Nobody wants to wake up to bloodstains on their sheets. But let us admit that it can happen! Now whether your nose starts bleeding out of nowhere in the middle of the night or the crimson tide just hits in, the point is that things CAN take a wild turn sometimes. And whatever the reason might be, your bedsheets are to suffer in the end.
Nevertheless, the good news is that we're here with some solutions for the mishap. So, how do you get blood out of sheets? Well, the key is to be proactive and use the right stain-busting agents.
This blog covers how to get blood out of sheets in six simple ways. Plus, we specifically talk about dried blood, recommend a few life-saving household solutions and in-store products, and cover some special considerations concerning different types of sheets.
6 Steps to Get Blood Out of Sheets
When it comes to removing blood from sheets, the one thing you MUST do is act immediately. Once the blood dries out, your mission will only get harder. As such, the best way to get blood out of sheets is to undertake the cleaning project while the stain is still fresh. All you need to do is head to your laundry room, gather the necessary supplies, and follow these six simple steps:
Strip Your Bed sheet
First of all, remove the sheets as quickly as possible to prevent the blood from transferring onto your comforter or soaking into your mattress.
Rinse the Affected Area
If the stain is super-fresh, rinse the affected area under cold running water. This would help flush out excessive blood. However, remember that hot water will cause the stain to set into the fabric of your sheets and eventually worsen the situation. So, do not even think of using that!
Dab, Dab, Dab!
Take a cold, wet piece of cloth and start dabbing the stained region. Please note that you are supposed to 'dab' and not 'rub' the stain. This is because rubbing the stain can potentially grind the blood into the fabric and set it further into your sheets. Once you are done dabbing the stain, move on to soak your sheets in cold water for about thirty minutes. You may do that either in a bathtub or a basin.
Use a Stain Fighter
If the stain persists, you will have to take one step ahead and use a stain-remover. Simply drench the stained area with the solution and allow it to sit on the fabric for fifteen minutes or so. Now you may rub the two sides of the fabric containing the stain against each other to treat the stain properly. If you are not sure what gets blood out of sheets, look at the list of some of the best stain-fighters below.
Laundry Time!
Next, do the laundry. Throw the sheets into the washing machine and launder them using your usual detergent coupled with some color-safe bleach.
Let the Sheets Dry Out
Once the stain is removed, allow the sheets to air-dry. Avoid using the dryer until the stain is completely wiped off. This ensures that heat does not set the stain and makes it more difficult to remove.
How to Get Dried Blood Out of Sheets in 3 Easy Steps
No matter how careful you are, sometimes blood may dry on your sheets and create a hard-to-tackle mess for you. However, it is still possible to get things sorted. Below is a three-step process that explains how to remove dried blood stains from your sheets.
Step 1: Soak the Sheets Overnight
As you let the sheets soak in cold water for several hours (preferably overnight), the dried blood loosens. While you are at it, you may also consider scrubbing the stain from time to time. This will help break down the stain.
Step 2: Pour Some Hydrogen Peroxide
Although there happens to be a few other options, we recommend using hydrogen peroxide for dried blood. As it attacks the stain, you will notice how it bubbles up. While that happens, use a soft-bristled brush to scrape off the remnants. Wait for about ten minutes and blot the stain away using a cold, wet rag or a sponge.
Step 3: Machine Wash Your Sheets
Wash your sheets as usual in the washing machine with a mild laundry detergent and a bit of fabric-safe bleach.
Note: You may have to repeat the process several times in this case.
8 Best Blood Stain Removers
By now, you must have understood how to remove blood from sheets – both fresh and dried out stains. But more often than not, getting blood out of sheets may seem impossible when using cold water alone. However, as we mentioned already, sometimes you may need a little extra help to deal with some stubborn stains. This is when a bloodstain remover would come in handy to you. It makes your job easier, but it also tackles some of the toughest stains.
Following are some of the most effective solutions that can make your bloodstain removal journey a lot simpler.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is identical to a mild bleach and works some serious magic on bloodstains. This is especially true when you have somehow gotten blood on white sheets. If you have darker sheets, make sure you test out the hydrogen peroxide on a small hidden section to ascertain that it does not decolorize your sheets.
Meat Tenderizer
As strange as it may sound, a meat tenderizer does more than just make your food tastier. Unsalted meat tenderizer powder breaks down blood proteins, which helps remove bloodstains. All you have to do is sprinkle some of the powder over the stain and pour some water. Now, simply mix the two until a paste-like consistency is formed. Leave it for thirty minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
White Vinegar
Instead of hydrogen peroxide, you are to pour white vinegar directly on the stain in this method. Once you do that, allow it to soak for about half an hour. Thereafter, rinse with cold water.
Bleach
Knowing that bleach is your best bet if you are wondering how to get blood out of white sheets. Believe us; it works almost everywhere. First, take approximately four tablespoons of bleach and mix it well with one-fourth cup of water to dilute it. Next, apply the mixture to the fabric and allow it to soak for about thirty to forty minutes.
Cola
It might be a little hard to believe, but coke can help in getting blood stains out of sheets. It contains chemicals like carbonic and phosphoric acids that help lift the stain, making it easier to remove after a wash. Simply soak the stained region in cola for a few hours and rinse it off later with cold water.
Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Both baking soda and cornstarch are effective ingredients for getting rid of blood stains on sheets. First, you need to mix a tablespoon of baking soda/cornstarch with cold water and create a paste. Then, apply the paste to the stained region and start dabbing. Subsequently, keep your sheet in the sun and let it dry. After it dries, clear away any excess residue and repeat the process if necessary.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties and acts as a great stain remover. To use this method, first of all, soak your sheet in cold water. Then spot-treat the stain with lemon juice and scrub it gently. Once you feel it is getting better, rinse off with cold water. Repeat until you see the required results.
Enzyme Stain Removers
It is safe to say that an enzyme stain remover is an all-rounder. It is considered the best blood stain remover because it can fight some of the most challenging protein stains, including bloodstains. So, look no further than an enzyme-based cleaning agent when nothing else works. Oh, and by the way, if you are wondering how to get period blood out of sheets, this could be a lifesaver!
Just spray the affected area with the enzyme stain remover and allow it to rest for about fifteen minutes. Then, take a dampened sponge and blot the stain until it is completely removed. Repeat the process as necessary, and rinse the affected area under cold running water. Once you are done, wash your sheets in the washer as you usually do.
How to Get Blood Out of Different Types of Sheets
Now that you know 'exactly' how to remove blood stains from sheets, it is time to talk about some important considerations while you are at it. When working with any fabric, always read the care label properly and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some textiles are overly delicate and must be handled with utmost care.
Following are some examples:
Cotton Sheets
As far as cotton sheets are concerned, they are extremely thin and lightweight. Avoid harsh bleaches and enzyme stain removers when treating blood stains on them. They can weaken the bonds between the fibers of the material and eventually make the sheets prone to tearing. On the other hand, the baking soda technique should work fine here.
Linen Sheets
Linen sheets are, of course, made from linen, which consists of very fine fibers that are carefully extracted from the flax plant. It is even more delicate than cotton, and hence one must try natural stain-removing solutions before resorting to harsh chemicals. So, how to get rid of blood stains on your linen sheets? Again, the cornstarch or baking soda method should be your first choice.
Bamboo Sheets
Sheets made out of bamboo fibers are durable yet intricate. As you might have guessed, enzyme-based stain removers or strong bleaches are not recommended to spot-clean them. The best way to deal with the stains, in this case, is to use salt water. Just mix one cup of cold water with one teaspoon of salt and apply the mixture to the affected area with a towel. Let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made from polyester. If you are wondering how to get blood stains out of sheets made from microfiber, you may use any of the aforementioned stain removers to get the job done. However, the meat tenderizer or hydrogen peroxide method should work best.
Conclusion
Rigid stains on your sheets can sometimes make your life a living hell. And when it is blood, things become all the more complex. To help you tackle the situation, we created this in-depth guide that recognizes every bit of the problem. Now that you know how to remove old blood stains from sheets, you can follow that almost everywhere else. (Be it your pillowcases, tablecloths, sofa covers, or even your mattress!)
Hopefully, our guide will help you get rid of those stubborn spots, and you never have to deal with them again!
