Period stains happen to all women. Whether you're caught off guard or experience leakage, knowing how to tackle these stubborn stains can save your favorite pair of jeans. We've compiled effective methods that actually work.
Act fast – This is your first line of defence
The key point to remember is timing. Fresh stains are easier to clean than ones that have dried. Once blood dries, it sticks to the fabric, making it much harder to remove.
As soon as you notice a stain, gently blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel to try to lift as much of it as possible. Apply pressure without moving the cloth around. Don't rub! Rubbing can push the blood deeper into the fabric fibres and spread the stain to a larger area.
Keep blotting until you've absorbed as much of the period blood as possible. Use fresh sections of your cloth as needed to avoid reapplying blood back onto your jeans.
Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water immediately, if at all possible. Place the stained area under running water and let the water pass through the fabric while washing in the direction from the back to the front of the stain. This way, you will push out the blood from around and not through the fibers.
If you can't get home right after you've made the stain, find a washroom in a hurry. A cold-water rinse does wonders in helping you remove the stains later. Also, we suggest you keep a small stain remover pen in your handbag, in case of emergencies.
Pen removers for stains are very popular nowadays, and many sites online sell them, such as Amazon and Flipkart.
Remember that every minute counts when dealing with period stains. The longer blood sits on your jeans, the more time it has to set into a stubborn stain that might never fully come out.
Also read: Donating blood during periods – Is it possible?
Use cold water to remove stains
We suggest you to always use cold water when treating blood stains. Hot water actually sets the stain by cooking the proteins in blood, making it nearly impossible to remove. The science behind this is simple: blood contains proteins that coagulate when exposed to heat. Once this happens, the stain becomes chemically bonded to your jeans. Room temperature or cold water keeps these proteins from setting, giving you a fighting chance at complete stain removal.
Run the stained area under cold water, allowing it to flush through the fabric from the back of the stain. This backward flushing technique pushes the blood out the same way it entered, preventing it from penetrating deeper into the fibres.
For best results, hold the stained portion taut under the running water and let it run through for at least 30 seconds.
You'll likely see the water running clear as the blood dissolves away. If you're working with a larger stain, you might consider soaking the entire affected area in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes before attempting any other treatment methods.
- Never use warm or hot water
- Cold tap water works perfectly
- Backward flushing technique is vital
- Soak larger stains before treating
- Ice water can be even more effective for stubborn stains
Effective pre-treatment methods
Pre-treating your stains significantly increases your chances of success. We recommend these proven methods:
Method 1: Laundry detergent solution
Mix cold water with liquid laundry detergent. Apply directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Method 2: Dedicated stain remover
Apply a stain remover designed for protein-based stains directly to the affected area. Follow the product instructions for best results.
Sometimes period stains can be particularly stubborn. Don't worry, we have stronger solutions:
Hydrogen Peroxide treatment
You can apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Watch it bubble as it works on the blood. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Caution: Always test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area first, as it may bleach some fabrics or colours.
Using Baking Soda paste
Mix baking soda with a little cold water to create a paste. Spread it over the stain and let it dry completely. Brush off the dried paste and rinse the area.
The Gentle Scrub technique
For particularly set-in stains, gentle scrubbing can help. Use an old, soft-bristled toothbrush to work pre-treatment solutions into the fabric. Use light, circular motions and patience.
Also read: Iron levels and your periods, how are they related?
Washing Your Jeans
After pre-treating the stain:
- Wash your jeans in cold water
- Use your regular laundry detergent
- Check the stain is gone before drying
- Air dry if possible
Avoid using the dryer for your jeans if the stain isn't completely removed, as the dryer's heat can set the stain permanently. Here are some tips to help prevent period stains.
Prevention Tips
You should always consider wearing period-specific underwear or darker jeans during the days when your flow might be heavier. These can help minimize visible stains.
Always have emergency supplies, like an additional period panty, in your bag. This way, you can deal with any unexpected situations quickly. Remember, every woman deals with period stains at some point. With these strategies, you can effectively manage them and ensure your favorite jeans remain in great condition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. How to remove a dried period stain?
Dried period stains need extra work but are not impossible to remove, so start by scraping off dried blood with a blunt edge. Soak the jeans in cold water for several hours-it's best to do it since overnight. Then make a paste of salt (or baking soda) in cold water and carefully scrub the stain with an old toothbrush. For a hard case, use hydrogen peroxide on a white jean (3%), and alternatively, enzyme-based stain removers.
Q. Does salt remove blood stains?
Yes, indeed, salt works to remove period stains from jeans. Salt functions because of its absorption properties toward blood and the way it breaks apart the bond between the stain and fiber of the fabric. It is ideal to make a paste of salt with some cold water and apply directly on the stain. Let it sit for no less than 30 minutes; so thereafter, the salt would draw out and absorb the blood. Once it is dry, brush off the residue and rinse with cold water. For obstinate stains, use a strong solution of salted water in a solution of 1 cup of salt to 2 cups of cold water and soak the area into it for several hours.
Q. How to hide a period stain?
Tie a sweater or jacket around your waist, positioning the knot so that it covers the stained area. Change your menstrual underwear immediately in a washroom or a toilet nearby, to stop the leakage from spreading further. Wet the stained area with some water to camouflage it better. Damp jeans always look darker overall and will help to obscure the stain.
Q. How to remove period stains from jeans without washing
If you don’t want to wash your entire jeans, spot treatment methods may also be helpful in removing period stains. Blot (don't rub) the stain with cold water using a clean cloth. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain using a cotton ball. Test this first on a non-visible area because hydrogen peroxide can bleach coloured fabrics. Alternatively, make a paste with meat tenderizer powder and cold water—the enzymes in that really break down blood proteins. For dark jeans, use white vinegar on a cloth to blot repeatedly.