How to Get Blood Out of Your Underwear

Blood stains on underwear, whether from periods, or otherwise, are a common issue. The proteins in blood can make stains set into fabrics, especially if left untreated. Knowing how to properly remove blood stains is key to saving your favourite pair of underwear and avoiding unnecessary waste. We’ll walk through effective techniques to get blood out of your underwear using common household items, and we’ll discuss proactive solutions like using period-proof underwear from Ugly Pants.

Why Removing Blood Stains Quickly Matters

The sooner you treat a blood stain, the easier it will be to remove. Blood contains proteins that start to bind to the fibres of fabric as soon as they dry, making it more difficult to lift the stain once it has set. This is why acting fast is crucial. Fresh blood is much easier to clean, while dried blood requires a more intensive process.

Another reason to tackle blood stains quickly is to prevent further damage to your underwear. If you frequently deal with blood stains, you might be tempted to use harsher cleaning agents that could degrade the fabric over time. Instead, natural methods can effectively remove stains without causing harm.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Fresh Blood Stains

If you catch the stain while it's still fresh, you have a good chance of removing it entirely. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the stained area under cold running water. It's important to use cold water because hot water will cause the blood to coagulate, making it harder to remove. Gently rub the fabric together to help loosen the stain.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Agent
Once you've rinsed out as much blood as possible, it’s time to treat the stain with a cleaning agent. You can use household items such as:

Baking Soda: Create a paste using one part baking soda and two parts cold water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Dish Soap: Dab a small amount of dish soap onto the stain, gently scrubbing with your fingertips or a toothbrush.
Salt: Mix salt with cold water and apply it to the fabric. This is particularly useful for fresh stains.

Step 3: Wash and Dry
After treating the stain, wash your underwear on a cold cycle with mild detergent. Avoid using hot water or a dryer, as heat can cause any remaining stain to set permanently. Air drying is the best option to keep your underwear in good condition.

Effective Methods for Removing Dried Blood Stains

Dealing with dried blood stains requires a little more effort, but it’s still possible to restore your underwear. The key is to soak the fabric for as long as possible to help loosen the dried blood.

Soak in Cold Water
Start by soaking the stained underwear in cold water for a few hours or overnight. This will help rehydrate the blood, making it easier to remove. You can also add a bit of salt or mild detergent to the water to help break down the stain.

Natural Remedies for Dried Stains
Once the fabric has soaked, try one of these natural methods to remove the stain:

Baking Soda: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing.
Lemon Juice: The acidity in lemon juice can help break down dried blood. Squeeze the juice directly onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse.
White Vinegar: Vinegar is another great option. Pour it directly on the stain and let it soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a cloth.

After treating the stain, wash your underwear in cold water and repeat the process if necessary until the stain is completely gone.

Delicate fabric of your pants

The bamboo in Ugly Pants is used for its comfort and anti odour properties, however this fabric can be delicate. Care is needed with the above stain treatments.

Baking soda paste is generally safe to use with the pants, but you should avoid rubbing too harshly when applying.
Lemon juice can be effective due to its acidity but this may weaken the fabric if overused so use this option sparingly.
White vinegar is mild but care should be taken to rinse thoroughly after use.

To protect bamboo's integrity, use these treatments gently, rinse thoroughly, and avoid excessive scrubbing or prolonged exposure. Pre-test in an inconspicuous area first.

How to Avoid Stains in the First Place

Prevention is always better than cure! If you’re tired of dealing with period stains or leaks, investing in period-proof underwear like those from Ugly Pants can be a game-changer. Ugly Pants period underwear offers stylish, leak-proof protection designed to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your cycle.

Ugly Pants uses soft, breathable fabrics that absorb menstrual flow and lock it away, preventing leaks onto your clothes. These reusable period pants are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products and can be washed and worn again and again, making them both sustainable and convenient.

They come in a variety of styles, including thongs, bikini briefs, and hipster briefs, with different absorbency levels depending on your flow. Whether you have light spotting or heavy flow days, Ugly Pants has an option that fits your needs, so you don’t have to worry about stains.

Sustainable Washing and Care for Underwear

To make your underwear last longer, proper washing and care are essential. For period underwear like Ugly Pants, follow these steps:

Rinse First
Rinse your period underwear in cold water as soon as possible to remove excess blood. This prevents stains from setting in.

Gentle Machine Wash
Place your period underwear in a laundry bag to protect the fabric and wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the absorbent layers.

Air Dry
Air drying is the best way to preserve the quality of your underwear. Heat from the dryer can weaken the elastic and reduce absorbency over time, so hang your underwear to dry naturally.

Find out more in our blog post about washing your period pants

Getting blood out of your underwear doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether the stain is fresh or dried, there are simple and effective methods you can use to remove it without damaging the fabric. Acting quickly and using natural remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar can make all the difference.

For a long-term solution to period stains, consider switching to sustainable options like Ugly Pants period underwear. Not only are they designed to prevent leaks, but they also provide an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products, keeping you comfortable and confident throughout your cycle.