How To Get Blood Out Of Sheets

Waking up to a blood stain on your bedding is never a pleasant surprise. Whether it's from a cut, nosebleed, or that time of the month, dealing with those pesky red stains can be stressful.

But don't worry! A blood stain doesn’t have to mean your bedding is ruined. Especially not if you’re armed with this Hoover guide. With the right techniques, you can get your sheets and other bedding looking fresh and clean again.

Read on and learn everything you need to know to remove blood stains from your bed sheets.

How to remove blood from bed sheets

The key to removing blood stains from any fabric is to act quickly. The longer a blood stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as you notice the stain, blot it gently with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much of the blood as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the stain to spread or set in.

Next, run the stained area under cold water. Hot water can actually set the stain, making it much harder to remove. Gently blot the area with a clean cloth to lift the blood. If the stain persists, you can try making a solution of cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent or dish soap. Let the stained area soak for 30 minutes before washing as usual. 

How to remove tougher blood stains from bed sheets

For tougher blood stains, you may need to bring in the big guns – specialist stain removers.

Apply the stain remover directly to the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (or according to the manufacturer's instructions) before washing your bedding as usual in the washing machine.

If you have white sheets, you can also try using a bleach-based cleaner to get the stain out. Just be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage your bedding.

How to get period blood out of sheets

Period stains can be especially stubborn, but the same basic principles apply when looking to remove them from bed sheets. Blot the blood stain, rinse with cold water, and use a stain remover or hydrogen peroxide if needed. You can also try soaking the stained area in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar before washing.

Some additional tips for removing period stains from bedding include:

• Act fast. The sooner you can treat the stain, the better.
• Avoid using hot water, which can set the stain.
• Use an enzyme-based stain remover, which is designed to break down proteins like those found in blood.
• Try running the stained area under cold running water before washing. This can help flush out the stain.
• For extra stubborn stains, let the fabric soak in a solution of cold water and hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour before washing. 

How to get blood out of white sheets

White sheets can be especially tricky when it comes to blood stains, as any discolouration really stands out. In addition to the techniques mentioned above, there are a few extra steps you can try for white bed sheets and linens:

• Use an oxygen-based bleach, which is gentler than chlorine bleach and won't yellow the fabric over time.
• Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it into the stain before washing. The abrasiveness of the baking soda can help lift the stain.
• For stubborn stains, you can also try soaking the sheets in a solution of cold water and lemon juice or white vinegar before washing.

No matter what type of blood stain you're dealing with, the key is to act quickly and avoid letting it set. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning products, you can get your sheets looking good as new in no time.

What is the best washing machine setting for removing blood stains?

When washing sheets that are stained with blood, it's best to use the coldest water temperature possible, as hot water can set the stain, making it much harder to remove.

You'll also want to avoid using the tumble dryer, at least until the stain has been fully removed, as the heat from the dryer can also cause the stain to set. Instead, air dry the sheets if possible.

Four ways to prevent stains on bedding

Of course, the best way to deal with blood stains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are four tips to keep your bedding looking as pristine as possible:

1. Use a mattress protector or waterproof mattress cover to create a barrier between your sheets and the mattress. This can help contain any spills or stains.
2. Keep a stain removal kit on hand, with items like hydrogen peroxide, stain remover, and an old toothbrush for scrubbing. That way you're ready to tackle a stain as soon as it happens, which increases the chance of lifting it effectively.
3. Wash your sheets regularly, even if they don't look dirty. Build-up of oils, sweat, and other bodily fluids can make stains harder to remove over time.
4. Consider using sheet sets made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These tend to be more stain-resistant than synthetic materials.

With a little preparation and know-how, you can keep your bedding looking its best, no matter what life throws at it. So, the next time you find an unwelcome stain on your sheets, don't panic – just grab the right tools and get to work.

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