How to Get Blood Out of Sheets
Bloodstains on bedsheets are quite common, yet frustrating, but don’t worry—it’s possible to remove them so long as you act quickly. Simple cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, are great for getting rid of blood stains.
It’s easiest to clean fresh blood out of sheets as opposed to dried blood, though you can still potentially remove stains older than 48 hours. For older stains, you may just need a few extra rounds of stain removal treatment. Our article shows how to remove blood stains from your sheets and keep your sleeping environment germ-free.
1. Use Cold Water to Rinse the Stain
Once your bedsheets become stained, you’ll want to rinse them under water as soon as possible, doing your best to remove as much blood as you can. Always be sure to use cold water, as warm or hot water causes the proteins of blood to cling and set into the fabric, decreasing your chances of fully removing the stain.
2. Blot The Stain
Rubbing stains, such as with a towel or cloth, causes blood to spread on your sheets. Instead, blot the stain with a dry cloth or paper towel as this collects the blood without growing the stain or further setting it into the fabric. Once you’ve collected a majority of the blood, rinse or soak your sheets in cold water.
3. Apply a Stain Remover
After removing all of the excess blood, apply a stain remover to the impacted area. Possible stain remover solutions are everyday materials you likely already have on hand, such as vinegar or baking soda. Keep in mind, some stain removers, particularly ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, affect the dye on your sheets, so always spot test a little bit of stain remover on a hidden area of your sheets.
For all stain solutions, allow them to settle before rinsing and washing. If the stain is still there post-wash, you can repeat the process until the stain fades away.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a very versatile product and a go-to solution for getting rid of bloodstains; however, it works best on white or light-colored sheets as it can potentially bleach dark colors. Apply a few drops of the treatment directly onto the stain, let it sit for roughly 30 minutes, and then scrub the fabric together to encourage the stain out.
Ammonia
Household ammonia diluted with water makes for great blood stain removal, especially for older or more stubborn stains. Be sure not to use ammonia with added color or fragrance, however, as it can damage fabrics. Blot your water and ammonia mixture onto the stain and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Stain Treatment Products
Commercial cleaning brands often sell products specifically designed to remove pesky stains. Stain removers are typically sold as stain removing pens or spot treatments. Be sure to dampen your sheets in cold water prior to applying the stain product and read the product instructions to see how long the product needs to set before rinsing it off.
Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural stain-removing alternative to ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. Combine the vinegar with water before applying it directly to the stain. The solution needs to sit for several hours before you can gently scrub the stain off your sheets.
Salt
Saltwater or saline solution can remove stubborn and dry stains and is particularly useful for delicate fabrics, such as silk or nylon. Fill a bucket with saltwater and soak your sheets in it for two to three hours. If you don’t have a bucket, saturate the stained area and allow it to sit for several hours.
