If you’ve ever woken up to discover a blood stain on your sheets, you’re not alone—it’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit. Whether it’s from a nosebleed, period leak, or a cut, blood on bedding can feel like a disaster. But don’t toss your favorite sheets just yet! With the right steps (and a little patience), you can get blood out of sheets—even white ones. Here’s what I’ve learned from plenty of real-life experience.
🩸 Why Blood Is So Stubborn
Blood contains protein and iron, which bind quickly to fabric. If you use hot water or delay treatment, it can “set” the stain. That’s why the golden rule is:
✅ Act fast, and always use cold water.
🧼 What You’ll Need
Most of these are common household items:
- Cold water
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Baking soda
- Dish soap (mild)
- Salt or meat tenderizer (optional)
- Enzyme-based stain remover (great for dried blood)
- Old toothbrush or sponge
- Laundry detergent
- Clean cloths or towels
🪣 Step-by-Step: How to Remove Blood from Sheets
Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water
As soon as you see the blood:
- Hold the stained area under cold running water.
- Let the water run through the back of the fabric to push the blood out.
- Gently rub the fabric between your fingers to loosen the stain.
If the stain is fresh, this step alone may do most of the work.
Step 2: Treat with Hydrogen Peroxide (For White or Colorfast Sheets)
This is my go-to method, especially for white cotton sheets.
- Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain.
- Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes.
- Blot gently with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Rinse with cold water.
👉 Important: Always test on a hidden area first if your sheets are dark or patterned. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some fabrics.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda + Cold Water Paste (Optional)
If the stain remains:
- Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cold water into a paste.
- Apply it directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30–45 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a toothbrush, then rinse.
This combo helps lift any leftover pigment from the fabric.
Step 4: Add Dish Soap for Extra Cleaning Power
For tough stains:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of cold water.
- Soak the stain or apply with a cloth and blot gently.
- Rinse well before moving to the washing machine.
Step 5: Wash as Usual—But Carefully
Once the stain is mostly gone:
- Wash the sheets in the coldest water setting.
- Use your regular detergent.
- Air-dry only. Heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain.
If there’s still a faint stain after washing, repeat the treatment before drying.
🧽 For Dried or Old Blood Stains
Sometimes you don’t catch the stain right away. Here’s what I do for older spots:
💡 Try Enzyme-Based Cleaners
These break down protein stains like blood (just like they do for pet messes).
- Apply the enzyme cleaner to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
- Blot, rinse, and wash as usual.
🧂 Or Try Salt or Meat Tenderizer
Yes, I’ve even used meat tenderizer in a pinch!
- Make a paste with unseasoned meat tenderizer and cold water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit 30 minutes.
- Rinse and wash.
Final Tips
- Avoid hot water and heat until the stain is fully gone.
- Act fast—fresh blood is always easier to remove than dried.
- If you’re dealing with silk or delicate sheets, spot-test all methods carefully and avoid hydrogen peroxide.
Final Thoughts
Blood stains are frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your sheets. I’ve removed dozens of them over the years using these exact steps. Whether it’s a fresh stain or one that’s been sitting for a day or two, don’t panic—there’s a good chance your sheets are totally salvageable.
