Remove blood stains
Removing blood stains from washable material or clothing requires action as soon as possible, before washing the item. Hemoglobin, a main blood component, consists of rich protein and iron. The high amount of protein in blood causes it to stick or congeal and trap the iron into fabric, making the stain set in. Blood stain removal is difficult but not impossible. Most of the time, these stains come out with the proper pretreatment methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Scrape or brush any dried blood off the article before rinsing or soaking. Rinse a fresh stain under cold running water to remove as much blood as you can. Do not use warm or hot water at this point, as it sets the stain more.
2. Fill the laundry tub, sink or bucket with enough cold water to cover the stained item completely. Measure the proper amount of detergent according to instructions on the container, pour it into the water and immerse the item.
3. Soak the item in the cold water for one hour, and then check to see if the stain has lifted. For stubborn blood stains, gently scrub the material with some detergent right on the stained spot to loosen it up. Change the water, add more detergent and immerse the article overnight if the stain still appears after soaking it.
4. Check the fabric for any trace of the stain the next day. Follow up with an enzyme presoak product in hot water to remove any residue. Measure 1 tbsp. of presoak for each gallon of water.
5. Put the article in the washing machine in warm water with cold rinse once all signs of the stain disappear. Inspect the material closely before putting it in the dryer, as the heat will set any remaining blood stain. Repeat the soaking process if necessary.
Tags: blood stains, cold water, warm water, water remove