How to Get Rid of Dried Period Stains

We’re not going to lie: Dried period stains are always harder to get rid of than fresh/still-wet stains and this applies to period blood as much as red wine or any other substance. The challenge will be compounded if you’ve already put the item or garment through the laundry (washer and dryer cycle) as stubborn stains will tend to 'set' in the dryer.

However, that doesn’t mean addressing dried period blood stains is impossible. Just be prepared to be patient and know that despite your best effort you may not be successful all the time. A lot will depend on the item/material. White fabrics may show more, but you can also tackle them with the toughest stain-removal products (i.e. bleach.) 

Whatever you’re working with, follow these steps for removing blood stains:

Step 1: Soak the Garment / Item (or Blood Stain Area) in Cold Water

You want to ‘wake up’ the stain and the best way to do this is by giving the garment a good soak. Fill a basin or sink with cold water (not hot water) and submerge the garment (or at least the stained area.) Leave it a few hours, you want to let the fabric become fully saturated. 

If the stain is fresher you may notice some of the blood seeps into the water. If this is the case, switch and run the stained area under cold running water until the water comes clear, and then continue to soak for the remaining stain.

Step 2: Treat Blood Stains With Stain Remover or Liquid Laundry Detergent

Now that the fabric is completely soaked, it’s time to introduce a little muscle in the form of stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Ideally, choose a specialty stain remover that is suitable for the fabric type and color. Remember that stain removal products that contain bleach may lead to the discoloration of darker fabrics.

Give the garment a little wring out (or pat it between two clean towels). Don’t let it dry too much but make sure there isn’t too much excess water or the next part could get messy. Once you have it still-wet but not dripping, apply the stain remover. You want to get it deep into the fibers of the fabric. You can use your nails to gently work it in (be careful not to pull at the fibers as you could cause small tears), but a soft, old toothbrush also works remarkably well.

Some stain removal products work in dissolved water (e.g. oxygenated stain removal products), so if that’s the case, follow those instructions to get blood out of clothes or other items.

There are lots of stain removal products and hacks involving household products. Here are some of the more popular ones you might consider for removing blood stains:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common antiseptic, so you might find you have some in your medicine cabinet. But you may not know that hydrogen peroxide is also very effective for stain removal.

However, hydrogen peroxide is a bleach so should only be used on light-colored items. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on any dark color fabrics.

Oxygenated Stain Removal Products

Oxygenated stain removal products work by using oxygen to break down and lift stains from fabric fibers. These products typically contain hydrogen peroxide or a similar oxygen-based bleaching agent. Oxi-Clean is a popular brand in this category (many products in this category will have some variety of ‘oxi/oxy’ in their name.)

Enzyme Stain Removers

Enzymes are natural proteins that break down specific types of stains, such as protein-based stains like blood stains or grass stains. Popular brands like Tide use enzymes and other ingredients (including surfactants and polymers) to remove blood stains from clothing. This is why these products can be used on a wide variety of stain types, from oils to blood, grass, and food.

Lemon Juice 

For those who prefer a more natural approach, lemon juice can also be great at removing stains, and by cutting the lemon in half, you also have an easy application tool. But citric acid (the thing that makes lemons so great for removing stains) is an acid and can be harsh on colors. You may find it has the same effect as bleach on darker colors.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is similarly a good household product for so many chores, including treating set-in blood stains. But because it is also acid, we don't recommend it for blood stain removal in dark garments, including denim.

Baking Soda

You can make a paste from cold water and baking soda (yes, the kind you put in your fridge or freezer to deodorize it). Apply the paste to the stained area and work it gently in with a toothbrush. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone.

Aspirin

Follow the same method as with the baking soda: Just crush a few aspirins and mix with water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain and you should see it start to budge. 

Step 3: Wait (Be Patient!)

Stain removal products need time to work and may even need longer on older dried-in blood stains. Follow the product instructions and don’t rush the job. You may even want to err on the side of more time rather than less.

We do not recommend combining any of the above ingredients in an attempt to have a double or triple-whammy effect on the blood stain. Indeed, the ingredients might react with each other and be less effective (or you might end up with a little chemical reaction on your hands.)

However, if you’ve tried one method and had no success, you can switch to a different one. Just make sure to rinse the item well first to remove any residue from the first stain removal product before you add another. But before you do this, make sure you’ve given the product enough time to work. Don’t be impatient! 

Step 4: Rinse the Blood Stains & Product Residue With Cold Water

After you’ve let the stain removal product get to work for some time, return and give a little brush with your trusty wet toothbrush. Hopefully, you notice that the blood stain has started to budget and lift. If it’s the same, give it more time.

If the dried blood stains are starting to lift gradually add a little more cold water and gently continue to work the stain remover into the fabric. If you think the period stain is completely gone, rinse the item well under running cold water until you see the stain fully gone (and there’s no residue left from the stain remover.)

Step 5: Repeat, if Necessary

If the stain has started to budge but is not fully gone, you can go back and repeat Step 2. Remember that it simply may not be possible for the stain to ever be fully gone. But if you feel like you’re having luck, you can push again to see if you can get rid of that last bit.

Step 6: Wash & Dry as Usual

Once the blood stains are gone, you should wash your garment following its regular cleaning instructions (hand wash or machine wash) and your regular liquid laundry detergent. If possible choose a cold water cycle or delicate cycle instead of hot water. 

When the item comes out of the washing machine, double-check the stained area to make sure no trace of blood remains.

If there are still blood stains, it’s up to you: Either go back to Step 2 and start over again, or give up and consider this a hard-fought battle. We’ve all been there… But do pause here to make sure you’re sure because once you dry the item there’s no going back…

Whether it’s been a victory or a defeat, follow the usual instructions for drying. Air drying is gentler for delicates, but bedding and towels tend to do well in the dryer. A cooler temperature is always gentler on fabrics.

Why Does Period Blood Leak?

Period leaks happen to many of us, for several reasons. It's important to find the right menstrual product for your body and flow and to use it correctly to minimize the risk of leaks. Here are some of the common reasons for leaks:

• Heavy menstrual flow: Period flow that exceeds the absorbency level of your product
• Incorrect use of menstrual products: A tampon wrongly inserted or a pad that is applied to the wrong part of your underwear.
• Choosing the wrong menstrual product: For example, not enough absorbency or just not a great fit for your body. Menstrual cups come in different shapes and it may take some experimentation to find the one that’s right for your unique shape.
• Changes in your menstrual cycle: Irregular periods or a change in flow can catch you off guard)
• Movement or exercise: Depending on the product you choose, menstrual products may move around if you’re active
• Sleeping position: Certain sleeping positions may cause pressure on your menstrual product, or it may shift or leak during the night.

Ideally, you can treat fresh blood stains instead of waiting for them to become dried blood stains. Click here to read advice on that.

How to Avoid Period Leaks in the Future: Period Underwear

As long as there are periods, there’ll also be leaks. And while it's great to know how to tackle blood stains whether they’re on your clothing, underwear, or even bedding and towels, it’s even better to avoid them altogether

Introducing Period Underwear! Period Underwear is absorbent and quick-drying. Buh-bye panty-liners and unnecessary waste - they are great protection during your period, either as full protection or as a backup to disposable products, like tampons. Knix period underwear also comes in all your favorite panty styles.

When You Should See a Doctor About Heavy Menstrual Flow

While leaks are normal and not considered medically concerning, there may be times when they’re a sign of unusually heavy flow. Leaks alone are not a reason to see your doctor, but if you think any of the following apply to you, it might be worth booking a checkup:

• Heavy bleeding: If you experience heavy bleeding, which is defined as soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row.
• Bleeding accompanied by clotting: If you pass blood clots that are larger than a quarter or if you're passing blood clots frequently.
• Irregular periods: If you're experiencing irregular periods, meaning your periods come at different times or are much shorter or longer than usual.
• Pain or discomfort: If you're experiencing pain or discomfort during your period, such as cramping or pelvic pain.

For the most part, leaks are not a concern. If you’re uncertain whether the above applies to you, try using a period app or diary to keep track of your period timing, heaviness (number of products used), clots, and other symptoms. This will make it easier to talk to your doctor if you do have concerns.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.