Do Period Stains Come Out of Bed Sheets?21 December 2023 The good news is - yes, you can usually remove period blood stains from bed sheets with the right prompt cleaning techniques. 
Full period stain removal depends on the type of fabric and the time that has passed since the stain occurred. Avoiding white sheets around your period is a good plan. How to Remove Period Stains From Bed SheetsHere's how to remove period stains from bedsheets: - Act quickly
- Rinse with cold water
- Use salt or stain removers
- Use a bio laundry detergent
- Wash cold / avoid heat
- Dry in the sun
Blood stains can set and dry, check for leaks onto your bed sheets as soon as you wake and deal with them before they dry. Sluicing in the sink or bath with running cold water should remove the majority of the menstrual blood. Cold water lifts the stain from the fabric. Avoid warm water as you soak the stained area. If the stain is fresh, you can try making a paste with salt or vanish / napisan and water to smooth directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak your sheets, and then rinse with cold water. This may work for stubborn stains too. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used for natural alternatives on dried blood stains The enzymes in biological washing powders will 'eat' the proteins in the blood further breaking down the stain. Avoid liquid or pod detergent. The protein in blood will cook and set as a stain if heated, like an egg being scrambled if you hot machine wash. Even in winter the UV light in the suns rays will bleach out blood stains. Get those sheets out on the line! Remember, it's essential to check the care instructions on your bedsheets before using any stain removal methods, as certain fabrics may have specific requirements. Additionally, testing any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric is a good practice to ensure it won't cause damage. Which bed sheet fabric to choose to avoid stains during your period?Easy to Remove Blood Stains: Most bed sheets are made of these fabrics and they are comfortable while you have your cycle. - Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon): These fabrics are often easier to clean because they are less absorbent. Blood stains may not set as quickly, making it simpler to remove them.
- Cotton: Cotton sheets are made with natural fibre that tends to be more forgiving when it comes to stain removal. Act quickly, and blood stains can often be effectively treated.
- Blends (Cotton-Polyester Blend): Fabrics that are a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres may be easier to clean..
Challenging to Remove Blood Stains: Avoid these fabrics around your period. - Silk: Silk is a delicate and highly absorbent fabric. Blood stains can be challenging to remove without causing damage to the fabric. It's essential to be gentle and use appropriate cleaning methods.
- Wool: Wool is another natural fibre that can be more challenging to clean. It's important to avoid hot water and aggressive cleaning agents to prevent damage to the fabric.
- Rayon: Rayon can be more absorbent, and care must be taken to avoid setting the stain. Always follow recommended care instructions for rayon fabrics.
How to Deal With Heavy Periods at NightNight time leaks, cramps, hormonal disruption all affect our sleep during our period. And waking up in a blood bath is no fun either. Here are some ways to try and deal with heavy periods at night: Heavy periods are best protected by doubling up on period products by using both period undies and period pads at the same time. 
Choose overnight pads or period products designed especially for a heavy flow. These products offer better absorption and protection during the night. Cheeky wipes heavy flow pants have absorbent layers from the front to back waistband so will keep you protected in any sleep position. Couple this will a heavy flow pad in the gusset area and you won't ever need to change during the night. 
Place a towel, old sheet, or a waterproof mattress protector under your bed sheet to protect your mattress from potential leaks. 
Elevating your legs (improves blood circulation etc.) You can do this by placing a pillow under your knees. Sleep disruption during your period can be caused by cramps, take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation or paracetamol to control pain. make sure to follow the instructions on the packet and not exceed the recommended dose. Make self care a priority as you build up to bedtime with a sleep inducing routine, have a hot bath, a herbal tea, then settle in bed with a hot water bottle or wheat heat pack on your lower abdomen or back. Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence. It's important to take care of yourself and find ways to manage your heavy periods, so you can feel comfortable and confident. We hope these tips help you feel more empowered and in control during your period. Stay healthy and happy! If you found this blog helpful you may like to read our blog - Period leaks: Why they happen and how to stop them How to manage heavy periods How to prevent period stains As always, if you're unsure of what you need to make the switch, please do drop the team a line or use the online chat function. The team all use the products themselves and just LOVE to chat pee poo and periods, all day long, nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences... About the Author: Kirstin works in the Customer Experience team at Cheeky Wipes, which since 2008 has been selling the original reusable wipes kit. She is mum to three and loves walking in the forest and swimming year round in the sea! Cheeky wipes were recognised with a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021, celebrating their hard work over the last 13 years. | 
