How to Remove Blood Stains from Bed Sheets

Blood on Sheets

Blood stains on your sheets can be a significant problem. Whether they’re from a small wound, the occasional nosebleed, or the monthly cycle that women contend with, knowing what to do is essential for maintaining and prolonging the freshness of your bedding. 

How to Get Blood Stains out of Sheets

1. The quicker you wash the blood from your sheets, the greater your success will be. Blood has proteins that bind quickly with fabric. The longer it stays on your sheets, the harder it is to remove.
2. Run cold water through the stained area from the underside of the fabric. The water will push the stain away from the fibers and prevent it from spreading.
3. Put a small amount of mild detergent on the stain. Apply gentle friction when rubbing the fabric together. Leave it for five minutes.
4. Use cold water to rinse the stained area.
5. Combine baking soda with water to make a paste. Spread it onto the stain and leave it for thirty minutes. Rinse with cold water.
6. Wash your sheets according to the care label instructions that came with them. Use cold water to prevent residual stains from setting in.
7. Heat can make stains more difficult to remove, so ensure the stain is completely gone before drying your sheets. If it is still there, repeat steps 1 through 7.
8. Avoid using the conventional dryer, as this can cause the stain to bind more tightly to the fabric strands. If you can, air-dry your sheets.

Best Solutions to Remove Blood from Sheets

Household Solutions 

• Dish soap: Mix cold water with a few drops of dish soap. Pour the mixture onto the stain and lightly dab it with a clean cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• Laundry detergent: Use laundry detergent to clean blood off sheets before washing them. Soaking the stained area for 15 minutes will loosen stubborn stains.
• Commercial stain remover: This is commonly available and will easily clean blood off sheets.

Natural Solutions 

• Salt paste: Mix salt with cold water. Pour the salt mixture onto the stain and wait 30 minutes before rinsing. Salt breaks down the protein in the blood, making stains easier to remove.
• Baking soda: Combine baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the solution to the stain and leave it for one hour. Rinse. The baking soda's bleaching property will lighten the stain.

Tips for Different Types of Bedsheets

Bamboo Sheets

1. Use cold water to rinse fresh blood off your sheets, making stain removal easier.
2. Mix a small amount of mild detergent in cold water and soak the stain for 30 minutes to loosen the dried blood on your sheets.
3. Use a cloth or sponge soaked in a detergent solution to dab the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as this will spread the stain further.
4. Use cold water to rinse the stained area.
5. If the stain persists, wash your sheets by using mild detergent and a gentle cycle.
6. Hang or lay flat to allow your sheets to dry naturally, as heat may cause stain particles to bind more strongly to your sheets.

Cotton Sheets

1. Rinse by using cold water.
2. Mix a small amount of mild detergent in cold water and soak the stained area for 30 minutes.
3. Launder using cold water in a regular setting.
4. You may dry your sheets using the conventional dryer, but be sure to check if the stain is completely gone before doing so, as heat can make any remaining stains even more challenging to remove.

Linen Sheets

1. Use cold, running water to rinse the back of the stain.
2. Mix water with a mild detergent or stain remover for delicate fabrics, and pour over the stain. Leave it for a few minutes.
3. Use cold water to wash your sheets (gentle setting). Air dry by hanging. 

Dried Blood Vs. Fresh Blood

You can easily distinguish fresh blood by its bright red color, and you can remove it easily if you address it promptly. Remove blood from sheets by dabbing lightly with cold water. To prevent the stain from spreading, use a mild detergent or stain remover. Avoid hot water.

Dried blood oxidizes quickly and turns a rust or brown color. It’s more challenging to remove dry blood from sheets as it has already bonded to the strands of the fabric. Soak the stained area in cold water, then apply oxygen bleach or an enzyme-based cleaner. Exert caution when using bleach. It might cause discoloring on your bedding, so read the washing instructions carefully first. Enzyme-based cleaners are better.

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FAQs

How do you remove dried blood from sheets?

It depends on the fabric (such as bamboo, cotton, or silk) and the type of blood stain (whether it is dried or fresh). The first thing you want to do is to act quickly before the blood solidifies and binds tightly to the strands of your sheets. Rinse immediately in cold water. Dab lightly using a clean cloth and mild detergent/stain remover. Air dry and avoid heat when drying.

What is the best blood stain remover for sheets?

Consider the following options: cold water, salt paste, hydrogen peroxide, enzyme-based stain removers and baking soda paste. Always read the care label that came with your sheets before doing anything. Test the fabric first on a small area of your sheet to see how it reacts.

Can blood be washed out of sheets?

Absolutely! You may use traditional detergents and stain removers or go eco-friendly (baking soda and vinegar). The method for removing blood from sheets depends on the type of fabric and the extent of the stain's penetration.

Can vinegar remove blood stains?

You can use vinegar to remove blood stains. For regular stains, mix equal parts vinegar and cold water. For stubborn stains, use undiluted vinegar. Soak a cloth in the mixture and use this to dab the stained area. Wait for 5-10 minutes. Dab again and rinse with cold water. Repeat if the stain persists. Wash your sheets as you usually would, taking into consideration the care instructions that came with your product.

Does baking soda remove blood stains?

Baking soda is a good alternative to removing blood stains. Make a paste by mixing water with baking soda. Cover the stained area using the mixture and leave it for thirty minutes. Dab the stain with a clean cloth. (Avoid strong friction as this can make things worse.) Use cold water to rinse your sheets. Follow the care instructions that came with your sheets and wash them as you normally would.

Can dried blood stains be removed?

Removing blood stains is possible. There are many options that you can explore, but it’s best to be cautious and try it first on a small portion of your sheet to see how it would affect the fabric. If you notice any discoloration, stop and try an alternative method instead.