How to Get Blood Stains Out of Sheets: Remove Blood from Sheets Easily

Blood on your sheets happens for all sorts of reasons. It could be a small cut, a nosebleed, or a surprise period leak during the night. Sometimes it’s from scratching dry skin or a popped pimple. Whatever the cause, blood can leave a mark that’s tough to clean once it dries.

Blood is tricky because it’s made of protein, iron, and other organic compounds that react to temperature. When warm water hits the stain, the proteins harden and bond to the fabric. This is similar to how an egg becomes solid when it cooks in a pan. Once that happens, the stain locks in and becomes far harder to remove.

That’s why timing and temperature matter most. Cold water helps stop the stain from setting, while gentle ingredients like salt and Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheets lift it out without damage. Acting fast keeps your sheets looking clean and fresh without using harsh chemicals.

Step-by-step guide to get blood stains out of sheets

From fresh spots to dried marks, this simple guide shows how to remove blood stains and keep your bedding clean.

1. Rinse with cold water

Hold the stained area under cold running water. Let it flow through the fabric to lift as much blood as possible before it sets. Avoid using hot water. WA Health guidelines on cloth materials note that water warmer than about 35 °C can cause the stain to set permanently.

2. Soak your sheets

Fill a tub or bucket with cold water. Add 1–2 tablespoons of salt and a Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet. Soak the stained area of your sheets for 30–60 minutes to loosen proteins and lift the stain without harming delicate fabrics like bamboo or linen.

3. Pre-treat the stain

If the stain remains after soaking, make a gentle paste using baking soda and cold water. For extra cleaning power, dissolve a small piece of your Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet in a few tablespoons of water and mix it into the paste. Apply it to the stained area by blotting and leave for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.

4. Wash in the washing machine

Once the stain is gone, wash your sheets while using cold water with a gentle cycle. For detergent, use our Laundry Detergent Sheet. The sheet dissolves fully in the wash and helps remove any remaining residue that wasn't visible, leaving your bedding clean and soft.

5. Air dry the sheets

Hang the sheets to air dry completely. Avoid using the dryer until the stain is fully gone, as heat can cause it to reappear. Once dry, check the area before returning the sheets to your bed.

6. Check and repeat if needed

Once the sheets are dry, check the area under good light. If the stain hasn’t fully lifted, repeat the process.

Fabric-specific blood stain tips for different bed sheets

Each fabric reacts differently to blood, so it helps to treat every set of sheets with care.

Cotton and linen

Rinse the stain under cold running water as soon as possible. Then let it soak in cold water with salt and a Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet for 30–60 minutes. If a faint mark remains, make a light baking soda paste and apply it before the final wash. Avoid using bleach or hot water, as both can set the stain deeper into the fabric. Always air-dry instead of using a dryer.

Silk or satin

Rinse the stained area gently with cold water. Use a detergent sheet solution and dab with a clean cloth. Never scrub or twist, as this is a delicate fabric. Avoid long soaks, as these materials are delicate. Read the care label first to confirm the method is safe.

Bamboo or Tencel sheets

Soak the sheets in cold water with a Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet to loosen any dried blood. If needed, sprinkle a little baking soda on the damp area to lift remaining residue. After washing, air dry completely to preserve the fibres and prevent marks from returning.

What to do if stains won’t come out of your sheets

Some marks can’t be removed once they’ve bonded to the fabric. At this stage, it’s best to cut out the affected area and reuse the rest. Upcycling turns an otherwise unusable sheet into something practical and long-lasting, helping you save good fabric and prevent waste.

Upcycle and reuse

• Cut around the stained section. Use scissors to remove the marked area, keeping as much clean fabric as possible.
• Make reusable cleaning cloths. Cut the remaining fabric into squares and hem the edges. These will be perfect for wiping surfaces or polishing.
• Create drawstring or tote bags. Use the larger pieces to sew small laundry bags, produce bags, or storage pouches.
• Line pet beds or carriers. Soft cotton or bamboo fabric makes great liners for pets.
• Craft at home. Use leftover material for sewing practice, quilting, or even as a paint drop cloth for small DIY jobs.

How to prevent blood stains on bedding and mattresses

Most stains can be avoided with a few simple habits. These small changes make a big difference in keeping your bedding clean and lasting longer.

Use waterproof layers

Add a waterproof mattress protector and pillow covers under your regular bedding. They act as a barrier that stops any fluid from soaking through. Wash them regularly to prevent build-up and keep your mattress fresh.

Prepare ahead of time

If you expect a period or have a heavy flow, lay a towel or an old sheet over the bed as extra protection. It’s a simple precaution that saves time later and helps you avoid deep cleaning.

Keep quick-clean items nearby

Store a small kit next to your bed with salt, a Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet, and a clean cloth. If a mark happens overnight, you can rinse it quickly with cold water before it sets.

Care for small cuts early

If you have a cut, scrape, or nosebleed, clean and cover it before sleep. It’s an easy way to protect your bedding and prevent unwanted stains.