A scratch or nosebleed can leave a blood stain on a favourite shirt or bedsheet. Blood stains on fabric and clothing are among the many irritating nuisances people encounter in daily life. If the stain is still wet, rinse it with cold water and rub it with liquid detergent or bar soap. On the other hand, when a blood stain is not noticed immediately and dries, it can become more difficult to remove. The University of Georgia Extension notes that blood stains set by heat can be difficult to remove.
The University of Georgia Extension recommends a step-by-step method for old and stubborn blood stains. First, soak the item in cool water for 30 minutes or longer. If the stain remains, soak it for another 30 minutes or longer in lukewarm water with an enzyme pre-soak product. Rinse the garment, rub detergent into any remaining stain, and rinse again. If the stain remains, apply a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 1 to 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and launder the item.
Cleaning fabrics and removing difficult dirt
Before cleaning a stained garment, check the care label first. Different fibres react differently to water temperature, soap solutions and cleaning chemicals. Some soft fabrics, like silk or pure wool, will need a different treatment procedure from tougher cotton or synthetic fabrics. Taking a few minutes to read the manufacturer's instructions may help prevent fading, bleaching or fabric damage. The guide also recommends testing each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to check colourfastness.
For old stains on washable clothing, the initial cool-water soak is followed by the lukewarm enzyme pre-soak if the mark remains. After rinsing, detergent is worked into any remaining stain before another rinse. If residue persists, the guide recommends applying a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 1 to 3 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse and normal laundering.
