If you’ve ever had a nosebleed or stubbed your toe and ended up with blood stains on your white bedding, you’re certainly not alone.
Attempting to remove blood stains from bedding and clothing is something most people have attempted which means you will be more than aware of how difficult they are to remove.
Blood stains are notorious for being tricky to remove because they are organic stains that contain proteins which bind together when they’re heated up.
With this in mind, cleaning expert Baqir Khan at Extreme Cleaning has shared his simple trick for removing blood stains from bedding for 90p.
Rather than using an expensive cleaning product, Baqir suggests using a simple kitchen staple – milk.
She said: “Milk contains natural enzymes and proteins that effectively break down and lift stains, including stubborn blood marks.
“This technique is not only environmentally friendly but also budget-friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective solutions.”
The “natural” method, which can be bought from supermarkets for as little as 90p, is relatively easy to use and Baqir has explained her step-by-step method.
Act quickly
Blood stains need to be addressed sooner rather than later as fresh stains are easier to remove.
Blot the stain
Using a clean cloth paper towel, blot the blood stain gently making sure to avoid rubbing which can spread the stain.
Rinse with cold water
This is a key step. Firstly, rinse the stained area with cold water before soaking it in milk. This helps to remove as much of the blood as possible.
Soak in milk
Next, place the stained bedding in a basin or sink and cover the stain with cold milk, ensuring the milk fully saturates the stained area.
Soak time
It’s best to allow the bedding to soak in the milk for a few hours or overnight as the lactic acid in the milk needs time to “break down the proteins in the blood”.
Rinse again
After soaking, rinse the bedding thoroughly with cold water to remove the milk and any remaining blood.
Check the stain
If the stain remains in place, repeat the process or try an alternative method such as salt.
Launder as usual
If you’re happy with how your bedding looks, wash it as you normally would, making sure to follow the care instructions on the label. Use a laundry detergent that is suitable for the fabric and fabric softener to give your bedding a lovely scent.
Drying
Air dry the bedding if possible, either indoors or outdoors and avoid heat as heat can set stains. If the stain is completely gone after washing, you can use a tumble dryer as usual.
Baqir added: “Keep in mind that results may vary depending on the type of fabric and the severity of the stain.
“It’s also a good idea to test the milk on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.”