Blood stains on sheets can be common, whether it’s a nosebleed in the middle of the night, a cut or scrape, or even menstruation. While removing blood stains may seem like a daunting task, it is possible to restore your sheets to their pristine condition. The key to cleaning blood stains is to act quickly and follow the right steps. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get blood out of sheets effectively and efficiently.

Removing Fresh Blood Stains

When removing fresh blood stains, time is of the essence. Acting on stubborn stains quickly can prevent the blood from setting into the fabric, making the stain more difficult to remove. Follow these steps to remove fresh blood stains from your sheets effectively:

Use Cold Water

Always start by using cold water when treating blood stains on sheets. Hot water can set the stain, making it harder to remove. Remove the sheets from the bed and hold the stained area under cold running water when you notice the stain. This will help flush the stain deeper and out as much blood as possible.

Dab the Stain

Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can lead the blood to spread and further penetrate the fabric. Instead, gently dab the stained area with a cold, wet washcloth. Dabbing the stained cloth also helps remove excess blood not yet soaked into the sheets.

Soak in Cold Water

After dabbing the stain, it’s time to soak the bed sheets in cold water. Fill a bathtub or basin with cold water and submerge the stained sheets. 

Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This soaking process helps loosen the stain and prepare it for further treatment.

Use a Stain Fighter

Now it’s time to bring out the big guns – a powerful stain fighter. You can use various household items for this purpose, but one highly effective option is hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. This method works particularly well for white or lighter-colored sheets. However, if you have darker sheets, test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t bleach or damage the fabric.

To use hydrogen peroxide as a stain fighter:

• Fill a large bowl with cold water and place the stained section of the sheet in it.
• Pour approximately ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide over the stain and add more cold water to cover the entire area.
• Allow the stain to remain on the sheets to soak in this solution for about 24 hours. If the stain persists after this time, repeat the process.

Machine Wash

After the soaking process, it’s time to machine wash your sheets. Use a regular wash cycle and cold water for the best results. Be sure to use a mild detergent that is suitable for your sheets. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals at this stage, as they may further damage the fabric.

Air Dry Your Sheets

Finally, avoid using the dryer when removing blood stains from sheets. Heat can set the stain, making it even more challenging to remove. Instead, opt to air-dry your blood-stained sheets first. Hang them outside in the sunlight or use a fan to speed up the drying process. Once dry, check if the stain has completely disappeared. If not, consider repeating the above process or trying a different stain-fighting solution.

Removing Dried Blood Stains

Removing dried blood stains can be more challenging since the stain has already set into the fabric. However, with the right approach, it is still possible for saliva to remove blood stains to restore your sheets. To effectively eliminate dried blood stains, adhere to these steps:

Soak in Cold Water Overnight

Begin by submerging the sheets in cold water overnight. This extended soaking period helps to loosen the dried blood, making it easier to remove. Fill a basin or bathtub with cold water and submerge the sheets completely. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

After the overnight soak, it’s time to tackle the dried blood stain more directly. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, take a soft-bristled brush and gently pat the stubborn stain to help loosen it. After patting, use a cold, wet rag to dab the stain and remove any loosened particles.

Machine Wash and Air Dry

Once you’ve treated the dried blood stain with hydrogen peroxide, it’s time to wash and dry your sheets. Use a regular wash cycle with cold water and a mild laundry detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals unless your sheets are white and can tolerate them. Finally, air dry your sheets to prevent any heat from further setting the fresh blood stain in.

Don’t be discouraged if the best stain remover doesn’t completely disappear after the first attempt. Repeat the process as necessary, and consider trying different stain remover treatments to find the one that works best for your specific sheets.

15 Effective Stain Removers for Blood

In addition to the abovementioned methods, several household solutions can help remove blood stains from sheets. Here are 15 effective stain removers for old blood stains:

• Lemon Juice: In the absence of hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice can serve as a viable substitute. After soaking the sheet in cold water, apply lemon juice to the stain, gently rub it, rinse with cold water, and repeat the process if needed.
• Meat Tenderizer: Surprisingly, unsalted meat tenderizer can also help remove blood stains. Sprinkle some tenderizer on the stain, add water, and create a paste. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
• White Vinegar: Apply white vinegar directly onto the blood stain and let it soak for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water afterward.
• Aspirin: Crush one to three tablespoons of uncoated aspirin and sprinkle it on the stain. Mix in water to form a paste, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the area. Remove any residue once the paste has dried and rinse with cold water.
• Salt Water: Mix one cup of cold water with one teaspoon of salt. Wet a towel with the solution and apply it to the bloodstain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
• Baking Soda and Lemon Juice: Combine two parts lemon juice with one part baking soda to create a paste. Dab the bloodstain with the paste and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
• Cornstarch and Baking Soda: Combine one tablespoon of baking soda and cornstarch with cold water to produce a paste. Spread the paste over the stain, permit it to dry, eliminate any remaining residue, and replicate the procedure as required.
• Salt and Dish Soap: Dampen the stain with cold water, then combine one tablespoon of dish soap with two tablespoons of salt. Soak the stained sheet in the mixture for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Ammonia: Mix ammonia and water, then dab it onto the bloodstain. Put the sheets in the wash after treatment.
• Stain Stick: Use a stain stick to treat the bloodstain. After soaking the sheets in cold water, rub the stain stick directly onto the stained area. Wait for about 20 minutes before washing as usual.
• Cola: Submerge the stained portion of the sheet in cola and allow it to rest for a few hours. The compounds in the soda can assist in lifting the stain, facilitating its removal when you wash it.
• Bleach: Bleach can be a potent stain remover if you have white sheets. Dilute about four tablespoons of bleach with ¼ cup of water, then apply it to the stain and let it soak for 30-45 minutes.
• Club Soda: Pour club soda into the affected area and let it fizz. Blot the stain until it begins to disappear.
• Oxiclean: Pre-soak your sheets in cold water, then mix Oxiclean with cold water according to the instructions on the label. Add your sheets to the solution and let them soak for up to six hours.
• Contact Solution: Spray the contact method onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few hours. Repeat this process until the stain becomes lighter, and then launder the sheets in a regular washing cycle.

Remember to repeat the chosen stain removal process as many times as necessary until the stain is completely dissolved. Once the stain starts to fade, finish the fresh stain off by washing your sheets as usual with cold water and a mild detergent.

Preventive Measures

Though accidents can occur, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of blood stains on your sheets. Consider the following tips:

• Address wounds promptly: If you or someone in your household has a bleeding wound, tend to it promptly to minimize the chances of blood on the sheets.
• Use protective covers: Consider using mattress protectors, pillow protectors, and duvet covers to add a layer of protection to your bedding. You can effortlessly remove and launder these covers, preventing blood from soaking into the fabric.
• Treat stains immediately: When you notice a blood stain, follow the earlier steps to remove it promptly. The longer the stain remains, the harder it is to eliminate.
• Have stain removers on hand: Keep a few stain remover options readily available in your laundry room or bathroom cabinet. This will allow you to tackle blood stains as soon as they occur.
• Consider darker-colored sheets: If you’re prone to accidents or have concerns about visible stains, opt for darker-colored sheets that are less likely to show blood stains.

FAQs about How to Get Blood Out of Sheets

Can I use hot water to remove blood stains?

Hot water can set blood stains, making them harder to remove. Always use cold water.

Can I use bleach to remove blood stains?

It’s best to avoid using bleach on blood stains, as it can damage the fabric. Stick to cold water and mild detergent.

How do I remove dried bloodstains?

Try a hydrogen peroxide solution or a salt and water paste for dried bloodstains. These methods are effective in breaking down dried blood.

What if the bloodstain is on colored sheets?

When dealing with colored sheets, testing any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area is crucial to ensure it doesn’t bleach or discolor the fabric.

Are there commercial stain removers I can use?

Yes, there are commercial stain removers available. Just follow the product’s instructions and test it on a small area of the fabric first.

Can I use vinegar to remove blood stains?

Vinegar can be effective on some bloodstains, especially when combined with cold water. However, always test it on a small area first to avoid damaging the fabric.

Conclusion

Eliminating blood stains from sheets might appear challenging, but restoring your bedding to its original state is feasible with proper methods and stain-removing products. Whether dealing with fresh or dried blood stains, acting quickly and using cold water is key. Additionally, you can try various household blood stain removers, such as hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or meat tenderizer.

Remember, prevention is the best approach, period blood everywhere. Address wounds promptly, use protective covers, and treat stains immediately to minimize the chances of blood stains on your sheets. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your bedding fresh, clean, and free from unsightly stains. Sleep tight!