Are period blood stains hard to remove?
As much as periods are a natural part of our lives, they do have a tendency to leave a mark every now and then, and this can be quite frustrating, to say the least. From leaking pads and tampons to stains on furniture, floors or bed sheets, it can be hard to know the best way to clean up.
Whether you’ve had the misfortune of your period sneaking up on you in an unplanned moment, or you are apprehensive about the stain that your menstrual blood may have left on your pants, we’ll take a look at various ways to tackle the unwanted stains and make sure you (and your clothes) can go back to life with minimal hassle.
So sit back, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!
How to remove period stains
Act fast
Don't toss your blood-stained underwear into the hamper and then forget about them until you get a chance to clean them. Period stains should be tackled as soon as possible to increase your chances of being able to remove them completely.
Whenever blood is left on fabric for a long period of time, it tends to absorb and set into the fibres of the fabric, making it much more difficult to remove at a later date.
Always use cold water
As much as you may think hot water is best for cleaning - it doesn't work well with blood. Running hot water can actually make bloodstains worse, and the blood can easily set into the fibres, making the stain much harder to remove. Always rinse or wash your period blood stained pants on a cold cycle for effective removal of stains.
Using stain removal product
Sometimes, a stubborn stain will require more than just cold water. You may need to use a stain remover such as our remüvie™ Intimate Stain Remover, that’s been specially formulated to tackle these types of stains. It’s plant-based, 100% sustainable and also free from chemical nasties, so there’s less chance of it ruining your favourite pants.
All you need to do is spray the solution onto your pants, leave for a few seconds and then dab the blood with a wet cloth to remove the excess. Then simply hand wash or pop into your washing machine.
Always read the care instructions
Different materials will react differently to period blood stains. For example, period blood stains can be difficult to remove, depending on the type of fabric. Cotton and other natural fibres will usually come clean with a little time and effort, while synthetic fabrics like polyester may require special cleaners. Bloodstains on delicate fabrics like silk or wool should be treated with care to avoid damage.
Should I be worried about period stains?
The simple answer to that is no, you shouldn't be worried. In the past, people were advised not to wear white during their periods because period stains are hard to remove from lighter-coloured clothes. This all stems from what is the common misconception that menstrual blood is dirty or easily stained. Read our previous blog to learn more about how hygienic period pants actually are.
Menstrual blood is actually just red blood; it’s the same stuff that flows through our veins all the time, just at a higher concentration. Blood stains are no different to coffee stains. So if you do happen to notice a period blood stain, then it’s completely fine. Just like coffee stains, blood stains can also be removed quickly and effectively with many simple and easy methods, just like the ones mentioned above.
Is it hard to remove period blood from period pants?
Washing period blood from your favourite nüdie period pants is not difficult at all. Just like with any other pants, all you need to do is rinse your period pants with cold water before washing either by hand or a suitable machine to wash under 40 degrees Celsius.
In order to maintain the absorbency of the core, fabric conditioner, bleaching agents and the tumble dryer should not be used. So we advise you to let your period pants hang to dry naturally or just lay them flat in your room. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to wash and dry period pants.
Having your period shouldn't mean reaching for your worst undies in case of a leak or stain. With the right knowledge, tips and tricks, you can feel good about your period and wear your favourite pants without having to worry.
P.S. Remember, period stains are not the end of the world!
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