Menstruation is annoying enough, but worrying about stains on your favorite underwear can also make things worse. If you are on your period, you will inevitably wipe the blood off your panties. Fortunately, if you act quickly, you can remove it completely. However, even if the stain dries up, there are still some tricks you can take to save your underwear.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Remove a Fresh Stain with Cold Water
Step 1. Open the cold water tap in the sink or bathtub
If you can, try washing your underwear in cold water as soon as you notice the blood stains. Run the water with a steady stream: it must be strong enough to dissolve them, but not too much so that water will splash everywhere and get wet.
Do not mix the water. Use only the cold one. If it is hot, it risks fixing the blood in the fibers
Step 2. Put the inside of the briefs under cold water
Turn the panties inside out so that the crotch is facing outward, then let the cold stream of water fall directly on top. Eliminate as much blood as possible. If you want, you can use your fingers or a cloth to gently dab the stain under water.
You will be surprised how the stain will tend to disappear with just a little water
Advise:
If the idea of touching dirty underwear bothers you, try wearing a pair of latex or rubber gloves.
Step 3. Pour a drop of soap
Water is unlikely to completely remove the blood stain, so for best results, pour some mild soap. Lather the fabric thoroughly, making sure to cover the entire stained area.
You can use any product at your disposal. Hand soap, liquid detergent, or solid laundry soap is fine
Step 4. Rinse
After lathering your panties, rinse them under cold water. Continue until the water runs completely clear and there are no more traces of foam on the fabric. Then, examine the panties to see if the stain is gone.
If it's still there, wash the garment again with soap and water. If the blood hasn't completely disappeared, it's probably best to use another type of treatment
Step 5. Roll the panties in a towel to remove excess water
Turn off the tap and gently squeeze the garment so it doesn't drip. Then put it on a heavy towel and roll it up tightly. Press and squeeze it for 2-3 minutes to get rid of as much water as possible.
Do not wring the panties, otherwise you could deform them
Step 6. Let it dry
If you have a rope, use clothespins to hang the freshly washed garment. However, if you don't have a place to keep your clothes to dry, you can always hang out a pair of panties. For example, you can lay them on the shower rod, on the towel rail or even on a handle. Just make sure you place them in a well-ventilated area so that they dry well.
- For example, if you hang them in the bathroom, leave the door open so that the air can circulate.
- If you want them to dry quickly, try hanging them in front of a fan.
- Avoid putting your underwear in the dryer unless you are sure the stain is completely gone. Thanks to the action of heat, the blood tends to settle in the fibers and, later on, it will be much more difficult to remove. Also, it is better to air dry underwear because the heat from the dryer can damage the elastic inserts.
Method 2 of 4: Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Light Colored Briefs
Step 1. Put the hydrogen peroxide in a small container
Hydrogen peroxide is a widely used household antiseptic, but it is also very effective as a stain remover. If you have a white or very light-colored piece of underwear that is stained with blood, pour about 120ml into a small bowl. This way, you can use the amount you need without worrying about blood staining the container.
- Hydrogen peroxide has a lightening power, so don't use it on dark or brightly colored underwear.
- This cleaning method is most effective on fresh stains, but it can also work on older ones.
Step 2. Use a cloth or sponge
Take a cloth, sponge or even a few sheets of absorbent paper and dip a corner into the container where you poured the hydrogen peroxide. In this way, it will remain concentrated in a limited area and you can apply it more precisely on the stain.
Make sure you can throw away the cloth or sponge once you're done in case it absorbs a copious amount of blood
Step 3. Blot the stain from the outside in
Press the wet end of the cloth directly onto the blood stain. Blot from the outer edges towards the center. Add more hydrogen peroxide as needed - you need to completely absorb the stain. If necessary, you can even refill the bowl.
Switch sides if the cloth absorbs too much blood in the area you are using
Step 4. Rinse with cold water and repeat the treatment until the stain disappears
Once your panties are dabbed, rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then check. If you still see any bloodstained spots, keep dabbing until it goes away completely.
- If the stain is old, a light halo may remain. If so, try removing any remaining blood residue with an enzymatic cleaner.
- Once the stain is gone, hang the panties or put them in the dryer.
Method 3 of 4: Clean Dark Briefs with Salt
Step 1. Mix the salt with a little cold water to make an abrasive compound
The amount needed depends on the size and extent of the stain, but around 75g will do for starters. Add about 5ml of cold water, or just enough for the salt to clump, and mix.
- Since the salt does not discolour underwear, this method is suitable for dark or brightly colored clothes.
- The salt-based mixture is more effective if the blood has not yet set, but it can also be used in the case of old stains.
- You can mix the mixture in a bowl or just pour the salt on the slip and add the water.
Advise:
if you wear contact lenses, you can use the appropriate saline solution! It will help you get rid of the stain in the absence of the salt mixture. This is especially useful if you spot yourself outside the home, but have your contact lens solution on hand.
Step 2. Apply the compound
Distribute it generously on the stain formed on the briefs. The salt will help absorb the blood from the fibers, so try to apply the mixture all over the stain.
If the stain has dried, let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before scrubbing
Step 3. Scrub using a cloth, an old toothbrush or your fingers
Once you've covered the stained area, rub in the salt to break it down. Try to go in one direction only, such as from one end of the stain to the other or from the outside to the inside. In this way, the cleaning will be more thorough.
For example, you could start at the top of the blot and work your way down, left to right, or all around the perimeter to the inside of the blot
Step 4. Remove the salt with cold water when done
After removing the most important traces of blood, put the panties under cold water. Use your fingers to remove the salt residue, then examine the garment to see if the stain is gone.
- The hot water allows residual blood to penetrate deep into the fibers, from which it will be difficult or impossible to remove.
- If the stain is gone, hang the panties or put them in the dryer. If not, try using another cleaning method.
Method 4 of 4: Other Household Products for Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Spray an enzymatic cleaner to remove older stains
If you don't clean the garment right away or wash it with hot water, the blood risks penetrating deep into the fibers and will be difficult to remove. In this case, try spraying a cleaner specially formulated to biodegrade stubborn stains, such as blood. Leave it on according to the directions on the package, then wash your underwear in cold water.
- You can buy it at stores that sell household cleaning products, but you can also order it online.
- Even mild bleach can help you remove stubborn stains.
- If you can't find any of these, try other things you have around the house, such as baking soda, lemon juice, or a meat tenderizer.
Step 2. Use a baking soda based paste for a gentler clean
Mix about 50g of baking soda with 5ml of water until it forms a thick paste. Then, spread it on the inside of the panties to completely cover the stain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, wait overnight. Next, wash and dry the garment as usual.
You can also make a meat tenderizer paste or a few crushed aspirin or ibuprofen tablets
Step 3. Blanch with lemon juice
Cut a lemon in half, then rub the inside on the stain. Continue for about 3-5 minutes or until it disappears, then wash the panties in cold water and put them to dry.
