How do you get period blood out of clothes? 6 Simple Steps 

Period stains on your favorite clothes? Don’t panic! Here’s your complete guide to getting blood out of clothes with simple household items in 6 easy steps.

It happens to nearly all of us – in fact, staining clothes or sheets with period blood is practically a rite of passage! Whether your period surprised you or your pad shifted during sleep, there’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. The good news? Fresh blood stains (and even those stubborn dried ones) can be removed with simple items you probably already have at home. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through 6 easy steps with all the information you need to treat the stained area and get your favorite clothes looking fresh again.

Step 1: Quick Action with Cold Water 

The golden rule of treating blood stains: Skip the hot water! High temperatures can lock the stain into your clothes, making it nearly impossible to remove. 

Instead:

• Flush the stained spot with the coldest water possible
• Direct the water stream from behind the fabric to push the stain out
• Continue until the water appears clear
• Soak the stain in cold water for about 10 minutes to help loosen any remaining blood

Step 2: Resist the Urge to Scrub 

Your first instinct might be to scrub away, but that actually makes things trickier! Scrubbing can force the blood deeper into the fabric fibers, making it increasingly challenging to remove the stain later.

Here’s what works:

• First – check the care label! It’s important to make sure your garment will be able to handle the water treatment.
• Use light, gentle pressure with a clean cloth or paper towel
• Think “press and lift” rather than trying to gently rub
• After removing as much blood as possible, place your clothes in cold water and set a timer for 30 minutes

Step 3: Pick Your Stain-Fighting Solution 

With all the different fabrics, care instructions, and cleaning products out there – it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the right solution. First off, don’t worry – there are options for every type of clothing. The key is matching the right solution to your fabric type and being patient as you treat the stain. 

Here’s a quick guide:

For Light-Colored Clothes:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3% from the drugstore)
  • Apply directly to the mark
  • Allow it to work for about 30 minutes
  • Press gently with a clean cloth
  • Great for white cotton and synthetic fabrics

For Dark-Colored Clothes:

• Salt solution (combine cold water with table salt until paste forms)
  • Spread the mixture over the spot
  • Give it time to work (about 3 hours)
  • Flush with cold water before washing
  • Perfect for darker fabrics since it won’t cause discoloration

For All Colors:

• Baking soda mixture (combine with just enough cold water for a thick paste – safe for most fabrics)
  • Spread across the affected area
  • Allow 30+ minutes for it to work
  • Thoroughly rinse and scrub the area

Step 4: Tackling Dried Blood Stains 

While finding an old period stain days later can feel discouraging, there are nearly as many ways to remove dried stains as for fresh ones. The good news: while removing dried blood stains takes a bit more effort, it’s very possible. The key is patience and persistence. 

Here’s the strategy:

1. Submerge in cold water overnight
2. Choose your solution (from Step 3)
3. Work it into the fabric using gentle fingertip pressure
4. Give it proper time to work
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water

Step 5: Washing Machine Time 

After spot treatment:

• Review your garment’s care instructions
• Select the cold water setting
• Add your favorite liquid laundry detergent
• Choose a regular wash cycle
• For delicate items, use the gentle cycle

Step 6: Final Inspection

Before drying:

• Look carefully for any remaining marks
• If you spot any traces, repeat your chosen treatment
• Only machine dry when completely stain-free
• Choose air drying if uncertain (heat makes remaining stains permanent!)

Remember, removing blood stains can sometimes take a few tries. If one method isn’t working, try another approach from our list. Some deeply set stains might need multiple treatments before they fade completely. The key is being patient and persistent!

Our #1 tip for dealing with period blood stains 

It should come as no surprise, but the best way to deal with menstrual blood stains is to prevent them in the first place. Skip the usual bulky, uncomfortable pads from your local drugstore and opt for Pinkie’s super soft maximum absorbency pads. Designed specifically for tweens and teens, Pinkie’s Pads features special leak-proof wings and an organic cotton top layer for all-day freshness and confidence. Stay prepared with our Grab-N-Go Prep Pouch – perfect for your backpack or locker!