Many people rush to soak stained items in hot water, use detergent, or scrub vigorously, unaware that these habits make the cleaning process even more challenging.
In reality, removing blood stains doesn’t require harsh chemicals or excessive effort. With a bit of patience, common kitchen ingredients, and a few simple tricks, you can effortlessly eliminate stains.
How to Remove Blood Stains from Bed Sheets
Step 1: Soak in Cold Water, Use Sparingly
First, place the bed sheet or stained fabric into a basin, then drip a few drops of cold water directly onto the blood stain. Use just enough water—not too much. Crucially, always use cold water; never use hot water.
Hot water causes the iron and proteins in blood to coagulate, making the stain much harder to remove.
Step 2: Apply Cleaning Agents in Order: Soap + Detergent + Sweet Potato Starch
Start by spreading a layer of soap (regular bath soap works) over the stain. Gently rub it a few times to ensure the soap covers the entire stain.
Next, add a small amount of laundry detergent (the kind used for daily washing). Then, sprinkle a teaspoon of sweet potato starch evenly over the area.
Mix the soap, detergent, and starch with your hands, ensuring they fully contact the stain.
Step 3: Let Sit + Gently Rub, Wait 5 Minutes Before Handling, No Force Needed
After applying the mixture, let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the enzymes in the sweet potato starch to activate. A seasoned housekeeper advises, “This waiting step is crucial—if done right, rubbing afterward becomes much easier; otherwise, it’ll require more effort.”
After 5 minutes, gently rub the stained area with your hands. You’ll notice the blood stain dissolving and washing away with the foam. Avoid using force to prevent fabric damage. I once rubbed for less than a minute, and the stain nearly disappeared, leaving only a faint trace.
Step 4: Rinse with Cold Water + Rub Again to Fully Remove Stains, Leaving No Trace
After lightly rubbing, add more cold water to the basin (this time, a bit more is fine), soak the fabric briefly, then rub gently again.
Upon close inspection, the blood stain is now completely gone, leaving no trace.
Step 5: Wash as Usual
Finally, place the bed sheet (or clothing) into the washing machine and wash on a regular cycle without adding any extra cleaning agents. Use cold water throughout—avoid hot water, as any remaining blood stains will coagulate again if exposed to heat.
Previously, I followed this method, washing the bed sheet in cold water. After drying, there was no trace of the stain, leaving it as good as new.
Two Key Rules When Removing Blood Stains
– Never Use Hot Water; Always Use Cold Water Throughout
Whether soaking the initial stain or machine-washing at the end, always use cold water. Hot water is the enemy of blood stains, causing them to set and become nearly impossible to remove. I once made this mistake, soaking in hot water, and it took twice as long to fix.
– Avoid Stiff Brushes; Gently Rub with Hands
Many people, eager to remove stains, use stiff brushes and scrub hard, leading to fabric fraying or tearing. This is unnecessary—with sweet potato starch, gentle hand-rubbing suffices to clean while protecting the fabric, especially delicate items like bed sheets or underwear.
Note: Do not substitute sweet potato starch with other powders; it contains high levels of enzymes that break down blood stains. Cornstarch or potato starch have lower enzyme levels and are less effective.
“A Simple Hack to Remove Blood Stains with Table Salt”
Introducing a Revolutionary Stain Removal Hack: Salt to the Rescue!
Unveil the ultimate trick to vanquish those pesky blood stains from your beloved garments. A simple kitchen staple, salt, can work wonders and transform your stain-removal game. Say goodbye to those unsightly marks and hello to refreshed, stain-free clothes!
