Never use hot or warm water, or you might end up making the stain bond with the fabric.

Over time, blood will react with oxygen in the air and will get bound to the fibers more strongly. If you’ve found a fresh blood stain, go ahead and put it under water as fast as you can.

If you don’t have any salt on hand, but you happen to wear contacts, try using some of the saline solution you use for your contacts.

You can also add some lemon juice to lighten the stain.

Both hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice can lighten fabric, so they are not recommended for bright or dark-colored garments.

Avoid mixing detergents when using bleach, or you may cause a chemical reaction and create dangerous fumes. Be careful using bleach even on all-white garments, since it can create an uneven yellow look. Always test bleach in an inconspicuous part of the fabric to make sure it’s safe to use.

If you are in a rush and it is gloomy outside, consider turning a fan on and pointing it at the garment.