How to Get Blood Out of Your Pillow

Whether it’s a seasonal nosebleed or an injury, there might be times when the pillows in your house get bloodstained. If the stain is just on the pillow case, it can be much easier to get it out. However, if you’re not using a pillow case, or if the stain has seeped through and affected the pillow as well, you will have to take immediate measures to ensure that the stain doesn’t set and permanently ruin your pillow. We walk you through three simple methods how to get blood our of pillow cases or pillows with products you probably already have at home.

While you always have the option to change your pillow cover and pretend it didn’t happen, there are some easy ways to clean these bloodstains. 

Method 1: Baking Soda

how to get blood out of pillowFor this method, you will need some baking soda, cold water and a clean fabric to apply the mixture. 

  1. Remove the pillow from its case. You can use this method for the pillow case as well, but submerging it in cold water and then throwing it in the washer should take care of the fabric. The more important aspect is to clean the pillow. 
  2. Mix the baking soda with the cold water in a 1:2 ratio. For every cup of baking soda, add two cups of cold water. Mix well. 
  3. Use the clean fabric to apply this mixture on the stains on your pillow. Make sure that you do not rub the affected area too hard, as this can cause the stains to spread and go deeper into the pillow. 
  4. After 30 minutes of leaving the baking soda mix on the pillow, rinse it out with cold water. Try to run it under a tap of cold water if you can, since pouring water on the pillow will cause the water to seep into it. 
  5. Using another clean fabric, dab the washed off area of the pillow and leave it on for about 15 minutes. This will absorb the water from the pillow. 
  6. If the pillow is made out of soft materials that can get misshapen easily, let it air dry. However, you can use a dryer on a low heat, low tumble setting as well. 

Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide

how to get blood out of pillowThis method of cleaning your pillow can be slightly more complicated, as you will need a vacuum cleaner to get the best results. However, you can always use a brush to scoop up the stain mixture. You will need a 3% hydrogen peroxide compound, cornstarch, salt and a clean cloth.

  1. Use two tablespoons of salt, cornstarch, and 4 tablespoons of the hydrogen peroxide compound to form a mixture. This will give you a paste. Apply this paste all over the stain. 
  2. Wait until the paste has dried out completely. Depending on the size and intensity of your stain, this could take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. 
  3. The paste will have soaked up the blood from the pillow. Using a small brush, remove the dried paste from the pillow. 
  4. Once the paste has been removed, use a clean piece of cloth dipped in cold water to dab the pillow. This will remove any additional paste, along with the stain, from the pillow. 
  5. If you have access to a vacuum cleaner, use it to gently vacuum the surface of the pillow. This will get rid of the remaining paste and get the stain off more effectively. 
  6. If a vacuum cleaner is not available, you can run the side of the pillow in cold water and use a brush or a clean cloth to dab the area and remove the leftover paste. 
  7. Repeat the steps mentioned above if the stain isn’t completely removed. 
  8. Air dry the pillow in the sun for about an hour and then under a fan indoors if it isn’t completely dry. Make sure that you do not leave your pillow in direct sunlight for too long as it might cause discoloration. You can also use a dryer on a low heat and low tumble setting. 

Method 3: Stain Remover

how to get blood out of pillow

Although baking powder and hydrogen peroxide are quick and effective ways to clean a pillow, stain removers might work better in some cases. For this method, you will need a reliable stain remover, a brush for scrubbing and some mild detergent. 

  1. Apply the stain remover on the stain. A lot of these stain removers have really strong cleaning agents, so make sure that you’re wearing gloves when you apply it. 
  2. The stain remover will slowly seep into the pillow. Make sure to leave the stain remover on for about 15 minutes. 
  3. Mix some detergent with water. Once it has foamed up, use this water to scrub out the applied stain remover and the stain with a brush. Ensure that you make small, soft movements with the brush so that you don’t ruin your pillow. 
  4. When using stain removers, you have to use warm water. Ensure that the water is not too hot since it could ruin the filling of the pillow. 
  5. Repeat the steps above if the stain is still visible. 
  6. Air dry the pillow or use a dryer on low heat and low tumble setting. 

Bottom Line

Blood stains on pillows can be a common occurrence in houses with pets, kids or adults who are prone to nosebleeds. We hope that this article has given you a good idea of how to get blood out of a pillow. However, if your pillow is completely ruined and you’re looking for a new one, make sure you get a good pillow brand for your new one.

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