Remove Blood from Your Underwear After Your Period

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Stained underwear is an inevitable part of having periods. It's annoying and it requires quick action to try to restore your underwear as best as possible. Fortunately, there are various ways to clean the stain, and some may even work on older stains, should you need to do so.

Steps

  1. Clean your underwear as soon as possible. The sooner that you do so, the more likely it is that you'll get the stain out.
  2. Use only cold water, preferably ice cold water. Hot or warm water will set the stain, making it impossible to remove.
  3. Air dry if the stain is still present after trying one of the methods unsuccessfully. This will prevent setting the stain, which will occur if you use the dryer. Only use the dryer when you're happy with the amount of stain removed.

Cold water and soap wash

  1. Fill a clean sink with cold water. The colder the water, the better.
  2. Put your stained underwear in the water. Push it into the water, then concentrate on scrubbing out the stain. Wash out as much as you can. You can use some soap; hand soap or stain removal soap rubbed over the stain will work well.
  3. Rinse and repeat the scrub. Then rinse off. If the stain has gone, it's ready for draining. If not, repeat again.
  4. Dry the underpants. Either hang to air dry or use the dryer. If you've needed to do this in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer to direct heat onto the underwear.

Washing machine wash

This method is only for machine-washable underwear. It's not as good as hand washing because you're not scrubbing at the stain but if you're prepared to have some stain left but clean underwear, it's an option. Moreover, this method is wasteful of water if you're only washing one pair. Try to wash other items at the same time.

  1. Use the washer on a cold setting with low level water. Add your usual detergent. You might like to spray with stain remover before putting the underwear into the washing machine.
    • There are specific period stain removers that you can purchase and use specifically for the washer.
  2. Dry as normal.

Hydrogen peroxide wash

This is best used for white fabric.

Soaking

  1. Fill a bowl or sink with 1/4 hydrogen peroxide to 3/4 ice cold water.
  2. Add the underwear. Push it into the liquid and leave it to soak for a half an hour or so.
  3. Return and check the underwear. If it looks better, remove and rinse. If not, allow to soak a bit longer.
  4. Dry as usual. The stain should have gone.

Rubbing

  1. Immerse a clean, white cloth in hydrogen peroxide. Wring.
  2. Rub over the stain. The blood should come off.
  3. Rinse. Dry as usual.

Bleach wash

This is for whites that haven't cleaned using the hydrogen peroxide solution.

  1. Add one part bleach to six parts cold water to a bucket, sink or other container.
  2. Place the stained underwear into the solution. Leave to soak for a few hours.
  3. Remove and check the stain. If it's clean, wash as usual and dry as usual. Soak for longer if the stain is still present.
    • Take care not to splash, as bleach will bleach anything it touches.
  4. Wash your hands after touching or immersing in the bleach solution. Alternatively, wear gloves.

Salt wash for colored underwear

  1. Mix two parts cold water with one part salt in a washing basin or bucket.
  2. Add the stained underwear and wet completely.
  3. Rub the stained part gently. Use the salt to add abrasion to help remove the stain.
  4. Rinse. Wash and dry as usual.

Powdered dish soap wash

  1. Use powdered dish soap on the stained underwear. Sprinkle on a little, then scrub it over the stained area.
  2. Rinse. Repeat if the stain is not yet removed.
  3. Dry as usual.

Meat tenderizer wash

  1. Make a solution from one tablespoon of meat tenderizer and two tablespoons of ice cold water. Mix until it forms a paste.
  2. Spread the meat tenderizer paste over the stained area of the underwear. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours. This will loosen the stain.
  3. Wash the underwear. Either hand or machine wash, using your usual detergent.
  4. Dry as usual.

Tips

  • Black or very darkly colored underpants will hide the stains. This can be a good solution for period weeks, so that you don't see the stains and just clean the underpants as usual.
  • You can wash your underwear while taking a cold shower. Use the soap in the shower to scrub the stain with.
  • Really tough stains that have set in may require the use of a commercial cleanser that is made especially for removing such stains.
  • If your underwear has been messy with blood for a while, and the blood is dry just wash it in the washer and dryer. There will be a pale stain left but the underwear will be clean and you won't have to toss them.
  • You don't need to use soap if you are hand cleaning your underwear; the water and scrubbing friction will work fine.

Warnings

  • Do not use hot water as it will set the blood stain.
  • Never use the dryer until you're satisfied with how much of the stain has already been removed.
  • The washer and dryer may still leave small spots (if you use the washer and dryer one day after you have had you period in your underwear).
  • Hydrogen Peroxide can bleach some fabrics. Most noticeable on dark colors.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Soap or liquid detergent
  • Hydrogen peroxide (if relevant)
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Sources and Citations

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