How to remove blood stains from bamboo clothing
Short answer: Blood should be rinsed in cold water straight away. Warm water makes the proteins set in the fibres, and then the stain becomes very hard to remove afterwards.
Cold water first
Hold the fabric under cold running water from the back, so the stain is pushed out of the fabric instead of further in. Rub gently with your fingers, but avoid scrubbing hard, as that can spread the stain and wear the fibres. Most fresh stains almost disappear in this first step.
Never warm
Warm water makes the proteins in blood bind to the fibres, a bit like an egg setting in a pan. That is the mistake that makes most blood stains permanent. So stick to cold water until the stain is completely gone, even if warm water feels like it should work better.
Soak it
If the stain is still there, soak the item in cold water with a little detergent for about an hour and rinse again. Repeat if a shade remains. Patience works better than strong products, and bamboo viscose does best with a mild treatment that does not wear down the fibres.
Then wash as normal
Once the stain is gone, wash the item at 40 degrees as usual with a mild detergent. There is no need to go higher, because the stain has already been removed. Let it air dry afterwards. The rest of the rules for washing and care are in the washing guide.
For period underwear
The same rule applies here: rinse cold first until the water runs clear, then wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. Softener can settle in the absorbent layer and make it worse at taking up fluid. Let the pants dry completely before using them again. See period underwear.
Avoid fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres and can trap residue inside the fabric. That matters most on clothes that have been stained, where you want everything out. Skip it entirely on your bamboo clothing, and the fabric will also keep its ability to absorb moisture better in daily use.
Do not dry the stain
A tumble dryer and direct heat set whatever is left of the stain, so it can no longer be removed. Always check that the stain is fully gone before the item is hung to dry. If in doubt, hold the fabric up to the light. If you still see a shade, soak it again.
Where it happens most
Blood most often ends up on underwear and bedding, and both handle a cold rinse without problems. Deal with the stain as soon as you notice it, even in the middle of the night if you can. See bamboo briefs and bamboo bedding, which are both washed the same way.
Old stains
A stain that has dried in is harder, but not always impossible. Soak the item in cold water with detergent overnight and rinse it thoroughly the next day. Repeat a few times before giving up. If the stain has been through the dryer, though, it often stays whatever you do.
Light and dark fabric
On light fabric even small traces show, while dark fabric hides a lot. Treat dark clothing the same way anyway, because traces of blood can cause odour and make the fabric stiff over time. Stick to cold water and mild detergent, whatever the colour of the item.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I not use warm water on blood?
Warm water makes the proteins in blood set and bind to the fibres. Then the stain is stuck. Cold water keeps the proteins loose so they can be rinsed out of the fabric.
Can I remove an old blood stain?
Sometimes. Soak the item in cold water with detergent overnight and rinse thoroughly. If the stain has been through the tumble dryer, though, it has usually become permanent and hard to shift.
How do I wash period underwear?
Rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear, then wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. Let it dry completely before using it again, so the absorbent layer lasts a long time.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
