How to Remove Blood from Sheets

The Logic Verdict

My Take: The host treats a week-old nosebleed stain on a pillowcase using regular Windex. She saturates both sides, lightly scrubs with a soft brush, lets it dwell for 20 minutes, blots, then launders with the rest of the linens. The ammonia in the glass cleaner breaks down the protein quickly, so there’s no need for harsh peroxide or bleach—just remember to rinse with cold water before drying.

The Science

Blood stains are mostly protein and iron-rich hemoglobin. Ammonia (found in classic blue Windex) raises the pH and breaks the bond between the blood proteins and cotton/polyester fibers, allowing the pigment to rinse away in cold water. Keeping the wash cold prevents “cooking” the protein, which would otherwise lock the stain into the fabric.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Inspect & isolate. Identify every stained area (front and back of pillowcases, fitted corners, etc.) before laundering so you don’t accidentally set the stain in a hot cycle later.
2. Saturate with glass cleaner. Lay the sheet on a towel, spray blue Windex (or any ammonia-based glass cleaner) liberally on the stain from both sides. Place another towel underneath so it doesn’t bleed through.
3. Agitate gently. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to work the cleaner into the fibers with light circular motions—no heavy scrubbing.
4. Dwell. Let the treated area sit 15–20 minutes. If it begins to dry, mist again so the ammonia keeps working.
5. Blot & rinse cold. Blot with a clean towel to lift dissolved pigment, then rinse the spot under cold running water until the blue cleaner and loosened blood are flushed out.
6. Launder & air-dry check. Wash the entire sheet set in cold water with your regular detergent. Air-dry or tumble on low until you confirm the stain is gone; only then can you finish with higher heat if desired.

What NOT To Do

• Skip hot water or the dryer until the stain is 100% gone—heat sets protein permanently.
• Avoid chlorine bleach on colored sheets; it can yellow fabric without fully removing blood.
• Don’t scrub aggressively with stiff brushes; that can rough up the weave and leave fuzzy spots.
• Never mix ammonia cleaners with chlorine bleach products (toxic chloramine gas).

Resources

• Ammonia Glass Cleaner (Amazon)
• Soft Cleaning Toothbrush (Amazon)
• White Cotton Towels (Amazon)