How To Clean Period Stains

Discover effective solutions on how to clean period stains. Simple, quick steps for stain-free clothes. Your guide to hassle-free period stain removal

Talking about periods is no longer a taboo, however, many women especially young girls still feel uncomfortable discussing the problems they face with their menstrual cycle.

Perhaps the most common and yet the least talked about problem is getting rid of period stains off underwear, clothes, bed sheets and upholstery.

Often your period may surprise you with an early arrival, and you are left embarrassed with the stained piece of clothing that is a menace to clean.

Removing period stains is no doubt the toughest cleaning task out there, and one is left with no choice then to discard that favourite pair of undies.

Here are a few hacks to make you life easy and will help you salvage your undies, clothing, bed sheets or upholstery:

Fresh Stains

The easiest way you to get rid of fresh stains is to toss the article of clothing in cold water; but before you do that you must spray a fabric stain remover on them. Even fresh stains prove to be quite troublesome, and must be taken care of immediately. Soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes then wash them with your regular load of laundry.

Set/Tough Stains

If the stain has been in its place for some time, perhaps overnight on a bed sheet, or on undies when you did not realize that you have got your period, hydrogen peroxide will do the work for you. Douse the clothing with some bleach and soak in cold water for half an hour before washing it off with laundry. However, be warned as bleach or hydrogen peroxide fades away colour, and is best used with white or light clothing. For coloured clothing, you can use a saline solution; mix two parts water with one part salt, and follow the same steps as above.

Upholstery Stains

Upholstery stains become quite uncomfortable to deal with, as the cleaning process often leaves the upholstery ruined. To remove period stains from mattresses or sofa, dab a washcloth or sponge with fabric cleaner over the area gently until you get rid of the stain. Also keep a dry cloth with you handy to soak up the wetness, so that the upholstery does not get stained by the dampness or gets discoloured. Many people think that upholstery cleaning stains require a lot of effort, but that is not the case, and it can be done with minimal effort.

Stains on Silk and Delicate Undies

Cleaning those delicate lace and silk undies seems to be the worst hassle ever, but the right technique helps you get rid of the problem in no time. Cold water and saline solutions help remove period stains, or a mix of glycerin and powdered dish soap helps too: Mix one part powdered dish soap with one part of glycerin and store it in a plastic bottle. Shake well before every use. Moisten a sponge with the mixture and place it over the stain until the stain is removed from the clothing. Wash the clothing with cold water and wash the delicate undies as you normally do then. Discard the sponge.

Stains on Denim

Removing off period stains from denim jeans is no big deal. If the stain is fresh, you can use the same methods as above of soaking in cold water with fabric softener sprayed on it, and washing in the usual laundry load, or if the stain is dry, you can use a dish-washing liquid or baking soda. Apply one teaspoon of baking soda on the dried stain and rub it gently. The stain will come off. Liquid dish-washing soap also works the same way, put directly on to the stain and rub with a gentle toothbrush. Wash off the jeans then.

 Periods are nothing to be ashamed of, and one should be confident while dealing with any problems related to the cycle. Wearing panty liners when your date is near may also help prevent underwear from staining. Remember, the sooner you wash the stain, it will be easier to come off. Many women resort to wearing black underwear, but it will still stain and be dirty, even though you may not see the stain. Therefore, it is better to tackle the problem then to avoid it.