Brendan said the pants had been washed a few times, but not immediately after. If what Brendan is saying is true, then the blood that ST allegedly saw could not have been from Brendan's pants (since they weren't washed right away) and the blood would have remained in the pants. If blood gets on clothing it needs to be washed immediately, and even then it still can stain. A few years ago, I had a small tumor removed from my cheek, and, like an idiot, chewed some of my stitches out in my sleep. I woke up that morning w. blood all over my pillowcase, sheets, and the sweatshirt I was sleeping in. I tried numerous methods of washing all three of the stained articles, and none of them ever came completely clean. No judgment on Brendan, but I doubt he was paying special attention to the blood stains. They should have been there if they weren't cleaned. I'd also like to take the time to point out that not only is the statement by ST hearsay, but anything ST said should be taken w. a grain of salt- he had a shaky alibi, as did BD (not Brendan, his brother) and both of them should have been regarded more carefully as suspects.
I do believe Brendan had bleach on his pants, and I do believe Barb was aware of it, but I don't believe that came from Steven's garage, unless and until I see more of Barb's statements. I don't believe ST's statement about the blood having anything to do w. Brendan. Seems to me like he may be concerned that someone would find blood on his clothes, and he was trying to blame it on one of the Dassey boys.
Also, Brendan was aware of the blood and bleach, at least after cops told him to be aware of it. He stated that the bleach splashed on his pants after pouring it (after cops tell him they know he was cleaning the garage) and IMO the evidence found in the garage is not consistent w. Brendan's story- just like most of the evidence is not consistent w. Brendan's story.