What if I bleed through my clothes — are they ruined?

Not necessarily! Before we get into the nitty-gritty, know that leaks happen to everyone.

 

When you first start your period, you’re learning about how much you bleed, how much your menstrual product can hold, and when your flow is heaviest.

 

If you can, keep a couple of wipes in your bag. They can help get the worst of the stain out and hold things over until you’re able to clean the fabric properly.

 

You can also tie a jacket or sweatshirt around your waist to help cover the stain until you’re able to change.

 

When you get home, try this method to get blood stains off:

1. Soak the stained fabric in cold water as soon as possible. Warm or hot water will cause the stain to set into the fabric, so make sure the water is cold.
2. If you have stain remover handy, now’s the time to spray it on. Make sure the affected area is completely soaked. Allow it to sit for as long as the product’s label recommends.
3. If you don’t have a stain remover — or you want to double up on your technique — rub bar soap or dab liquid soap into the affected area. You should get a small lather, where little bubbles appear on your pants.
4. Rinse and repeat the soap scrub until the stain lifts.
5. If the stain doesn’t remove all the way, you can wash the clothing in the washing machine. Just make sure you use cold water instead of warm or hot.
6. Allow the clothing to air-dry. The heat from the dryer can make the stain set permanently.Top of FormBottom of Form