USEFUL TIPS
7 Tips & Tricks on How To Get Blood Out of Sheets
5 min read
5 min read
While we're the first to admit that getting blood out of sheets isn't the easiest task, that's not to say it's not possible. The key to preventing a blood stain is being proactive; like any stain, the longer it sits, the better chance it'll stay.
Whether you're prone to nightly nosebleeds, it was your time of the month, or your little crawled into bed with a scrap, getting blood on your sheets is inevitable. And as long as you work diligently, you will not need to retire your beloved bedding prematurely.
How To Remove a Fresh Blood Stain
We will give you a game plan for removing fresh or dry blood stains, but first, let's start with a fresh blood stain. While you can follow these steps regardless of how recent the stain is, these are our six top tips on removing a fresh blood stain:
Tip 1. Work Quickly
When it comes to blood stains, time is against you. The longer the stain sits on the sheet, the more challenging the removal process. Of course, if the stain occurs in the middle of the night, chances are you won't notice it until morning. Luckily, as long as you begin the washing process when you see it, you should be in the clear.
Getting out a dried bloodstain is a bit more tricky, but we'll have tips for those as well; just read until the article's end.
Tip 2. Use Cold Water
Like any other stain, cold water is your best friend regarding bloodstains. Hot water tends to set the stain deeper, whereas cold water will help rinse the excess blood out of the sheet.
Tip 3. Dab, Don't Scrub
As tempting as it can be, don't scrub at your blood stain; instead, you want to dab it with a dampened cloth gently. Rubbing or scrubbing at the stain can cause it to spread while simultaneously getting pushed deeper into the fabric — two things you want to avoid altogether.
Tip 4. Soak in Cold Water
No matter the type of stain you're dealing with, it's always ideal to soak the fabric in cold water before washing it. Allowing the garment to soak will help loosen up the stain making the washing machine's job much easier.
Tip 5. Use a Stain Remover
A solid stain fighter will be your saving grace during this bedding nightmare. Once your sheets have been rinsed, dabbed, and soaked, you want to grab the most heavy-duty stain remover you've got to finish getting any remaining blood out.
Chances are that the stain is already mostly gone, but you should always use a stain remover for good measure.
Tip 6. Wash With the Best Detergent
This is no time to cheat yourself on the quality of your detergent. Bloodstains are tough, so your detergent needs to be tougher.
Using a natural laundry detergent, paired with a solid stain remover, should make your sheets as white as when you first bought them.
Knowing which detergent is the best can be tricky, but here are a few qualities to look for and a few to look out for. First, anything labeled eco-friendly is always a plus and is typically a detergent that won't be harsh on your skin. Look for keywords like “ultra-concentrated” and “powerful clean.” Having these qualities in your detergent is a recipe for stain-free sheets.
Detergents with ingredients like formaldehyde or other potentially harmful additives aren't good for you or your sheets. Miracle Made's laundry detergent sheets will get the job done without the unnecessary harsh additives.
Tip 7. Always Air Dry
No matter the stain, you should always air dry after your machine washes the fabric. Sometimes it can look like the blood stain is completely removed, but once it's dry in a dryer, you'll notice there is still a little left.
Once the fabric runs through a dry cycle, the chances of getting the stain out drop drastically. It's better to be safe than sorry; air dry your sheets completely and inspect them thoroughly to ensure the blood stain is gone before running them through a drying machine.
How To Remove Dried Blood Stains
Dealing with dried blood stains is a whole other ball game; these stains may require a bit more time and effort to get out, but nothing is impossible when you have the proper technique and supplies!
Soak Extra Long
Your average blood-stained sheets should soak in cold water for an hour or two, but if you're dealing with an old dried blood stain, it should soak for eight hours (or overnight).
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works great at removing all types of stains. Simply pour the peroxide solution directly on the stain, then gently pat it into the fabric. You can use a soft bristle brush to work the solution into the stain — just remember to be gentle.
Avoid the Dryer
As we mentioned, always air dry after stain removal, no matter what. Once you've sent your garments through a gentle wash cycle with cold water, you should air dry them.
Even if the stain remains, don't get discouraged. It's normal for tougher stains to take a few washes until completely removed. Just stay patient and repeat the process until desired results.
Trusty Stain Removers for Blood
Not all stains are created equal, meaning some stain removers work better depending on the type or severity of the stain.
Here are four stain removers that are known for their reliability against blood stains:
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a common alternative to hydrogen peroxide. So, if you're in a pinch and want to get a stain remover on your sheets as quickly as possible, grab a lemon and put it to work.
- White Vinegar
Vinegar is another household item that can help in your stain removal journey.
- Aspirin
Yes, this painkiller can also double as a stain-killer! Crush a few aspirin pills up, add a few tablespoons of water, and begin working the paste into the stain. You can use a scrub brush or a toothbrush but remember to dab, not scrub.
- Saltwater
We can't promise that making this concoction won't leave you craving warm beaches and palm trees, but we can say that it works great at removing unwanted bloodstains.
This stain remover takes two simple ingredients: salt and cold water. Once one cup of water and a teaspoon of salt is thoroughly combined, use a cloth to apply the solution to the blood-stained area. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If You Want To Revamp Your Bedding Anyways
Even if you're able to get that pesky stain out, sometimes, after a close examination, you realize it's time for all new bedding after all.
If you realized you need sheets anyways during your long journey of soaking and dabbing, we'd be silly not to recommend our Miracle Made Sheet Set.
Sleep is so important; sometimes, it takes a new bed set to realize what you've been missing. When you use high-quality, antibacterial, and temperature-regulating bedding, you may improve your sleep quality. Remaining cool and comfortable all night is a key to getting the perfect night's rest.
In With the Old (or New)
Unless it's a decision made solely out of a desire for something new, there should be no need to throw out your favorite sheets just yet. Even though blood stains can seem intimidating (and sometimes impossible), there is always hope. In most cases, even the toughest stains are removable; it just takes the right knowledge, elbow grease, and patience.
Sources:
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Formaldehyde | Medical Management Guidelines | Toxic Substance Portal | ATSDR
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Reliable and Scientific Tips for Cleaning With Vinegar | NSF
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How to Remove Blood Stains | HowStuffWorks
