How to Remove Blood Stains from Bed Sheets

Seeing blood on the sheets is quite common, and it’s not caused by a murder or conflict. This situation can happen when you have a nosebleed, scratch an insect bite while you sleep, blood runs through the bandage, or you get your period and let the blood spill. This also doesn’t mean you need to throw away your linens. Remove blood stains by treating the towel as soon as you know it is blood, and before the blood has penetrated the fabric.

Table of Contents

New Bloodstain Removal

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Wash blood stains from the back of the bed sheet with cold water as soon as possible. Remove the bed linen from the mattress first, and then use cold water to wash the blood stain. Do not use hot water as hot water will fix the stain. Follow that and incorporate any of the blood stain treatments listed below.

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Treat stains with hydrogen peroxide. ^{[1] X Research Source} Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the blood stain. Wait 20 to 25 minutes, then lightly pat the residue on the fabric with a paper towel. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide at home, you can substitute mineral water.

A small amount of colorless vinegar will also work in this case. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Light can turn hydrogen peroxide into water. If your room is too bright, cover the stain treatment area with plastic wrap, then hang a dark towel over it. The towel will protect the treatment area from light, and cover it with plastic to prevent hydrogen peroxide from seeping into the towel.

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Test window cleaner containing ammonia. Simply spray water on the stain. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse from the back with cold water. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Try diluted ammonia for stubborn blood stains. Pour 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water into a spray bottle. Close the spray bottle and shake well. Spray the mixture on the blood stain and wait 30 to 60 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth, and then wash the sheets in cold water. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Be careful with colored towels. Ammonia can fade or bleach colored fabrics.

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Try baking soda. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water to make a paste. Wet the stain with water, and then rub the paste over the stain. Let the fabric dry, and the ideal way to dry it is to leave it in the sun. Remove residue, and then wash with cold water. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Talcum powder or cornstarch will also work in this case. ^{[6] X Research Sources}^{[7] X Research Sources}

Removes Dried Bloodstains

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Remove the sheets and soak the stain in cold water overnight for a few hours. Cold water will help soften any dried blood. You can also wash the sheets in the washing machine. Use cold water and mild bleach. This will not necessarily remove the stain, but will help soften the stain. Follow that and incorporate any of the blood stain treatments listed below.

Remember that stains can be very durable, especially if the stain has gone through the dryer. Heat can fix stains, so if you put soiled linens in the dryer, the blood will harden to the fabric.

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Try using white vinegar. For small stains, first pour vinegar into the bowl, then soak the stain in the bowl. For larger stains, first place a towel or rag under the stain, then pour vinegar over the stain. Wait 30 minutes (for both small and large stains), then wash the sheets with cold water as usual.

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Use a paste made from meat tenderizer and water. Mix 1 tablespoon meat tenderizer and 2 tablespoons cold water to make a paste. Spread the mixture evenly over the stain, applying the mixture to the fabric. Wait 30 to 60 minutes, then discard the flour mixture. Wash bed linen with cold water. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Use laundry detergent and water for light stains. Mix 1 part laundry bleach with 5 parts water in a small cup. Stir well, then use this mixture on the stain. Scrub gently with a soft silk brush and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe the stain with a damp washcloth or towel, then pat dry with a white towel. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Use hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains. Pour some hydrogen peroxide on the stain, and scrub gently with a soft bristle brush. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe the stain with a sponge or damp rag. Pat the stain again with a clean, dry towel. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Light can convert hydrogen peroxide into water. If your room is too bright, cover the stain with plastic wrap, then place a towel on top.
It is advisable to check the colored bed linen first. Hydrogen peroxide can fade or bleach colored fabrics.
Use extreme ammonia as a last resort. Avoid using this substance for colored towels. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Soak stubborn stains in borac and water for several hours overnight. Follow the directions on the borac box to create the pickling mix. Soak the stain in the mixture for a few hours overnight. Wash bed sheets with water the next day, then hang to dry. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Wash sheets in cold water after any stain treatment. Use cold water, mild detergent, and run the machine wash cycle. Remove the wet sheets as soon as the wash cycle is over. Do not leave them in the dryer. Instead, let them air dry by exposing them to or in the sun.

The blood stain may not go away immediately. If so, simply repeat the stain removal process.
Consider using bleach for white linens.

Handling Mattresses and Bedding Sets

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Don’t forget mattresses and mattress covers. If the bed linen is stained with blood, you should also pay attention to the mattress and mattress cover. There is also a chance that they will get dirty. You need to handle them.

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First, moisten the upholstery stain with cold water. If the stains are fresh, just cold water can remove them. If stains have dried, soak for a few hours overnight to soften them and make removal easier.

If there is a stain on the mattress, lightly spray a little water on it. Do not soak the stain.

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Use a paste of cornstarch, hydrogen peroxide, and salt. Mix ½ cup (65 grams) cornstarch, ¼ cup (60 ml) hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread the mixture evenly over the stain, let it dry, then wipe the mixture and stain off. Repeat this method if necessary. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Advice

Do the test on a colored towel first in an inconspicuous spot, like a stitching or hemline. This will ensure that the method you are using does not fade or bleach the fabric.
There are several products on the market that can remove stubborn stains, including blood stains. Look for ammonia that helps remove blood.
Spray lemon juice on the stain before you use a commercial dye spray or let the dye stick to the area. Wait a few minutes before washing.
If the stain is small, try a little saliva. Simply splash some saliva on the stain, then dry clean with a clean pad. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Remove the mattress pad or mattress cover to keep the mattress from getting dirty.
Try an enzyme cleaner, but avoid using it on linens made from silk or wool. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Warning

Never use hot water. This will make the stain adhere to the fabric.
Never put soiled linens in the dryer, as the heat can trap stains. Make sure the stain is removed before you put the sheet in the dryer.

Steps

New Bloodstain Removal

Removes Dried Bloodstains

Handling Mattresses and Bedding Sets

Advice

Warning

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