Blood stains left on sheets are fairly common, and they certainly aren't the result of murder or abuse. Blood stains can be left on your sheets when you have a nosebleed, insect bites while sleeping, bleeding through a bandage, or having your period and the blood seeps through the product you're using. However, you don't have to throw away the stained sheets. You can remove stains from your sheets by cleaning them as soon as you see them, before they stick to the fabric and become harder to remove.
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Method 1 of 3: Removing Fresh Stains
Step 1. Immediately rinse the stain from the cloth using cold water
Remove the sheets from the mattress first, then rinse the stain with cold water. Do not use hot water to prevent the stain from sticking to the fabric. For this method or condition of the stain, follow the steps for handling any stain remover, as described after this point.
Step 2. Clean stubborn stains with hydrogen peroxide
Pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain. Wait for 20 to 25 minutes, then gently absorb the remaining liquid hydrogen peroxide using a paper towel. If you don't have hydrogen peroxide at home, you can use soda instead.
- You can also use white vinegar (in small amounts).
- Light can turn hydrogen peroxide into water. If the condition of the room you live in is very bright, cover the stain spots that have been smeared / poured with hydrogen peroxide with plastic, then wrap the sheets using a dark towel. Dark towels can cover spots from light, while plastic prevents hydrogen peroxide from being absorbed by the towels.
Step 3. Try using an ammonia-based window cleaner
Just spray the product on the stain. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse/rub the stain from the bottom of the cloth using cold water.
Step 4. Use diluted ammonia to remove stubborn stains
Fill a spray bottle with 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 240 milliliters of cold water. Close the bottle and shake to mix the water and ammonia. After that, spray the mixture on the stain and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds. Apply a dry cloth to the stain to remove any remaining mixture, then wash the sheets in cold water.
Be careful when you clean colored sheets as ammonia can leach or bleach colored fabrics
Step 5. Use baking soda
Mix the baking soda and water in a 1:2 ratio until the mixture forms a paste. After that, dampen the stained area with water and apply the paste to the area. Let the fabric dry (ideally in the sun). Brush off any remaining baking soda and wash the sheets in cold water.
You can also use talcum powder or cornstarch/starch instead of baking soda
Step 6. Try using salt and dish soap as a prewash
Mix 2 tablespoons of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap. Wet the stained area of the sheet first with cold water, then soak it in the soap mixture. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse the stain with cold water.
You can also use shampoo instead of dish soap
Step 7. Make your own stain remover mixture using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water
Fill a spray bottle with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and cold water in a 1:1: ratio. Close the bottle and shake to mix all the ingredients. Spray the mixture on the stain, then wait 5 minutes and rinse. Repeat the process 2 more times, then wash the sheets in cold water.
This method is most effective for cleaning linens made from a cotton and polyester blend
Step 8. Wash the sheets in cold water after you have removed the stain using any stain removal method
Use cold water and a mild detergent, and do the washing process as usual. Remove the sheets from the washing machine after the washing process is complete. However, don't place the sheets in the dryer; simply dry the sheets naturally by drying them in the sun or placing them in the sun.
- Try removing the blood stain again if the stain is still visible after the first wash. You should continue to remove and wash the sheets until the blood stain is no longer visible. Once the stain is gone, you can dry the sheets as usual.
- For white sheets, try using bleach.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Dried Blood Stains
Step 1. Remove the sheets from the mattress, and soak them in cold water for a few hours or overnight
A cold water bath can help loosen the dried blood. You can also wash the sheets in the washing machine. Use cold water and a mild detergent when washing. While the washing process doesn't always remove the stain completely, it at least helps to remove the dried blood from the fabric. For this method or condition of the stain, follow the steps for handling any stain remover, as described after this point.
Keep in mind that existing bloodstains may remain permanently, especially if the sheets have been dried in the dryer for a while. Heat can make the stain stick more firmly to the fabric, so if you've previously dried bloodstained sheets in the dryer, there's a good chance the stain will "burn" and seep into the fabric
Step 2. Try using white vinegar
To remove small stains, try filling a bowl with vinegar first, then soaking the stained area in the vinegar. For large stains, place a towel or patch under the sheets first (especially the area where the stain is). After that, pour the vinegar over the stained area. Wait for 30 minutes (applies to small or large stains), then wash the sheets as usual using cold water.
Step 3. Use a paste of meat tenderizer and water mixture
Mix one tablespoon of meat tenderizer and two tablespoons of water until the mixture forms a paste. After that, apply the paste on the stain and make sure the paste soaks into the fabric. Wait 30 to 60 minutes, then brush off the paste. Clean the sheets using cold water.
Step 4. Use detergent and water to clean light stains
Mix detergent and water in a bowl in a 1:5 ratio. Stir until everything is combined, then apply the mixture to the stain. Pat the stain with a soft-bristled brush and wait 10-15 minutes. Remove the stain by pressing a damp sponge or towel against the stained area, then patting a white towel on the area to dry it.
Step 5. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains
Pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain, and press the liquid to soak into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then remove the stain using a damp sponge or patchwork. After that, press the stained area again with a clean dry towel.
- Light can turn hydrogen peroxide into water. If the condition of the room you live in is very bright, cover the stain with plastic first, then wrap a towel on the sheets.
- Do a spot test on colored fabric first. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can bleach or bleach colored fabrics.
- Use strong ammonia concentrations as a last resort. However, avoid using it on colored sheets.
Step 6. Soak areas with very stubborn stains in a mixture of borax and water for a few hours or overnight
Follow the instructions for use on the borax package to make a soaking solution. Dip the stained area of the sheet in the solution and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The next day, rinse with water and hang the sheets to dry.
Step 7. Wash the sheets in cold water after you have removed the stain using any stain removal method
Use cold water and a mild detergent, and do the washing process as usual. Remove the sheets from the washing machine after the washing process is complete. However, don't place the sheets in the dryer; simply dry the sheets naturally by drying them in the sun or placing them in the sun.
- Blood stains may not go away completely right away. If there are still stains left, simply repeat the stain removal process.
- For white sheets, try using bleach.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the Mattress
Step 1. Don't neglect your mattress and mattress protector
If your sheets are stained with blood, you'll also want to check the mattress and covers. There's a chance that they will also have bloodstains, so you'll need to clean them both.
Step 2. Moisten the stained area on the mattress protector first using cold water
If the blood stain is fresh, a little water is usually enough to remove it. If the stain has dried, soaking it for a few hours or overnight can help remove the stain from the fabric, making it easier to remove.
If the stain is on the mattress, spray a small amount of water on the stained area. Make sure you don't thoroughly wet the stain; just moisturize it
Step 3. Use a paste mixture of starch, hydrogen peroxide, and salt
Combine 65 grams of starch, 60 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of salt. After that, apply the paste on the stain. Let the paste dry, then brush to remove it from the fabric. Repeat this process if necessary.
Step 4. Remove the stain on the mattress with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
However, you should never spill or simply pour white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on the mattress. Just dip a clean washcloth in vinegar or hydrogen peroxide first. Squeeze the cloth, then press it on the stained part of the mattress. If the cloth becomes dirty due to blood stains, use another part of the cloth that is still clean so that the stain does not come back on the mattress.
Step 5. Use the same stain remover treatment on the mattress and mattress protector as when you clean the sheets
Once you've removed the stain, place the mattress or cover in the washing machine separately, and wash in cold water and a mild detergent. If possible, do two washes.
Put a tennis ball or dryer ball in the dryer while you're drying the comforter to let it rise again
Tips
- Do a spot test on colored sheets in hidden places, such as in creases or seams. This way, you can ensure that the stain removal method you follow will not fade or bleach your sheets.
- There are several products in the store that can remove stubborn stains, including blood. Look for products that contain ammonia as it can lift blood from the fabric.
- Spray the lime juice on the stain before you apply the stain spray or stick. Let it sit for a few minutes before you wash the sheets.
- If the stain is small, you can use spit. Simply spit on the stain, then remove the stain by placing a washcloth on the stain.
- Purchase mattress pads or mattress protectors to protect the mattress from stains.
- Try an enzyme-based cleaning product, but don't use the product on silk or wool sheets.
- For light blood stains, use a stain remover stick and let the product sit for a few hours (or days). After that, rub the stain with a damp cloth.
Warning
- Do not put stained sheets in the dryer as the heat can make the stains stick to or seep into the fabric. Make sure the stain is gone before you put it in the dryer.
- Don't use hot water to prevent the stain from sticking harder.
