How to Get Period Stains Out of Your Underwear: Tips and Tricks

Period stains on your underwear.

It happens to each one of us. 

Blood stains on your underwear can be frustrating and embarrassing. 

And while getting blood stains out of your underwear can seem like a huge deal, it doesn't have to be. 

In this article, we share our top tips and tricks for how to get period stains out of underwear.

Table of Contents

• How Do You Get Period Blood Out of Your Underwear?
• 4 Steps for Removing Period Blood Stains
• #1: Clean ASAP 
• #2: Rinse and Soak
• #3: Treat the Stain
• #4: Wash and Dry
• How to Get Period Stains Out of Underwear: 6 Sure-Fire Solutions for Stain-Removal
• #1: Hydrogen Peroxide or Lemon Juice
• #2: Aspirin or Baking Soda
• #3: Salt
• #4: Meat Tenderizer 
• #5: Commercial Detergent or Stain Remover
• #6: White Vinegar
• #7: Sunlight
• How Do You Remove Dried Period Stains?
• Are Period Stains the Same as Regular Blood Stains?
• Feel Confident and Clean With ONDR: The Best Period Underwear for Every Occasion

How Do You Get Period Blood Out of Your Underwear?

To get period blood out of your underwear, follow these 4 steps:

1. Clean the stain as soon as possible
2. Rinse and soak in cold water
3. Treat the stain 
4. Wash and dry as usual

4 Steps for Removing Period Blood Stains

#1: Clean ASAP

If you’re wondering how to get period stains out of underwear, the first step is to start treating the stain as soon as you possibly can. 

The goal here is to get the bulk of the blood off before it dries and sets into the fabric. 

If you're out and about and aren’t able to drop everything and rinse your underwear, don't panic. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of stains that may be a little more set.

#2: Rinse and Soak

When it comes to removing blood stains, especially period blood stains, rinsing in cold water is a key factor. And by cold water, we mean icy cold. 

Using warm or hot water will bond the blood to the fabric, setting the stain. 

For blood stains, cold water is your best friend.

To remove a period blood stain using cold water:

1. Turn the faucet on and hold the stained area under cold running water.
2. Squeeze the water in and out of the fabric a few times using your hand. 
3. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

You'll be surprised at what just this simple step can do to get the cleaning process underway. In fact, sometimes cold water is all it needs to get fresh blood out completely.

If the water is running clear, and you still see a stain, try one of the methods below.

#3: Treat the Stain

What you use to treat the stain will depend on the color of your fabric. We'll go into detail about how to use various stain treatment options below.

For white or light-colored fabrics ONLY, try using:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Lemon juice: or

… any of the options listed below.

For lights or darks, try using:

• Baking soda
• Salt 
• Crushed aspirin
• Detergent 
• Vinegar; or
• Meat tenderizer

#4: Wash and Dry

Your final step is to toss your underwear into the washing machine and launder as usual.

However, you may want to air-dry them initially, just in case there is any residual stain. If there is, simply repeat the steps above until it disappears.

Looking for a comfy, easy to clean solution to managing your period?  

ONDRwear leak-proof period underwear comes in all sizes and includes all the styles you love, such as: 

• Bikini
• Thong
• Boy short; and
• High-waisted brief

How to Get Period Stains Out of Underwear: 7 Sure-Fire Solutions for Stain-Removal

#1: Hydrogen Peroxide or Lemon Juice

If you're trying to figure out how to get period stains out of underwear, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice can work wonders on light-colored fabric.

And when we say light-colored fabric, we mean just that. 

Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are bleaching agents and will ruin darker items. It is always a good idea to dab a little hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice in an inconspicuous place to check the effect on your particular fabric.

Lemon juice, with its natural acidity, can be a secret weapon when it comes to combating period blood stains. 

To use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to remove period blood stains:

1. Pour the peroxide or lemon juice onto the fabric. If using peroxide, it will foam and bubble. 
2. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. 
3. Apply a wet cloth to the stain, further working the juice or peroxide into the fabric.
4. Rinse under running water, then toss the underwear into the washing machine and wash as usual.

#2: Aspirin or Baking Soda

This one may surprise you a bit, but if you've never tried to remove a stain by using aspirin or baking soda, you may be surprised at how well it works.

Applying a rougher exfoliant like a crushed aspirin or some baking soda might be just what you need to break up a stubborn stain like period blood. 

Here's how it works:

1. Mix the baking soda or aspirin with some cold water to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain, gently working it into the fabric.
3. Leave the paste on the fabric for 30 minutes or overnight.
4. You may either rinse your underwear under running water or toss them in the washing machine to be washed on your normal setting.

#3: Salt

Salt is another great option for removing blood stains from your underwear. Plus, it is easily accessible and super inexpensive.

To use salt to remove stains from your underwear, just follow these instructions:

1. Mix the salt with icy cold water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain, rubbing it in well. 
3. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Rinse under cold water and launder as usual.

Salt possesses strong dehydrating capabilities and when combined with water will lift the blood stain from the fabric.

And here's a super handy tip: If you wear contact lenses, your saline solution will have the same effect as table salt. This can be especially handy for those times when you're on vacation and find yourself unprepared to deal with period blood stains.

#4: Meat Tenderizer

We know it sounds a little crazy, but hear us out on this one.

Unseasoned meat tenderizer is particularly good on older, set-in period blood stains.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Sprinkle the stain with meat tenderizer powder, adding enough water to make a thick paste.
2. Let the paste remain on the fabric for 30 minutes, or overnight.
3. Rinse clean in cold water and then wash as usual.

#5: Commercial Detergent or Stain Remover

Next in our lineup is normal everyday detergent.

Since you're treating a stain in your underwear, be sure to opt for a more gentle detergent. 

To use detergent to remove period blood stains, just follow these directions: 

1. Pour spray or sprinkle preferred detergent (or stain remover) onto the stain.
2. Let it soak for 10 minutes, or overnight.
3. Rinse well in cold water. 
4. Launder as usual.

#6: White Vinegar

You may not love the smell, but we think you'll love the cleaning power.

To use white vinegar to remove period stains, follow these instructions:

1. Pour vinegar onto the stain. If you like, you can mix it with a little bit of detergent.
2. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or overnight.
3. Gently rub the stain with a damp washcloth.
4. Repeat the process until the stain is no longer visible.
5. Wash your underwear on a normal cycle.

#7: Sunlight

Yep. You read that correctly. Good old-fashioned sunlight. 

For centuries, sunlight has been used to bleach light-colored fabrics. 

We recommend using this only as a last resort, however, because extended exposure to the sunlight can potentially weaken the fabric.

How Do You Remove Dried Period Stains?

To remove dried period blood stains:

1. Rinse the stain with icy cold water.
2. Allow underwear to soak overnight.
3. Treat any remaining stain with a stain remover such as: Detergent, Lemon juice; or Hydrogen peroxide
4. Repeat the above steps until the stain has disappeared.
5. Wash and dry your underwear as usual.

Are Period Stains the Same as Regular Blood Stains?

In short, no. 

Menstrual blood differs from regular everyday blood in its physical properties and overall composition. 

Period blood is made up of:

• Blood
• Bits of uterine tissue
• Cells from the mucous lining within the vagina; and
• Bacteria that make up vaginal flora

Period blood contains clots and more proteins than regular blood and is a much more intense liquid, therefore not as easy to remove as straight blood.

Plus, the composition of period blood changes throughout your cycle. It starts with an opaque liquid stage, followed by a thicker stage, and then finishes with a clear liquid.

Additionally, menstrual blood varies from one individual woman to another, and changes in composition as we age.

Feel Confident and Clean With ONDRwear: The Best Period Underwear for Every Occasion

ONDR leak-proof period underwear comes in all shapes and styles, including:

• Thong
• Bikini
• High-waisted brief; and 
• Boy short

ONDRwear products are:

• Plant-based 
• Lightweight
• Ultra-absorbent; and
• Odor-resistant

And they’re designed by a Urologist and mother, who understands the need for quality, sleek absorbent underwear that provides wearers with confidence and style. 

Ready to feel confident and comfy all day long? 

Click here to try ONDRwear. 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.