How To Get Blood Stains Out Of Bed Sheets

Getting blood stains out of fabrics generally can be quite an ordeal. Luckily fabric from which bed sheets are made from are usually cotton-based however it is advisable to check the tag to make sure of the type of fabric before beginning the stain removal process. This will enable you to know the best method to use.

It is not unusual to find blood on sheets, and not because you killed or injured someone else or yourself. It usually happens if bloodied your nose, scratched aggressively at an itch or a bite while sleeping, bled through a bandage or unexpectedly start your period and hence bleed through a pad. This does not make the bedding permanently damaged. It would, however, be best if you treat fresh blood immediately you see it, but it is not impossible to also remove dried blood.

If the blood is still quite fresh, it is possible to remove it using any of the following methods.

Using hydrogen peroxide

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide onto the blood stain directly. Wait for a few minutes (20 to 25), then lightly pat the residue with a paper towel and rinse off afterwards. Sunlight can decompose hydrogen peroxide into water. If your room is very bright, use your drapes or use a dark non-absorbent material to cover the treated area.

Using Ammonia

An ammonia-based window cleaner could be sprayed simply onto the stain. After 15 minutes, rinse it out using cold water. This might not be used on coloured sheets as ammonia may fade or bleach coloured fabrics.

Using Baking Soda

By mixing a quantity of baking soda with twice the same measure of water it will form a paste. Wet the stained area with a little water and then rub the paste onto the stain. Let the fabric dry, preferably in the sun. Brush off the residue, and then wash normally in cold water. Talcum powder will also work if used in the same manner.

Using salt and dish soap/shampoo mixture

A salt and dish soap/shampoo mixture can also be used as a pre-laundry treatment. After dampening the stain with cold water first, soak it with the soap mixture. After 15 to 30 minutes, rinse the stain out.

Wash your bed sheets in cold water after any stain removal treatment using a mild detergent, and your normal wash cycle. Do not use the dryer rather, let them air dry either by hanging or in the sun.

 Although soaking the stain in cold water for several hours will help loosen any dried blood, it will not necessarily remove the stain. Keep in mind that the stain may be permanent, which is likely if it has been through the dryer. Heat sets stains, so if you put your stained bedsheets into the dryer, the blood may have been seared into the fabric.

If the blood is still dried up, it would be better to remove it using any of these other methods.

 Using White vinegar

If the stain is quite small, fill a bowl with vinegar and then soak the stain in the bowl. For a larger stain, place an absorbent material (towel or rag) under the sheet and then pour vinegar over the stain. Wait for about 30 minutes (for both small and large stains), then wash the bed sheet using cold water.

Using meat tenderizer and water to form a paste

Spread the paste on the stain, ensuring that it rubs properly into the fabric. Wait for about an hour, then brush the paste off. You can then wash the sheets normally.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Pour some hydrogen peroxide onto the stain, and pat it with a soft-bristled brush. Wait for a few minutes, then rub the stain with a damp sponge or rag. Dab at the stain again with a clean, dry towel. Hydrogen peroxide may fade or bleach coloured fabrics so spot test the sheets first with a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide at a corner of the sheet. A spot test on coloured sheets is done in a concealed area, such as the seam or hem to ensure that the method of stain removal being used won't make the fabric fade or bleach.

Using Borax

Soak extra persistent stains in a mixture of borax and water for several hours. To create a soaking solution, check the container of borax and follow the instructions as shown. Immerse the stain in the solution for some hours. Rinse it out after soaking with water, then hang it to dry.

If you use a mattress protector it is likely that it got stained as well. Moisten stains on mattress protectors with cold water. If the stain is fresh, a bit of cold water may be all that is needed to get it out. If the stain has already dried, a good soaking will help loosen the stain and make it easier to get out.

After any stain removal treatment, wash the sheets normally with cold water, a mild detergent, and your usual laundry cycle. Do not place the sheets in the dryer. Instead, air dry by hanging or placing in the sun.

If the blood stains do not come out of the fabric immediately, simply repeat the stain removal process once again.

source https://gottasleep.com/blogs/sleep-talk/how-to-get-blood-out-of-bed-sheets