Blood stains are a common problem for many people - even those who aren't paramedics or ax murderers. It's easy to get small, inconspicuous nicks and scratches that can bleed onto clothing, furniture, or carpet before you ever notice them. Kids are especially likely to get scrapes and cuts that can ruin otherwise good clothing or fabric. Blood stains can be extremely difficult to remove from fabric and other surfaces, because the same process that causes your blood to clot when exposed to the air also causes it to bind to fabrics. However, there are several solutions you can try to "get rid of the evidence".
For starters, keep in mind that the sooner you address the matter, the easier it will be. If the blood is fresh, soaking in cold water followed by gentle blotting of the area may remove it before a stain forms at all. If this is not the case, your next step will depend on the type of material that has been stained.
For delicate or non-washable fabrics, first apply a few drops of laundry detergent to the area, and soak the item in cold water for a half-hour or so. Then, apply washing soda (sodium carbonate) to the stain and gently scrub with a toothbrush. This should remove the stain. If not, try applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia to the stain, and blotting thoroughly. It is important to remember that hydrogen peroxide may cause colors to bleed, so it should be tested on an inconspicuous area first. Also, ammonia cannot be used on silk or wool, as it will damage the material.
For more durable fabrics, you can use a mix of one quart warm water, a tablespoon of ammonia, and a half-tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Again, soak for about one half-hour, then GENTLY rub the stain, and blot till the stain is removed. Or, again, hydrogen peroxide works well- soak, rub, and blot as per above.
Another method involves three steps: first, blot with a mixture of one cup ice water and one teaspoon of pH-balanced detergent. Then, repeat this with household ammonia instead of detergent. Finally, gently sponge the stain away with just water.
Finally, if you are on the road or do not have access to any of these household supplies, good old-fashioned saliva is chock full of enzymes specifically developed to break down proteins- in other words, blood. Rub a little spit onto the stain, and it may come out.
However you decide to remove the stain, be sure the stain is completely gone before running the item through a dryer. Heat will cause the blood to set into the fabric and stain permanently. If none of these techniques gets the stain out completely, you may consider trying a commercial enzyme-based stain remover such as Nature's Miracle. Many people find that enzyme-based cleaners are the most effective way to remove stains.
Autor: Andrew Massaro Andrew Massaro
Level: Platinum
Andrew Massaro has been involved in the Pet Industry for over 14 years and knows a whole heck-of-a-lot about dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish and ... ...
I've found the easiest Blood Stain Removal product to be Nature's Miracle Stain Remover. It is safe for use around pets and kids plus it works quickly and naturally to thoroughly destroy all stains and odors (that are organic) on carpets, hardwood floors and many other types of surfaces. Nature's Miracle can be found at http://www.Natures-Miracle.com
Added: September 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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