Dealing with your period also means dealing with the occasional period stains. If you often find yourself wondering how to remove period stains out of different materials, know that you’re not alone. Period stains can show up everywhere – from your underwear to your jeans and even your sheets!
Over time, just like your monthly flow, your methods to deal with these period stains can be improved by these simple hacks.
How can I remove period stains from my clothes?
Lemon juice to the rescue
If your stain has dried off a little bit and cannot be removed with just water, this household item comes in handy. For light coloured clothes, lemon juice is a quick and accessible option especially if you’re in a hurry. The only downside of using this technique is that the colour of the material can be altered with frequent use of it. All you have to do is blot the liquid on the period stain and run it under cold water. You can continue to repeat this step as long as the stain is completely gone.
Lightweight fabrics need cold water
When it comes to removing period stains from light materials (such as underwear, pajamas or linen pants), you will be surprised at how effective cold water can be! However, you need to be quick while using this technique. Cold water only works when the period stain is still new and damp.
Talcum powders are super absorbent
If you have some time on your hands but no access to water, talcum powder is your best option. Formulated to keep your skin bright from moisture, talcum powder will soak up all the fresh blood from the stain as long as it hasn’t dried up. Spread a layer of any talcum powder on the period stain and let it sit for roughly 20 minutes. After that, flick/dust it off and your stain should have reduced in appearance. Then, you can throw it in the wash for a thorough cleanse.
How can I remove dried blood stains?
Keep it soaked
This is the cardinal rule of getting dried blood stains out of your clothes, bed sheets and even jeans! In a small bucket or plastic mug, soak your stained material in cold water mixed with some detergent or a stain remover for at least 3 or 4 hours. If the stain is still visible after soaking, use an old toothbrush to scrub it out before throwing it in the wash.
Rub it under salt water
Sometimes blood stains happen when you’re out of the house, and at that point, stain removers and detergents may not work. Luckily, salt water can help. Mixing any table salt and cold water can be a great technique for removing a period stain that has dried up.
How can I remove period stains from tough places?
Liquids will help remove stains from your mattress
The trick for how to get blood out of a mattress is to use as little liquid as possible. You don’t want to saturate it, otherwise it won’t dry. Pick a stain remover and dab it on the spot using a cotton ball or a clean washcloth. The key is to not soak the mattress, go slowly.
Clean your jeans from the inside
If you need to get blood out of jeans, the technique is slightly different. Since the fabric is thick, start by blotting the period stain from the inside. Soak a washcloth in cold water, wring out the excess, and then blot away. Avoid the temptation to rub the period stain, that will only spread the blood. Keep blotting until no more blood comes off on the washcloth.
Sometimes with period stains, you need to give it more than one try to save your items. Sometimes you just have to try something different. The important thing to remember is that if a stain doesn’t come out the first time, all is not lost. Give it another shot!
As annoying as it may be to repeat these hacks to find one that works, a little patience and persistence can save your favourite things from being thrown in the trash.
The good and most important news is that period stains are NOT a big deal and are definitely nothing to be embarrassed about. Every woman has had at least one of these moments and in a funny way, these shared experiences can be something that brings us together!
