We’ve all been there. You wake up, realise your period has started overnight or your pad or tampon has leaked, and now you're not only on your period but there’s a blood stain on your bed sheets, you have to figure out how to get blood out of your bed sheets.
That’s where we’re here to help, so take a deep breath and don’t stress. With the right approach, you can remove blood stains and save your sheets. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get rid of period stains on sheets, step by step.
First things first: act quickly if you can
When it comes to removing blood from sheets, speed really helps. The fresher the stain, the easier it is to shift. But don’t panic if it’s dried, we’ve got solutions for that too.
Step-by-step: How to remove period blood stains from sheets
1. Rinse with cold water (never hot!)
Strip your bed and run the stained area under cold water as soon as possible. Hot water can “set” the blood into the fabric, making it much harder to remove.
2. Soak the sheets
Fill a sink or bucket with cold water and let the sheets soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps loosen the blood stain.
3. Use a stain remover or natural alternative
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Stain remover spray/gel: Apply directly to the stain and gently rub.
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Bleach-based product (for light-coloured sheets): Dab a small amount onto the blood stain. It will fizz as it breaks down the blood, then rinse with cold water.
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Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with cold water to create a paste, apply to the stain, and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
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Salt and cold water: A natural and gentle option. Make a paste, apply it to the blood stain, and rinse once dry.
4. Wash as usual (but cold wash only)
Pop your sheets in the washing machine on a cold cycle with your usual laundry detergent.
5. Check before drying
Heat from a tumble dryer can set the stain permanently. If the blood stain hasn’t completely gone, repeat the steps above before drying.
Top tip: dry your sheets in sunlight, it helps eliminate the stain further, plus it’s more environmentally friendly.
What if the blood stain is old or dried?
If you’ve only just noticed a dried blood stain on your bed sheets, don’t worry – it’s still possible to remove it.
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Start by soaking the area in cold water for several hours.
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Then use hydrogen peroxide (bleach-based product), baking soda, or even a little white vinegar to break down the dried blood.
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Wash on a cold cycle afterwards, and repeat if needed.
What if you didn’t have to worry about staining your sheets again?
As helpful as these stain-removing tricks are, wouldn’t it be easier if you never had to deal with blood stains in the first place? If you think your period might start overnight, just pop on a pair of our POM period pants. They’re super comfy, reusable, and leak-proof, designed to keep you protected so you can sleep worry-free.
Our go-to style for sleeping is the boyleg cut – it’s cute, incredibly comfortable, and can hold up to 3 tampons’ worth of blood. That way, if your period does start in the middle of the night, your sheets stay safe and you wake up feeling fresh (instead of stressed).
Quick FAQs
Q: How do I get rid of period stains on sheets without stain remover?
A: Natural options like salt, baking soda, or white vinegar work wonders on blood stains.
Q: Can I use hot water to get blood out of bed sheets?
A: No – hot water makes the stain set. Always stick to cold water.
Q: Do these tips work on all fabrics?
A: They work on most, but always check your sheet’s care label first. Delicate fabrics like silk or linen may need extra care.
Final thoughts
Blood stains on bed sheets are annoying, but definitely not the end of the world. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh period leak or an older stain, the key is cold water, patience, and a little know-how.
And remember – with POM period underwear, you don’t have to worry about blood stains at all. Sleep soundly, stay comfy, and let your sheets stay spotless.