Bloodstains in underwear and how to remove them

Short answer: Bloodstains come out best while they are fresh, and with cold water. Rinse the stain with cold water and dab lightly with a little mild soap. Avoid hot water and the tumble dryer until the stain is gone, since heat can set it. Always follow the care label.

Why cold is better than hot

Blood contains proteins that can bind to the fabric if they are exposed to heat. That is why you should start with cold water, so the stain loosens instead of setting. That applies even if the stain has been there a while, although it may then be harder to remove.

First aid straight away

Rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out instead of in. Dab lightly and do not rub hard, because that can wear the fabric. If you cannot rinse straight away, put the underwear in a bag with cold water until you can.

Bamboo underwear for women and stains

Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo, and the fabric is soft. When wet it can be more delicate, so treat bamboo underwear for women gently when you remove stains. Avoid hard rubbing and heavy wringing, and always follow the care label.

Soaking

If the stain is dry or old, you can soak the underwear in cold water for half an hour to an hour. Add a little mild soap if you like. Press the fabric gently and rinse afterwards. Repeat if necessary until the stain has faded. Patience works better than force.

Mild soap or stain remover

Use a mild soap and work it gently into the stain with your fingers. If you want to use a stain remover, read the instructions and test it first on a hidden spot to see whether the colour is affected. Rinse well afterwards so no residue is left that could irritate the skin.

No heat until the stain is gone

Do not dry the underwear in the tumble dryer or on a radiator until you are sure the stain is gone. Heat can set the remains, and then they are very hard to remove. If you hang it to dry, you can see the result in daylight and repeat the process if anything is left.

When the stain will not budge

If the stain is still there after several attempts, wash the underwear according to the care label and see whether it fades. Some stains never disappear completely, and it is not worth spending too much time on them. Watch the fabric so it does not wear or fray during the attempt.

Care and the rest of the drawer

Wash underwear according to the care label so it keeps its shape. If you have knickers that often come into contact with stains, consider keeping extra pairs in the drawer. Look at bamboo knickers and bamboo tops for women, and read the care instructions so you know how to look after them.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use cold or warm water for bloodstains

Cold. Heat can make the proteins in blood bind to the fabric, so the stain sets. Use cold water from the start.

Can I remove an old bloodstain

Often it can fade. Soak the underwear in cold water with a little mild soap, press gently and repeat until the stain is lighter. Some stains never disappear completely.

What do I do if the stain does not go away

Try washing the underwear according to the care label and see whether it is lighter. Avoid the tumble dryer until the stain is gone, and do not wear the fabric too hard.