How to Get Period Blood Out of a Blanket

Getting period blood out of a blanket is most effective if treated quickly, but dried stains can also be tackled with specific methods, including using salt water.

Period blood stains on blankets can be frustrating, but with the right approach and quick action, you can effectively remove them. The key is often to use cold water and avoid heat, which can set the stain.

Act Fast: The Importance of Speed

The sooner you treat a period blood stain, the easier it is to remove. Fresh stains are typically easier to handle than dried ones.

Method 1: For Fresh Period Blood Stains

For stains that are still wet or damp, cold water is your best friend.

1. Rinse with Cold Water: Take the stained area of the blanket to a sink or tub and rinse it from the back of the fabric under cold running water. This helps push the blood out of the fibers. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
2. Apply Soap or Detergent: If the stain persists after rinsing, apply a small amount of mild soap, laundry detergent, or even shampoo directly to the stain. Gently rub the fabric against itself or use a soft brush to work the soap into the fibers.
3. Soak (If Needed): For stubborn fresh stains, you can soak the blanket (or just the stained area) in a basin of cold water with a bit of detergent for 30 minutes to a few hours.
4. Rinse and Repeat: After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cold water. Repeat the soap application and soaking steps if necessary.

Method 2: For Dried Period Blood Stains

Dried blood stains are more challenging because the blood has coagulated and bonded with the fabric fibers. However, they are not impossible to remove.

• Using Salt Water: As noted, sometimes stains happen when you're not near laundry products. Luckily, salt water or saline can come in handy in a pinch. Plain old table salt and cold water do really well for getting period blood out of clothes after the stain has dried. This method is effective because the salt helps break down the blood's proteins.
  1. Create a Salt Water Paste: Mix table salt with a small amount of cold water to create a thick paste.
  2. Apply to Stain: Apply the salt paste generously to the dried blood stain, ensuring it is completely covered.
  3. Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the stain for several hours, or even overnight, keeping it damp by adding a little more cold water if needed.
  4. Rinse and Wash: Scrape off the salt paste and rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Then, wash the blanket as usual in the washing machine using cold water and your regular detergent.
• Using Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover for dried blood but can potentially lighten some fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
  1. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide: Dab hydrogen peroxide directly onto the dried stain using a clean cloth or cotton ball. You should see it fizz as it reacts with the blood.
  2. Blot: Blot the area with a clean cloth to lift the stain.
  3. Rinse: Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
• Using Enzyme Cleaners: Enzyme-based laundry pre-treatments or detergents are specifically designed to break down biological stains like blood.
  1. Apply Enzyme Cleaner: Apply the enzyme cleaner directly to the dried stain.
  2. Let it Work: Allow the cleaner to sit for the time recommended on the product label (usually 15-30 minutes, or longer for tough stains).
  3. Wash: Wash the blanket in cold water following the product instructions.

General Tips for Stain Removal

• Always Use Cold Water: Heat (hot water, dryer heat) will set blood stains, making them much harder or impossible to remove.
• Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before using any cleaning solution (especially hydrogen peroxide or strong detergents), test it on a small, hidden part of the blanket to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discoloration.
• Blot, Don't Rub: When applying solutions or lifting stains, blot gently rather than rubbing vigorously, which can spread the stain or damage fibers.
• Check Before Drying: After treating the stain and washing, check the area carefully before putting the blanket in the dryer. If the stain is still visible, repeat the treatment process.
• Consider the Blanket Material: Delicate fabrics may require gentler methods. Always check the blanket's care label.

By acting quickly and using the appropriate methods, including the effective salt water technique for dried stains, you can successfully remove period blood from your blanket.