clean cloth after polishing and shining. This is to remove all the brush marks.
Can You Get Blood Out Of Shoes?
You can get blood out of shoes by using a variety of processes and different stain removers. The most effective stain remover is white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, which, when used with a rag, can be used to scrub off the blood stain.
But the stain removers might not make your shoe look as good as new. The color and texture might not be the same as when you bought the shoe newly. Based on the type and model of the shoe, some are sensitive to detergent and other chemicals. So the blood stain might partially remain because the materials used to make the shoes are not the same.
The key to success is patience as well as the proper cleaning technique. You should first try out the simplest methods. When those techniques do not work, you can then try out the more elaborate remedies if needed. But you need to know that there is a reason why it is not easy to remove blood stains. It is due to the blood’s clotting mechanism.
The blood hemoglobin, as well as other coagulating features, induces the blood to clot. As a result, the blood binds together very fast when it is subjected to air. It will then effectively bind the blood on any surface it spills on, including shoes.
Although the ability of blood to clot is crucial in the healing process of injuries, it makes it very difficult to remove stains. That notwithstanding, if you want to save your shoes while you eliminate the blood stain, you can do the following;
- Get the blood out of the shoes as fast as you can before the blood dries and permanently sets.
- Do not use hot water or any heat treatment method on blood stains. When you apply heat treatment, it can make the stain set. Thus, removing the stain becomes impossible.
- When you want to remove the blood stain, you can start from the outer edges. Then you can proceed to the interior so that you wouldn’t inadvertently spread the bloodstain to a broader area.
- If the bloodstain on your shoe is tough, you need to break the stains up with a chemical cleaner.
What You Will Need:
Below are the things that you’ll need to remove the blood stains from your shoes.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective chemical for removing blood stains from a shoe. But before using this chemical, a little test has to be conducted to be sure it won’t damage the fabric of your shoe. Start by pouring a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide on a rag, and use it to clean a very small part of the shoe. If you get the result you want, you can continue with it but if not, discontinue the use of the chemical.
2. Clean Cloth/Rags
Before using a rag to clean blood stain from a shoe, be sure to use dark-colored microfiber clothe. This is because it has a texture that blends very well with any shoe material, whether leather or rubber.
3. Dish Soap
Dish soap has a wide range of use due to its effectiveness in cleaning nearly all stains. That is exactly why it is used for cleaning blood stains from shoes.
4. Water
Water is very necessary for the rinsing of the shoe after scrubbing the shoe with a rag. Without water, the shoe will remain soapy.
5. Protective Gloves
This is very important to protect the hand from the toxic nature of hydrogen peroxide or soap. Considering blood is involved and especially if it is someone else’s blood. The glove plays a unique role in protecting the hand during the cleaning process.
Step By Step Process For How To Get Blood Out Of Shoes
Here is a step-by-step process on how to get blood out of shoes.
Step 1: Blot the stain
A damp cloth is usually used to blot the stain. During the process of cleaning, ensure to use a clean damp cloth. So as not to escalate the stain all over the shoe. Another reason for using a damp cloth is so that regardless of the nature of the blood stains. Whether dried or fresh, the damp cloth will remove it.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to dub the blood stain instead of scrubbing it. This is to prevent spreading the stain to the rest of the shoe. It’s also so that the stain won’t be difficult to remove. Approach large stains from the edge.
Step 3: Rinse the shoe with water
A clean cloth is used with water to rinse the shoe and allowed to air-dry. But if, after rinsing and you find out that the stains are there, repeat the entire process. Use hydrogen peroxide until you are certain all the stains are out.
Step 4: Scrub with Soapy water
After being sure, all the blood stains have been removed completely, soak another clean rag in soapy water containing detergent. Use the rag to scrub the shoe gently to remove the remaining traces of blood from the shoe. Continue this until the entire blood is gone.
Other Ways To Remove Blood Stains
- Use White Vinegar: This is a natural blood stain remover that dissolves stains. Soak the shoe in vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse the shoe. If the blood stain is still there, repeat the process. Then due to the strong smell of vinegar, air-dry the shoe for a couple of days.
- Apply Wine Away: This wine stain remover is very effective for removing stubborn stains. When applied to the blood-stained shoe, allow sitting for 20 minutes before washing off. Your shoe comes out looking brand new.
- Apply Lemon and Baking Soda: Mix lemon juice and baking soda, apply it to your shoe and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse gently with a damp cloth. If the blood stain is still there, repeat the procedure until your shoe looks brand new.
- Apply Coca-Cola: Due to the phosphoric acid and carbonation Coca-Cola contains, makes it effective on blood stains. Pour a cup of coke on the stain and allow it to sit until you observe that the blood stain is no more. Depending on the gravity of the blood stain, sometimes it might take up to 3 hours to rid your shoe of blood stains using coke.
How To Properly Care For Your Shoes
Caring for your shoes can extend the life span of your shoes by years, so it is worth the investment. Anybody that loves wearing his/her shoes will definitely take great care of them. When you do not take care of your shoes as they require, the soles of the shoe will likely change. So, can do the following tips;
Keep your Shoes Away From Moisture
Shoes do not like moisture at all. So, you should never allow your shoe to be in a moist area to prevent bacteria growth on the shoe. This growth can induce the material of your shoe to easily breakdown.
To keep your shoe free of bacteria, you can apply desiccants such as; silica gels or pouches. If you don’t have silica, you can always use newspaper to stuff inside the shoes. Just make to change them every week to protect your shoe soles from moisture.
Don’t Allow Dust On Your Shoes
Even though you are wearing the same shoe every day, make sure that you keep them free of dust by cleaning. Too much dust on any shoe can cause the shoe to lose its natural color. As a result, the shoe will look old before its time.
Therefore, you should always clean or polish your shoes regularly to make them look new always. After cleaning your shoes, you can store them inside your shoe closet.
It is Necessary to Use A Shoe Tree
When your shoes are not in use, it is important to place a shoe tree inside them. The tree will make sure that your shoe’s original texture and shape are reinstated. If you use cedar shoe trees, they can keep moisture away from your shoes.
Avoid Direct Sunlight On Your Shoes
Direct sunlight or scorching heat is not good for any shoe. It can lead to dry-rotting, which causes the shoe to become stiff.
When it stiffens, the shoe can crumble in time. That is why; it is better to keep your shoes in a conducive environment to last long.
Avoid The Use Of Plastic Shoeboxes
Shoes also need adequate air circulation. Thus, using cardboard or plastic shoe boxes for them is not a good idea. You can instead use breathable material bags to store the shoes. As a result, the shoes can enjoy maximum air circulation.
Always Clean The Soles of your Shoes
A very good sole is the major basis of a great shoe. Thus, it is crucial to keep it clean at all times. To clean your shoe soles, Gentle tap your shoe with each other outside to remove any loose dust Apply a brush to them to remove any dirt on their soles Make use of a dry paintbrush to eliminate dirt within the sole grooves.
Use Shiner and Polish
You may not know it, but shoes need shiner and polish to retain their new look. So, when you apply a shiner and polish on your shoe regularly, it can last long. Moreover, it will maintain the shoe’s texture and shine.
Restore The Leather
Leather can breathe. You can help your leather shoes to breathe better by restoring them with a good shoe cream. However, you can only use the shoe cream on a dry shoe with the help of a soft cloth or brush. Allow the cream to set effectively by letting the shoe stay idle overnight before wearing them.
For White Sole and Sneaker Shoes
You need to take care of white sneakers and soles. You can use a spotless magic eraser soaked in dishwasher soap to clean stains away from them. As a result, your soles and sneakers shoes will always have a flawless new look.
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide To Brighten your Shoes
Like many people, you may probably don’t know that you can also make your old shoes look brand new. All it will take you is to dip a toothbrush inside a baking soda or hydrogen peroxide paste. Then gently scrub it all over your shoe and see the paste work magic on your shoes. Your shoe will become shiny and bright like a new one.
Bottom Line
Dealing with blood stains can be very stressful and difficult at most times. It has a messy look. Moreover, the stain can quickly ruin the material of your shoes, especially when the stain dries. Fortunately, you can easily restore your shoe with a blood stain and make it look as good as new.
Most times, knowing how to get blood out of shoes is dependent on the nature of the shoe material. Some shoe materials make it possible for the blood not to seep in too deep. So, in that case, it is easier to wipe off the blood using a rag soaked in soapy water. But when the stain is tough, use the other methods we’ve discussed above.
Steven is a former sportsperson and now a full-time businessman and research writer. He is the mastermind of this site, and he created this site to help people who need specialized shoes for different activities. When he was a sportsperson, he was very passionate about different types of shoes for his sports purpose. The passion he had for shoes at that time now turned into his profession. Besides his shoe business, he loves sharing his knowledge and experience with people and helping them maintain healthy feet.
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