How To Get Blood Stains Out of Sheets: Your 911 To Stain Removal Success
Oh, bloody no! What’s that red stain on my favorite sheets? You guessed it, blood. The word alone is associated with pain, but your friends at Sheets Laundry Club encourage you to try some painless and effective ways to save your sheets. Here’s your 911 for how to get blood out of sheets. But first, why is blood so hard to remove when compared to other stains?
So Why Is Blood So Bullheaded?
Here's the red alert on blood stains. Blood serves a wonderful purpose inside our body but is challenging to remove from fabrics, including sheets and bedding. Blood is organic and full of proteins and hemoglobin, and when it comes into contact with the oxygen we breathe immediately bonds with fabric fibers. This bond creates a stubborn stain. The key is remaining calm, cool, and collected. Cool water and a collection of everyday household items, that is. You may be tempted to use hot water, but cool or cold is your sheet-saving hero when it comes to bullheaded blood stains. Hot water will set the stain into the fabric, making it more difficult to get out.
Treat The Stain As Soon As Possible
The sooner you treat the blood stain, the better. The best thing to do is remove the sheets from the bed, head to the sink, and run cold water over the stain to flush it out. Next, take a clean, soft cloth and dampen it with cold water. Blot or gently dab the stain. Avoid rubbing back and forth as they could set the stain and make it larger. You can also fill a sink or basin with cold water and soak the sheets for a few hours or overnight.
Pretreat The Stain Before The Washing Machine
It's important to treat the stain as soon as you can before putting them in the washing machine. There are many products on the market, like enzyme cleaners and bleach products, that are specifically designed for pretreating stains. They may or may not work on blood stains. Always read the labels for the fabrics they recommend and the types of stains they remove. If you prefer more natural methods, you probably already have blood-fighting warriors in your pantry or medicine chest. Take a look at six home remedies that double as effective blood stain removers.
White Vinegar: A Stain Removal Wonder
In addition to salad dressings and tasty dishes, distilled white vinegar is a recipe for success for blood stain removal. Why? Because it is acidic, its antibacterial properties remove blood stains. Simply pour the white vinegar over the stain, allow it to sit for 30 minutes, and rinse with cold water.
Dishwashing Liquid: Doubles As Stain Remover
The answer to your bloodstain problem might be as close as the kitchen sink. Everyday dishwashing liquid can double as an effective blood stain remover, especially for new stains that haven't dried. Apply the liquid soap to the stain while running under cold water and watch the blood wash right down the drain.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Bubbles Blood Stains Away
The power is in the fizz. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful liquid that breaks down the organic compounds in blood. Apply it to the stain and let it work its magic for 15 to 20 minutes or overnight, and rinse the stain away.
Baking Soda: Doubles As a Dynamite Stain Remover
This household helper is more than just for baking. It's a dynamite stain remover. Mix it with water to create a paste and apply it to the blood stain. After 30 minutes, rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
Table Salt: Natural Stain Absorber
From the table to the laundry room, salt is a natural stain remover. This everyday household ingredient doubles as a safe cleaning agent for many messes, including blood. Create a paste with cold water, apply it to the stain, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.
Meat Tenderizer: Tough on Blood Stains
This top-secret ingredient gets the job done! Unseasoned meat tenderizer naturally breaks down the protein in the blood and helps remove the stain. Make a paste with cold water, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Not All Sheets and Stains Are Created Equal
It's important to note that sheets and bedding are made of different fabrics, materials, and colors. How to get blood stains out of sheets will vary, but with these tips, persistence, and a touch of TLC, you will win the blood stain battle. Whether you use a product specifically designed as a blood stain remover or try a more natural approach with common household items, you may have to repeat the process before the stain is totally gone. This is especially the case with dried blood stains. Additionally, avoid the dryer until the stain is completely gone. With a little patience, a positive attitude, and the right approach, your sheets will look spotless and brand new.
Make the Laundry Detergent Switch: A Laundry Game Changer
If you are looking for how to get blood out of sheets, it's easier than you think when you take the time to pretreat them with a powerful stain remover. Did you know that the laundry detergent you use can also make a big difference? There's a better and more effective way than that colorful liquid or messy powder you're probably using. Introducing a laundry game-changer that is much easier for you, your family, and the environment. It's laundry sheets, and our customers who make the switch are raving. No more muss, no more fuss. Simply toss this liquid-free detergent into a load and enjoy clean, chemical-free fresh results. Plus, the innovative sustainable packaging takes up less room than traditional plastic bottles and boxes. Check out Sheets Laundry Club and subscribe and save with one of our convenient subscription boxes that will ship straight to your door.
Jamie Dorman
Jamie Dorman is the Social Media and Content Manager at Sheets Laundry Club. She has been in advertising for 11 years and is passionate about keeping our clothes and planet clean with eco-conscious products. She is also an avid reader, recreational guitarist and her favorite Sheets Laundry Club scent is Sea Breeze.