How to Get Period Blood Out of Clothes

Ah, period blood stains – the bane of existence for anyone who experiences the monthly rollercoaster ride. They’re not just cringeworthy (especially when they decide to make an appearance on your pants’ posterior), but they also possess an uncanny ability to stick around like an unwanted guest.

But worry not, my friend. We’ve enlisted the help of two seasoned professionals who will guide you through the art of how to get period blood out of clothes from start to finish. Oh, and don’t forget to stick around until the end because we’ve got three stain-removing laundry items that will make laundry day a whole lot easier.

How to get period blood out of clothes

To answer the 'how to get period blood out of clothes' question, it's important to know how blood manages to get on your clothes in the first place. According to Dr. Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, a board-certified specialist in adolescent medicine and the founder of Pandia Health, stains occur when blood overflows your pad, tampon, or liner.

As soon as you notice the stain, Carrie E. Levine, a certified nurse midwife, an Institute for Functional Medicine certified practitioner, and the founder of the Whole Woman Health clinic, suggests acting quickly and rinsing it without delay. "Rinse the stain as soon as possible with cold water (not hot water!) in the sink," she tells Today's Parent." If that is insufficient, create a solution (one part white vinegar to two parts water) to soak the unit clean and then wash on a regular cycle."

How to get dried period blood out of clothes

Understanding how to get period blood out of clothes also extends to learning how to get dried period blood out of clothes, as this task has a different set of rules, according to Dr. Yen. "It'll be harder because it has set in the fibers vs. fresh might wash off easier," she says.

Still, it's possible to remove stubborn stains from your clothing. You'll want to rinse off stained clothing under cold water first and then treat it with stain remover. When applying a stain remover to your clothing, however, you'll gently rub the stained area with your product and give it enough time to sit to set.

Then, soak it again in water for 30 minutes or overnight (depending on the severity of the stain) to make sure the stain is removed.

Are period stains permanent?

Dr. Yen says that period stains can be permanent depending on how long you let it sit. That's why you'll want to get the stain as quickly as possible to ensure it's properly removed.

To remove period stains that have sat on your clothes longer, Dr. Yen suggests soaking them in your detergent of choice (look for one that says it can remove blood) for a day or so and washing them.

What to look for in products that get period blood out of clothes

Choosing the right laundry care products is vital in addressing how to get period blood out of clothes, especially considering the wide array of choices available.

To streamline the shopping process, Dr. Yen suggests looking for products that state they can take out blood, while Levine recommends keeping things simple."The simpler the better," she tells Today's Parent. "Stick with vinegar."

Nevertheless, a bit of help in the laundry room can never hurt, so here are three products that will effortlessly aid in the stain-removing process.

The best products to get period blood out of clothes

EnviroKlenz Liquid Laundry Enhancer Additive

This amazing laundry enhancer not only leaves your clothes with a delightful fragrance and eliminates any unwanted smells, but also guarantees their cleanliness. Its special combination of active components effortlessly deals with tough blood stains on clothing. Simply add it to your laundry after using detergent, relax, and let the washing machine perform its miraculous stain-removing magic.

The Laundress Stain Solution

Say goodbye to period stains in no time with The Laundress laundry solution! This powerful product contains surfactants and enzymes that work together to break down the proteins found in blood stains. To use it, apply a small amount directly onto the stain, and use a clean cloth or sponge to gently rub it into the fabric. Wait for 15 minutes, and then wash as usual.

Heads up: Reviewers say this product works best for fresh blood stains as opposed to dried blood stains, so you'll want to treat the stain as soon as possible.

Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder

While this detergent powder can help keep clothes clean, reviewers say that it can remove blood stains like a champ. "Baby stains, blood, and juice stains (I’m a mom of four) it cleans it all nicely," writes verified Amazon shopper Sabrina. To use it, simply mix the powder with water until it forms a paste and apply it to the stained area.

Let the paste sit for 15 minutes before washing the garment as usual to ensure the complete removal of the stain.

FAQs: 

Can lemon juice remove period stains?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that lemons can act as a gentle bleaching agent and help eliminate stains from clothes. You can whip up your own stain remover by blending lemon juice with salt or baking soda, letting it sit for 30 minutes, giving it a good scrub with an old toothbrush, and then tossing it in the wash. But remember, if the stain has been there for a while, lemons might not be strong enough to tackle tough stains.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove period stains?

The EWG also recommends using hydrogen peroxide as a safe and effective method for removing period blood stains from clothing. Just mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dish soap, apply the solution to the stain using a paper towel, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing the area clean.

Can salt and cold water remove period stains?

Salt and cold water can be used to create a powerful soaking solution for clothes stained with period blood, preparing them for washing. However, make sure to act fast and treat the stain early, while it's fresh, to make sure it disappears. Honestly speaking, this is the most effective way how to get period blood out of clothes.

Experts

• Dr. Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, a board-certified specialist in adolescent medicine and the founder of Pandia Health
• Carrie E. Levine, a certified nurse midwife, an Institute for Functional Medicine certified practitioner, and the founder of the Whole Woman Health clinic