Using face paints, glitter and wigs is a huge part of fancy dress, whether for a themed party or a Halloween event.

Particularly in spooky season, you might find yourself using fake blood more often than usual as you try to recreate some famous haunted looks, from vampires to creepy film characters with chopped limbs.

However, what you might not have thought about is what happens if the liquid is accidentally dropped onto your clothes, whether that’s through applying the product when getting ready or the odd smear after one drink too many on a night out.

We have all heard horror stories about red wine stains but is fake blood just as damaging?

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How to get fake blood out of clothes

Better Homes & Gardens advises: “For fake blood stains on clothing, soak the garment in a solution of white vinegar and water overnight to lift out the stain.

“For tougher stains, apply white vinegar directly to the stain and let it sit overnight. Wash the item with a laundry detergent containing enzymes.”

If you find fake blood smeared into your carpet or rugs there is also a method you can try to remove it.

The home experts add: “A key component of any vampire or zombie costume, fake blood can be dreadful to clean.


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“For drips and splatters on carpet or upholstery, blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth, taking care not to spread the stain further.

“Spritz the area with club soda (sparkling water) and blot until the stain is gone.

“If the spot remains, treat it with a stain remover product appropriate for the material.”

How to remove pumpkin stains from clothes and carpets

If you have noticed stains from pumpkins after carving them over the Halloween period, do not fret as Better Homes & Gardens have even more tips on how to remove these vivid orange marks.

Cumnock Chronicle: Carving a pumpkin is fun but it can be messyCarving a pumpkin is fun but it can be messy (Image: Getty)

“Carving jack-o'-lanterns can be a messy business, but learning how to remove pumpkin stains from clothing and carpet isn't difficult.

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“First, clear away excess pumpkin residue by scraping with a dull knife and flushing with cool water.

“Dip a clean cloth into a mixture of equal parts liquid dish soap and warm water and blot the stain.

“Wash in the warmest temperature safe for the garment, or blot the area dry with a clean cloth.”