How To Get Rid of Period Stains

Menstrual Health Advice

Whether you have a heavy flow that are tricky to prepare for, or you simply had your period start while you were asleep, leaks can happen to anyone. Even if you think you’re totally prepared for the onset of your period with the right sanitary products for your flow, things don’t always go as planned!

Although leaks are nothing to be ashamed of, you might feel anxious about the prospect of one happening, especially if you’re wearing something you really like and don’t want to stain. Fortunately, knowing how to deal with leaks and stains can help you to feel more confident wearing your favourite outfits - whether you’re on your period or not.

Important! Always wear gloves when working with chemicals, even if it’s something simple like baking soda, salt or household vinegar. This helps to prevent irritation of the skin.

How to remove period stains

First, we’ll look at how to remove period stains from your clothes, as this is where blood is most likely to reach during a leak.

Tip! If you’re out and about, it might be a good idea to carry a spare pair of underwear with you so you can change if any mishaps do occur.

The first and most important step to getting blood out of your clothes is to apply cold water as soon as possible. If you can, soak the item in cold water before the blood has a chance to dry - this makes it easier to avoid a lasting stain.

You might be tempted to use warmer water, but resist! This is a big no-no. Warm or hot water can actually encourage the stain to set into the fabric, making it harder to remove. Cold tap water is the best choice - and handily, it’s the kind most readily available in the majority of cases.

Already late for work? Just pop the garment in a bowl of cold water (or a sink or bathtub!) and leave it to soak. Then you can continue removing the stain when you return.

Method 1: Soak and blot

The soak and blot method is very simple and only needs materials you probably already have to hand. It may work best on thicker fabrics, but it’s worth trying on other garments too if you have the time.

Blot the stain

Soak a cloth or flannel in cold water, then wring out the excess. Turn your garment inside out and gently pat at the stain from the inside (i.e. the side that isn’t normally visible when you wear it). Try not to rub, as this could cause the stain to spread.

Keep blotting and refreshing your cloth with cold water regularly until you can’t see any more blood coming off.

2. Soak the garment

Once you can’t see the stain anymore, let the item soak for another 30 minutes or so in fresh cold water. This helps to release any remaining blood from the fabric.

3. Put it in the wash

Choose a cold wash with a gentle detergent to wash your item of clothing, whether you prefer to use a washing machine or wash by hand. At this stage, you can wash the stained item with the rest of your laundry.

Method 2: Stain remover

For more stubborn stains, you may need to try an extra treatment. Salt can be very effective as a stain remover and has the added bonus of being something you probably already have in your cupboard.

Make a paste

Mix a small amount of salt and cold water into a paste. You won’t need a lot, but bear in mind that you’ll want enough to cover the stain you’re working with.

2. Apply and soak

Use a spoon or similar utensil to spread the paste onto the stained area. Leave it to sit and do its thing for several hours or overnight.

3. Pop it in the wash

Hand wash or machine wash the item - check the garment care label to see what’s best. Stick to cold water and remember at this point you can put the item in with the rest of your washing to save energy.

Tip! If you prefer, you can use a shop-bought stain remover. Pick one that suits your garments (some may be best used with whites or delicates only, for example) and follow the instructions on the packaging.

How to get period stains out of sheets

It’s not uncommon to get a surprise visit from your period in the night, leaving you to wake up with stained sheets. The difficulty with these stains is that they may have dried over the course of the night, which can make it harder to remove them. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can try.

The key here is that you’ll probably need a stain remover to get the job done. As mentioned above, you can use a shop-bought one, or you can try an at-home solution if you prefer.

Soak a sponge with your household stain remover of choice

Popular options are vinegar, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide. Remember, though, that these products can have a bleaching effect on darker coloured items. If this is a concern, opt for a different stain remover that caters to keeping colours vibrant. You can also test the solution on a hidden or corner area of your sheet if you’re not sure.

2. Blot the stain

As before, try not to rub or scrub at the stain, as this could cause it to spread and make the stain appear worse. Be gentle, and feel free to re-soak your sponge as needed.

3. Rinse under cold water

Rinsing can help to loosen and wash the stain away, but don’t use hot water - this can have the opposite effect.

4. Put your sheets through the wash

To give it a last wash-through and clean the rest of your sheets that weren’t stained, pop them into the washing machine or hand wash if you prefer. If the stains are still present after this step, repeat the process as needed.

How to get period blood stains out of your mattress

As if waking up with stained sheets wasn’t inconvenient enough, it can sometimes be the case that the blood reaches your mattress as well. This kind of stain is trickier to shift since you can’t just put your mattress in the washing machine - but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to restore it to its former glory.

For this, you’ll need baking soda and a soft-bristled brush such as a toothbrush.

Create a paste

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a paste. One part baking soda to two parts water is a good guideline to use. Like our salt paste earlier, how much you need will depend on the size of the stain.

2. Apply the paste

Use an old rag or cleaning cloth to dab the paste onto the stain, making sure you cover it all. Then leave it to sit for around half an hour.

3. Remove the paste

Use a clean cloth and cold water to remove the paste from the surface of the mattress. Remember to dab and not rub.

4. Remove excess moisture

Take a clean, dry cloth and dab at the affected area to remove as much moisture as you can - this will help to avoid damp problems. Then open the windows or use a fan to help dry the mattress out fully. Don’t put a new sheet on until the mattress is completely dry.

At the end of the day, leaks are a common aspect of having a period - it happens to us all! With the tips and tricks outlined above, you should have a range of techniques in your arsenal to help deal with blood stains.

If you find yourself leaking often during your period, that could be a sign that you have heavy periods. Other signs include needing to change sanitary products every two hours or more often, passing large blood clots or having to alter your daily routine because of your period.

Sound familiar? If that’s the case, you should speak to your GP or pharmacist about your options. There are medications available to ease heavy flows, such as Evana® Heavy Period Relief Tablets - which may be a suitable option for you.

Speaking to a medical professional could help you to find out what’s right for you, which may make your period more manageable in the future.