So you’re cooking dinner and slice your finger a tiny bit. You put a Band-Aid on it and move on like it’s no big deal, but then you wake up in the morning and suddenly realize that it came off of your cut while you were sleeping! You have blood on your sheets now and have no idea how to get it out, but don’t worry because there are a million ways to get your linens crisp and clean again.
Initial Steps to Remove Blood from Sheets
Of course, sheets are made out of many different types of densities and fabrics so that is the first place to start. Generally, the laundry instructions will be on the label depending on the material that is used. If your sheets are silk versus cotton then there can be some variations in things like the temperature of the water or drying cycle that should be used.
If you do happen to notice a stain on your sheets then it is always best to soak it in the water right away. The longer that your stains have time to settle into the fabric, the more of a challenge getting it clean will turn out to be.
If you’re able to soak the sheets in cold water right away, you will give yourself the best possible head start for cleaning that bloodstain. Add an enzyme cleaner to the water first for an even deeper soak before you get into the washing.
Cleaning Products to Use
Lemon Juice: In regards to the actual cleaning material that can be used to clean the blood from your sheets, there are many different substances that can work. Some household items have a good track record like lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. You can even use a meat tenderizer if you sprinkle some tenderizer powder on the stain with some water first. Use the powder and water to make it into a paste to try and get some of the stains out.
Table Salt: Instead of the enzyme cleaner or the meat tenderizer, you can also use salt. Salt is known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties so it only makes sense that it would be used to clean up a bloodstain. Try to add some salt to a bucket of cold water, then stir thoroughly. Soak your sheets in the solution and see the difference in how the stain lifts.
Cornstarch: If you want to use a more targeted approach you can use cornstarch or baking soda if you mix it with water to form a paste. Take that paste and rub it directly on the stained linen and try to lift the stain with the mix. If that doesn’t work then try finding a stain pen at your local Walmart or hardware store.
Soda Water: Speaking of stain removers that can be found at the local grocery store, you can use Coca Cola soak the blood from your sheets. The chemicals in this particular soda may not be the best for your health, but it used to be used to clean up crime scenes or rust from metal. It can be pretty effective for getting the blood out of your sheets!
Ammonia: Ammonia is another grocery store material that can be used to clean blood and often is. Before you stick your sheets in the washing machine, try using a solution that is half ammonia and half water and apply it to the stain on your linens. You should be able to get the stain out pretty easily with this tactic.
Vinegar: If you want to try a chemical that is less harsh than ammonia, try looking for another grocery store item – vinegar. Vinegar can be really effective as a stain remover, so try making a solution with three parts white vinegar and one part water. After you soak your sheets for a while, in this solution, try to use a toothbrush and rub the stain away.
Chlorine Bleach: If you are not trying to shy away from the harsh chemicals, then there is one in particular that is even stronger than ammonia and is almost guaranteed to get your stains out. Chlorine bleach is a last-resort chemical for those stains in your life that just will not leave. If you have tried everything else then attempt to lift the stain with a good bleach soak.
Final Steps to Remove Blood From Sheets
Regardless of the type of cleaning treatment that you use for your blood stains, you will still need to wash your sheets with the proper wash and dry cycles. If you don’t have a location to soak your sheets then you can get innovative and use the rinse cycle on your washing machine.
Do not hesitate to utilize the steam treatment option that comes on many laundry machines these days. It can also help lift any stains that your sheets may have. If your machines don’t have this feature on them then try hanging them up in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam from the shower can act in a similar way, so give it a try.
Another oddity about getting blood stains out of your sheets is in how those stains interact with sunlight. The sun’s rays break down the protein in blood so drying your sheets outside can in itself cause the bloodstains to fade away. If you have a particularly stubborn stain then try this out in conjunction with your cleaning treatment of choice.
All in all, there are so many ways to clean any fabric but blood stains can be one of the most difficult to get out. With these household tips and tricks, you should be able to find a way to get those sheets looking brand new even in the face of a poorly fastened Band-Aid!
