| How to remove blood stains from clothing?
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Blood and other protein stains on clothing can be problematic if not handled quickly. The first step in removing any clothing stain is addressing it as soon as possible by removing the garment and rinsing it in cold water. When this is not possible, the garment should be gently blotted with cold water. Be careful not to rub the stain into the fabric when blotting, as that will spread it further into the fibers of the garment. Blood stains, if treated quickly, will not leave a permanent mark and one might have query in the mind that how to remove blood stains from clothing?
Never use hot water on blood stains, because the heat will set the blood and make it impossible to remove. Do not put clothing with blood stains in the dryer until the blood stains have been completely removed, or the heat of the dryer will set the stain. In extreme cases, when the blood stains has set in, using bleach or a lemon and salt solution may help to loosen them. If the blood has clotted on the fabric, loosen the clot by soaking and then treat the stain.
To remove fresh blood stains, soak the garment in cold water for at least thirty minutes before laundering. Dabbing with soap or an enzymatic cleaner may also help to clear the blood stains from the fabric. Launder the garment in cold or warm water, and check before putting it in the dryer to make sure that the blood stains have disappeared. If they have not, repeat the wash cycle.
Some useful tips for how to remove blood stains from clothing
- Dishwashing detergent - A little dishwashing liquid goes a long way in stain prevention. Depending on the severity of the stain, either dilutes with some water or use full strength and blot the stain to remove the blood. Once the blood is removed, blot again with a damp sponge. Launder the shirt as usual.
- Club soda - Pour club soda directly onto the stain, let it fizz and blot until it disappears. Launder as usual.
- Vinegar - Straight vinegar works wonders with blood stained clothing. Apply the vinegar directly to the stain and blot. When the stain is removed, blot again with a damp cloth to remove the smell. Launder as usual.
- Baking soda - Mix one part baking soda with two parts water and blot the stain until it lifts. Blot again with a damp sponge to remove the baking soda. Launder as usual.
- Peroxide - Apply straight peroxide directly to the stain, let it fizz for a while and blot until the stain is lifted. Blot again with a damp sponge and launder as usual. (Keep in mind that peroxide can bleach clothing. You may need to test in a hidden spot first.)
- Glass and window cleaner - Spray glass and window cleaner directly onto the stain and let sit. Blot after about fifteen minutes to remove stain. Blot again with a damp sponge and launder as usual.
- Soap - Regular bar or liquid hand cleaning soap works well. Run the garment under water with the soap and bring to lather. Rinse until the stain and the soap have been removed. Launder as usual.
- Saliva - It may sound icky, but spitting on blood stains seems to work.
In most cases, soaking a garment in cold water is enough to remove a blood stain. Just remember these tips: always blot a stain, rubbing it will cause it to embed deeper into the fibers. Never apply heat to a stain unless you want it to be a permanent part of the garment and always tackle a stain immediately. This may be the difference between a wearable item of clothing or a contribution to your rag basket.
How to remove blood stains from clothing? >
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