Welcome. Think of this as your informal stain support group. We’re LOLA, and we know periods. We also know periods lead to leaks (despite our best period care efforts), and leaks lead to stubborn period stains.
Period blood leaks and stains are a common occurrence during menstruation. In this article we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove period blood from your underwear. The importance of knowing how to get period blood out of underwear is not a reflection of you being dirty or ill-prepared for your period. We’ve all been there. Maybe those new pajama pants shifted your pad somehow overnight, or you decided to attend just one more meeting before changing your tampon. No matter the circumstance, it happens. And when period leaks and stains happen, please know that it is a common and natural occurrence.
So if you’re ready to stop wondering, “Should I throw away period stained underwear?,” keep reading. We’re here to tell you how to get period stains out of underwear and keep your panty sanity in check.
The Importance of Immediate Action
Treating blood stains promptly is essential to avoiding potential fabric damage from waiting too long. The good news is that blood stains are fairly easy to remove in the first 24 hours of occurring as they have less of a chance to set, giving you a chance to react before your menstrual blood turns into dried blood stains.
What makes period blood different from other stains? Blood is a protein stain that changes over time. The oxidation of hemoglobins occur when blood exits your body, which causes blood stains to shift from bright red to dark brown, becoming even more challenging to remove over time. Because blood is a protein stain, the protein strands will do all they can to bind together again. So to prevent the stain from setting, it is better to use cold water when washing out a stain instead of hot water or warm water.
How to Remove Period Blood Stains
So far, we’ve covered all the blood basics. Now, let’s get into our step-by-step guide on how to remove period blood stains. Believe it or not, you’re probably already stocked on all you need to treat blood stains with a few simple household essentials. Before you start concocting period stain potions made of lemon juice, stain remover, and the tears of your ex, can you guess which various household items make the best remedies for treating stained fabric? Let’s find out. Hint, these steps are as easy as 1, 2, 3 (literally), and the items you’ll need are well within reach.
1. Remove excess stain
Remove as much excess blood from the stain area as possible by gently scraping it off. If your blood stain has dried, skip this step.
2. Treat the stain
How to get newly stained period blood out of underwear without hydrogen peroxide:
Pretreat or soak your underwear in a mixture of cold water and enzyme-based laundry detergent (bleach-free).
How to get newly stained period blood out of white underwear:
For light-colored or white underwear, dab some hydrogen peroxide on the stain, then soak your underwear in a mixture of cold water and enzyme-based laundry detergent (bleach-free).
How to get dried period blood out of underwear:
Mix baking soda with cool water to make a paste and gently rub it over the stain, leaving it on for about 30 minutes. After the required time, remove any dried pieces, and rinse with cold water. For an extra layer of stain lifting, soak your underwear in a mixture of cold water and enzyme-based laundry detergent (bleach-free). This process is safe for dark-colored underwear too!
3. Wash and wear
Wash your underwear as usual, but first, remember to take a peek at any wash/dry/care instructions on the tag beforehand. Some fabric may need to air dry post treatment, especially until the stain is fully removed (remember to keep heat away!). Manufacturer directions allow for the best practices for washing and drying methods post-stain treatment to maintain fabric integrity.
Our Ultimate Stain Solver: Reusable Period Underwear
Reusable period underwear make for an easy and eco-friendly solution for menstrual care. Wear solo for powerful leak protection, as an extra layer of protection on heavier flow days, or as backup for when your period may or may not show up. Discover the comfort and ease of Reusable Period Underwear today.
Often, the first thought is, “Can you put bloody underwear in the washing machine?” Yes! If the underwear are not reusable period underwear, follow the steps above, then add your underwear to a regular wash load (remember: cold water!). If your underwear are reusable period underwear, simply rinse the gusset with cold water and then machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with gentle detergent and similar colors. You do not need to soak, use stain removers, hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, or softeners for reusable period underwear.
Lastly, be prepared for any of life’s messiest moments with Natural Cleansing Feminine Wipes.
For use anywhere on your body, any time you want that fresh and clean feeling. Perfect for on-the-go moments too!
While it may seem like more work than it’s worth to manage period stains, we bet that when you start to save a pair or two of your favorite panties, you’ll be smiling ear to ear with a sense of empowerment from your newly earned stain-busting bragging rights (take that, Aunt Mildred). Plus, saving extra money never hurts, especially right after the holidays.
*Shudders internally while recalling all of December’s credit card charges*
Happy New Year! Here’s to many more wash and wears.