What should I do about blood stained sheets?

[Alain311]

Hi everyone,  

So I had this female guests, staying a few days, she was an ok guest, a bit awkward but still nice and I have nothing to really complain about, she also left me a thank you note. I started cleaning the bedroom and noticed 2 big dried blood stain, some brown marks there and there too (dried blood rubbed around) and the white towels became orange (bronzer). I was able to remove the stains and got everything white again, thanks to baking soda a bit, of hydrogen peroxide and a good scrub, washed twice with cold water. 

I understand periods are a natural thing woman can't have so much control on, but since it’s the second time I have a guest leaving me this kind of little gift I'm just curious on how you guys would be dealing with this? Would you mention it the review or suck it up as it’s a natural thing, can happen and  my sheets are white again. I would tend to mention it tough. And for those of you who also are guests, what would you do if you have your periods? Would you just leave, say thank you and not think about the blood stain left? Aern't there ways for you girls to avoid to protect the sheets and avoid spills?

I prefer using white sheets, they look more neutral and give a more luxurious feeling, so I'm not planning to change them and since I'm able to remove stains, I'm ok to take the blood risk (I have a longer procedure than what I shortly mentionend before and the stains always go away) 

PS: I will be posting more stories in the next days, that month I only had awkward guests including my worst experience ever, making these blood stains my best airbnb hosting experience of the month. 

[Kelli421]

I totally understand it’s an accident BUT as an adult woman, you should be aware that sitting (for several days) blood stains are tough to remove. I wish the guest would just let me know so that I can provide new sheets and immediately wash the stained ones. It’s never nice to get that surprise when folks check out. You don’t even have to tell me what the stain was from, just say “a stain”! It could’ve been a bloody nose for all I know! 

If I were a guest, I’d just alert the host so they were aware that extra cleaning time would be needed between guests. I find it really inconsiderate to just not say anything at all. This is my 3rd time as a host that I have had to discard practically new sheets. I’m not sure it’s on the host to continue to bare that cost if the guest wasn’t helpful in the process (aka permanent stain could have been prevented with some notice to the host). That’s just my two cents. 

[Nora1372]

Periods are a natural occurrence, and it’s understandable that accidents happen. Since you were able to remove the stains and your sheets are white again, it might be best to let it go. However, if you feel strongly about it, you could mention it in the review in a tactful and understanding way.

As for guests, it’s considerate to take precautions during your period to avoid leaving stains. Using period products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, along with bed protection like a towel or mattress protector, can help. I recently read this helpful blog https://sleepadvisory.com/mattress-guides/how-to-get-blood-out-of-mattress/   about maintaining clean bedding and dealing with stains, which might offer you some good tips.

PS: Looking forward to reading your upcoming stories! It sounds like you’ve had quite a month with your guests.

[Sohini6]

I understand it's probably frustrating for you to have this happen multiple times, but us women are probably more mortified about it than you. Mentioning it is not going to help with it since it's not like she can control it. None of us would be bleeding through things if we had a choice. 

Speaking from personal experience, I have this issue as well. I have multiple fibroids and nothing, and I mean NOTHING is going to stop me from bleeding through whatever I am wearing through the night. If I wanted to keep everything clean, I would have to get up and change every hour because that's how long the biggest pads last on me. 

Now I have stopped travelling because of this. A lot of women have unpredictable/difficult periods and not all of them can take hormonal medication (and it doesn't work always) so it's not possible to always be on guard about it and still get adequate rest (a lot of us are also anaemic because of the bleeding so that does not help). 

You could provide disposable bedsheet protectors, and good period products, and encourage people to use those. Other than that, there isn't much one can do. 

I should mention, the bronzer thing was crappy though. That is entirely avoidable and should be mentioned in the review. 

Hope this comment helped with understanding the other side!