A nosebleed on your pillow, menstrual blood on your mattress, or a dark stain on your favorite jeans after a fall—bloodstains end up in all sorts of places and are unfortunately stubborn. Removing blood from fabric may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can often successfully remove these stains. Below, we share some practical tips for effectively removing bloodstains from your clothing.

Tips for removing blood stains from your clothes or sheets

1. Use cold water first. As soon as you notice blood on your clothing, it's important to rinse it off immediately. Use cold water for this, as warm water causes the blood to clot and penetrate deeper into the fabric. Rinse the garment under cold running water until most of the blood is gone. If you can't do this right away, for example, because you're at school, do it as soon as you can. In this case, when you get home.
2. Removing fresh blood with saliva. This might sound a bit strange, but saliva can work wonders for removing fresh blood stains. Saliva contains enzymes that break down proteins, making it easier to loosen the blood. Dab a small amount of saliva onto the stain and rub gently, then rinse the garment again with cold water.
3. Shampoo for colored fabrics: For colored garments, you can use a mild shampoo. Shampoo is designed to break down grease and dirt and can also help with blood stains. Apply a small amount of shampoo to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. This method is particularly useful for fabrics that are sensitive to harsh detergents.
   
4. Table salt and cold water: A natural way to remove blood stains is with a mixture of table salt and cold water. Make a paste by mixing some salt with water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit briefly. The salt acts as a mild abrasive and can loosen the blood. Then rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual.
5. Always follow the care label. For stubborn blood stains, you can consider washing the garment at a higher temperature, but be sure to check whether this is permitted on the care label. However, always follow the instructions on the label to prevent damage to the fabric. Manufacturers like Miele recommend this for heavy soiling, as higher temperatures help loosen stains effectively.

Do your clothes turn red if you wash your period underwear in the washing machine?

A frequently asked question is whether washing menstrual underwear in the washing machine can cause other clothing to turn red. Fortunately, this isn't the case. It is important to rinse the underwear under cold water beforehand to remove excess blood. During washing, the water continuously flows through the clothing, preventing the blood from seeping into other items. So, by rinsing the underwear beforehand, you ensure that your period underwear can be washed smoothly with other clothing without discoloration.

Want to give your period underwear a thorough wash? You can! Follow our washing instructions for a thorough clean . This will ensure your underwear lasts longer and prevents odors.