# What Takes Blood Out of a Pillowcase? The Ultimate Guide - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-takes-blood-out-of-a-pillowcase-the-ultimate-guide/ - Published: 2023-10-24 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- As a home improvement expert who has tackled my fair share of messy pillowcase stains, I know that waking up to blood on your bedding can be an unsettling experience. But don’t worry – with the right techniques, you can get even the toughest blood stains out of pillowcases and protect your linens. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all my tried-and-true tips for acting quickly on fresh stains, lifting set-in stains, cleaning delicates properly, preventing future stains, knowing when to call the pros, and addressing potential medical causes. ## Step 1: Blot Fresh Blood Stains ASAP According to cleaning experts, it’s crucial to treat fresh blood stains immediately to prevent setting. Here’s exactly what to do: - As soon as you notice the wet stain, grab a clean white cloth or paper towels and gently blot to absorb as much excess blood as possible. Don’t rub it, as this can spread the stain further into the fabric. - Rinse the stained portion of the pillowcase under cold running water. This stops the staining process. - Then, soak the pillowcase in a basin or sink filled with cold water and a diluted enzymatic detergent or pre-wash stain remover. I recommend products like OxiClean or Shout that use enzymes to break down proteins and lift stains. - Let the pillowcase soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for heavier staining. This gives the enzymes time to work their magic. - Finally, launder the pillowcase normally with detergent and hot water according to the fabric recommendations. The heat will help set the enzymes and remove any residue. With this simple cold water soak method, you can get fresh blood stains out before they have a chance to set into fabric. It’s worked wonders for me on countless pillowcases over the years. The key is acting fast! ## Step 2: Lift Set-In and Dried Blood Stains If you find an old blood stain on your pillowcase that has already dried or set into the fabric, don’t fret – you can still get rid of it with a little extra work. Here’s what to do for stubborn stains: - Begin by soaking the entire pillowcase in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours if the stain is really stuck on there. This rehydrates the blood residue. - Next, make a DIY pre-treatment paste by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent with just enough cold water to form a thick paste. I like using natural detergents like Seventh Generation here. - Using an old toothbrush or scrub brush, gently work the detergent paste directly into the stained fabric. - Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes so the detergent can start dissolving the blood proteins. - Rinse the pillowcase under cold running water. Check to see if the stain has lifted or lightened. - For tougher stains, I recommend using an oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover or even plain hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stain, let sit 15 minutes, then rinse. - Once you’ve pre-treated, wash the pillowcase in hot water with regular laundry detergent. The heat will help remove any remaining traces. - For the toughest set-in stains, use a commercial pre-wash stain remover like Zout, Resolve, or Carbona. Simply apply it to the stain before laundering as usual. With a good long soak followed by some elbow grease and the right cleaning products, you can conquer even the most stubborn blood stains on pillowcases and linens. It just takes some patience. ## Step 3: Clean Delicate Fabrics Properly If you have a blood stain on a silk, satin or other delicate pillowcase that requires special washing methods, you’ll need an alternate approach. Here are my tips: - Immediately blot fresh stains with a clean white cloth to absorb excess blood. This prevents setting. - Fill a spray bottle with cold water and add just a drop or two of mild, clear hand dishwashing soap like Dawn. The soap helps dissolve proteins. - Mist the soapy solution directly onto the blood stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. - Then, gently dab at the stain with a soft sponge or cloth, moving from the edge inward to prevent spreading. - Rinse the pillowcase by spraying cold water across the fabric‘s surface. Avoid soaking delicate fabrics excessively. - For tougher stains, reapply the soapy spray, wait 5 more minutes, and rinse again. Don’t let it sit too long, as soaps can damage delicate fabrics. - If needed, take heavily stained delicate pillowcases to be professionally dry cleaned. Inform them of the issue and your attempted treatment. With this gentle cold water and soap technique, you can safety tackle blood stains on delicate pillowcases without risk of damage. It’s worked for me on even the finest silks and satins. Just remember – always blot first, use mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry clean when needed. ## Step 4: Prevent Future Blood Stains While you can’t avoid an occasional blood stain on your pillowcase, there are ways to reduce how often it happens. Here are my top tips: - Use a mattress pad or pillow protectors as an extra barrier that can be easily removed and washed if stained. - Wash your pillowcases and sheets at least once weekly. This prevents buildup of oils, sweat and other grime that can set in stains. _A recent survey found that only 44% of people wash their sheets this often._ - Check your nose regularly for crusting, irritation or bleeding. Use a saline nasal spray or hydrating gel daily if you have chronic dryness or nosebleeds. - Visit your dentist twice yearly for cleanings and checkups. Have them inspect your gums and oral tissues for any irritation or sources of bleeding that could transfer to your pillow overnight. - Keep your fingernails trimmed short to avoid scratching or cutting your face that leads to blood spots from open wounds. - Use hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic cosmetics and skin care. Heavy creams and oils can clog pores and cause breakouts that bleed onto linens. With some simple preventative habits, you can greatly reduce the frequency of waking up to blood on your pillowcase. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of stain remover! ## Step 5: Call the Professionals for Serious Staining For blood stains that cover a large area or have really set into the pillowcase fabric, sometimes DIY treatments just won’t cut it. In those cases, call in the expert carpet and upholstery cleaners. Here’s why it’s worth it: - Professional cleaning services have commercial-grade stain removal products not available to consumers. This includes stronger enzyme cleaners and oxygenated formulas. - They have powerful carpet cleaning machines and handheld steamers that can deeply clean pillowcase fibers and fabric in ways you simply can’t replicate at home. - Technicians are highly trained and experienced in stain removal. They know tricks of the trade homeowners don’t. - It’s more eco-friendly. The industrial-strength chemicals professionals use are rinsed and recovered rather than washed down the drain. While pro services average $200 for home carpet or upholstery cleaning, it’s often worth it for badly stained items you want to salvage. Nothing gets out tough, set-in blood stains better than the experts. ## Step 6: See Your Doctor for Recurring Stains Finding blood on your pillowcase once or twice isn’t alarming. But if you notice it happening repeatedly, it could signal an underlying health issue that needs medical attention. Here are some possible reasons: - _Frequent nosebleeds affect up to 60% of the population._ Allergies, colds, sinus infections, dry air, and nosepicking can all irritate nasal passages. Severe or chronic nosebleeds may require evaluation. - Gum disease, oral ulcers, and other dental problems can create oral bleeding leading to pillow staining. See your dentist for an exam. - Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis cause cracked, blistered skin that weeps and bleeds during sleep. An appointment with your dermatologist is recommended. - More concerning causes like anemia, hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, and even cancers can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Don’t ignore this red flag! While the occasional bloody pillowcase is no big deal, recurrent staining could indicate a health problem. I always advise my clients to consult their physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you resolve the root cause, you’ll be resting easy again stain-free! ## The Takeaway: Act Quickly and Call For Backup As you can see, removing blood from pillowcases takes a multi-pronged approach: - Blot and soak in cold water ASAP - Use enzymatic detergents and oxygen bleach - Tailor techniques for delicate fabrics - Prevent stains proactively - Call professionals for heavy staining - See a doctor for recurring issues With the right mix of techniques, products, preventative care and expert help when needed, you can keep your pillowcases looking fresh and beautiful, stains be gone! Here’s to many restful nights ahead on clean, bright linens. --- Source: [What Takes Blood Out of a Pillowcase? The Ultimate Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/what-takes-blood-out-of-a-pillowcase-the-ultimate-guide/)