Accidents happen, and sometimes there’s no avoiding them!
Blood can end up on your bed sheets in many ways — from a cut, a sudden nosebleed, or your period.
It can seem like your sheets are ruined forever, but there are ways to save them!
The golden rule when getting blood out of sheets is to always start with cold water. Afterwards, there are plenty of cleaning methods you can use.
Let’s talk about how to get blood out of sheets and make them look fresh again!
Fresh Blood Stains | Old Blood Stains | Blood On White Sheets | What To Do After
Before Removing Blood Stains on Sheets
Always pre-treat blood stains with cold water before washing the sheets.
Do not use hot water and never toss blood-stained sheets into the dryer. Heat can set the blood into the fabric and make it much harder to remove.
Before you grab a stain remover, check the care label on your sheets first.
Some fabrics are more delicate than others, so use a cleaner that’s safe for the type of sheet.
Test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it won’t damage or discolour the fabric.
When using strong cleaning agents, work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Getting Fresh Blood Out of Sheets
Not sure how to remove fresh blood stains on sheets? The first step is to rinse the stained area with cold water.
Act fast, as fresh blood is much easier to treat than dried blood.
To start, strip the stained sheet off the bed. (Also take this as a chance to check for any blood on the mattress or other bedding!)
Next, turn the fabric inside out and rinse the stain under cold running water.
Let water flow through the back of the fabric to push out as much blood as possible.
Once that’s done, soak the stained area in cold water for 10–15 minutes. Then check for any remaining traces of blood.
Sometimes, a simple cold water soak is all you need to clean blood stains on sheets! But if the spot lingers, try any of these methods.
Option 1: Baking soda
Baking soda paste is an effective blood stain remover for bed sheets.
Mix 2 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water to make a thick paste. Apply it directly onto the blood stain while it’s still damp with cold water.
Allow the paste to sit for 20–30 minutes to loosen the stain from the bed sheet.
Afterwards, rinse the baking soda off the sheet with cold running water, then check for any remaining blood.
Repeat the steps until the blood stain is completely gone.
Option 2: Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works on plenty of stains, including blood on bed sheets!
However, hydrogen peroxide can weaken delicate fabrics or cause discolouration. To be safe, test it on a small, hidden part first.
After soaking in cold water, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain with a cotton swab or soft sponge.
For larger stains, spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area.
You’ll notice some fizzing — that’s the hydrogen peroxide breaking down the blood.
Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes. Then rinse with cold water to remove any residue from the sheet.
Option 3: Laundry detergent
Your regular liquid laundry detergent — the one you use to wash sheets — can help lift fresh blood stains.
After soaking the stained area in cold water, apply some detergent directly to the remaining blood.
Gently work the detergent into the fabric with your fingers. Allow it to sit on the stain for 15–30 minutes.
Afterwards, gently rub the fabric against itself to help loosen the blood. Then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Option 4: Lemon juice
Using lemon juice for blood stains on sheets is a simple yet effective solution!
Lemon juice contains acids and enzymes that can break down blood stains. However, it can discolour dark fabrics, so do a spot test first.
After soaking the sheets in cold water, use a sponge to apply lemon juice directly to the blood stain. Be sure to cover all the stained fabric.
Wait for 10–15 minutes to allow the acids to work. Afterwards, rinse the bed sheet thoroughly with cold water.
TIP: For tougher blood stains on bed sheets, mix salt and lemon juice, then apply the solution directly to the stain.
Option 5: Salt water
Salt has natural absorbent properties that can help draw blood out of bed sheets.
A saline solution is also a gentler option for removing blood from delicate sheets, like satin and silk.
Still, as a precaution, test it on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause damage.
Mix 1 tbsp salt for every cup of cold water, then soak the stained area in the solution for 10–15 minutes.
Next, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water. If the stain is still visible, repeat the salt water treatment.
How to Get Dried Blood Out of Sheets
Dried or old blood stains on sheets can be difficult to remove. But if the sheets haven’t gone through the dryer yet, there’s still hope!
So, how to remove old blood stains from sheets completely?
You can fade old blood stains using an enzyme-based cleaner, a laundry bar soap, or oxygen bleach.
Stubborn stains may need multiple treatments — don’t be afraid to repeat the process until the blood is gone!
However, keep in mind that if the blood stain has been exposed to heat, it may have set permanently.
Before treating dried blood stains on sheets
First, gently scrape off any crusted or dried blood using a disposable plastic spoon or an old credit card. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Then, pre-soak the stained area of the sheet in cold water for at least 30 minutes. You can add salt or laundry detergent for extra stain-fighting power.
For tougher blood stains, soak for a few hours or even overnight.
Treating dried blood stains can be tricky, so don’t be surprised if there’s still a brownish or reddish tinge after soaking.
Option 1: Enzyme-based stain remover
Enzyme-based stain removers are great for tackling protein-based stains like blood.
Alternatively, you can use an enzyme laundry detergent to tackle the stain.
Check the label to make sure that the product is safe for the fabric of your sheets.
Apply the cleaner directly to the blood stain, following the product’s instructions.
Let it sit for the recommended time to allow it to dissolve the stain. For tougher spots, gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
Rubbing the fabric against itself can also help lift the blood stain from your sheet.
Once the waiting time is up, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
Option 2: Laundry bar soap
Laundry bar soap like Fels-Naptha or Sard Wonder Soap can remove dried blood stains on sheets!
They contain plenty of saponified fats — like tallow and sodium tallowate — which can break down the proteins in the blood.
After pre-soaking the blood stain in cold water, gently rub the soap bar directly onto it. Let the soap sit for at least 30 minutes to allow it to work.
Gently scrub the stain with a soft cloth or rub the fabric against itself to help loosen the blood.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water and check if any blood stains remain.
Option 3: Oxygen bleach
Oxygen bleach can remove dried or old blood on sheets. It’s a fabric-safe bleach that’s gentler than chlorine bleach and works for coloured material.
Just avoid using it on delicate fabrics like satin and silk, as it can cause damage.
Oxygen bleach may come in a liquid or powder form. Always check the product label and follow the recommended dilution ratio.
Soak the stained area in the oxygen bleach solution for at least 1 hour.
For stubborn stains, you may need to soak the sheet for several hours or even overnight.
Afterwards, rinse your sheet thoroughly and check if the blood stain is still visible.
If needed, gently scrub the fabric to help loosen any remaining blood. Once the blood stain is gone, wash your sheets as usual.
How to Get Blood Out of White Sheets
You can try different stain removers on white sheets without worrying about fading the colour.
For fresh blood stains on white sheets, soaking in cold salt water might be all you need.
Baking soda, laundry detergent, and lemon juice are also great options.
But for dried or very stubborn blood stains on white sheets, soak the affected area in 3% hydrogen peroxide for several hours.
To start, fill a basin with cold water. Add ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide per litre of water. You can slightly increase the concentration for really tough stains.
However, avoid using undiluted hydrogen peroxide for an extended soak as it can weaken fabrics.
Next, soak the stained area in your peroxide solution. From time to time, check if the blood stain has lifted.
You can also scrub the stain gently or rub the fabric against itself while the sheet is still submerged.
Once the stain is gone, rinse the sheet thoroughly with cold water then wash as usual.
Other treatments for tough blood stains on white sheets include enzyme-based stain removers and oxygen bleach.
To whiten the sheet and fade the blood stain even more, hang it out in the sun after washing.
Sunlight can help bleach and brighten white fabrics.
After Removing Blood Stains From Sheets
Double-check for any lingering blood stains, then wash the bed sheets with cold water.
To machine wash sheets, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. For delicate fabrics, hand washing is the safest option.
Afterwards, line-dry your sheets outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. For coloured sheets, place them in the shade to prevent fading.
If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting to avoid any damage.
For general bedroom upkeep, washing your sheets weekly is ideal.
But if your laundry is piling up, home cleaning services can take care of it while tidying the rest of your home.
FAQs: How to Remove Blood Stains From Sheets
Here are more tips on what gets blood out of sheets!
Will period blood come out of sheets?
Yes! Use cold water and household items like baking soda or salt to treat period blood stains on sheets.
Oxygen bleach is also effective for period stains.
Act fast and do not use hot water to prevent the stain from setting!
Can white vinegar remove blood stains?
Yes, white vinegar is highly acidic, so it can help break down blood stains on sheets.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then soak the stained area in the solution for 30 minutes.
Then, rinse the sheet thoroughly. Repeat the process for any remaining blood on the sheet.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove blood stains?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can remove fresh blood stains from sheets, but test it on a hidden spot first!
Rinse the fabric with cold water, then dab the blood stain with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Blot gently to lift and absorb the blood, then wash the sheet in cold water.
Does saliva remove blood stains?
Saliva contains enzymes that can help break down fresh blood stains. It’s a quick fix for small stains if other cleaners aren’t available!
First, rinse the blood stain with cold water. Then, spit on the stain and rub it in with your finger for about 30 seconds.
Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with cold water. Check if the stain has lifted before washing the sheets as usual.
