Blood, a stubborn, unpleasant substance to clean but whether it be nosebleeds, simple mishaps in the kitchen, children falling off their bikes, or your beloved family pet, unfortunately accidents do happen. No need to panic, although blood can be hard to clean due to the haemoglobin which acts as a binder when in contact with oxygen (which is in the air) it binds to the material, it can be removed following a few useful guidelines.
Safety & Hygiene
Obviously it is important to follow simple guidelines regarding safety and hygiene when cleaning/removing blood, take care whether it be your own or someone else’s. Ensure gloves are worn and all soiled cloths/materials used are double-bagged when disposing of them to avoid the risk of catching anything or spreading infection.
Simple Household Items Used
- Salt
- Meat Tenderizer, mixed with water to form a paste
- Washing-up Liquid
- Vinegar
- Detergent (non-alkali)
- Baking Soda
- Cold Water
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Clean White Towels
- Spray Bottle (For Cleaning Liquid)
Procedure:
Cleaning Solution:
- (Wool) 1 teaspoon of non alkali detergent and one cup of water mixed.
- (Oriental) 1 pt white vinegar and 2 pt water mixed.
- Blot stain with clean cloth (DONT RUB).
- Work from the outside in, avoid spreading, the aim is to lift as much as possible from the fibers.
- Spray with cold water, blot again.
- Spray with small amount of cleaning solution.
- Blot with clean, dry cloth regularly using new white spot on towel as blotting to ensure no spreading.
- Continue until stain is no longer noticeable.
- Spray with rinse solution.
- Blot with clean cloth to remove.
- Finally, spray with clean water, blot dry again and place paper towels and weight (example heavy books) on top, leave for several hours so moisture is absorbed. Then remove and allow to air-dry.
- When totally dry, hoover to restore texture and pick up any left-over residue.
NB: If turns brown mix 1 pt vinegar 2pt water and blot on to the stain, this can only be repeated once.
Useful Tips
- Avoid hot/warm water, this makes stains hard to remove.
- DO NOT RUB STAIN.
- Do not use clothes/dishwasher detergents as bleach can damage fibres.
- Hydrogen Peroxide can be used as a last resort (has bleaching properties), let sit for 30seconds, blot and rinse thoroughly.
- Spit, believe it or not, can actually clean small blood
- stains, especially your own, the enzymes in saliva break down the proteins in blood.
- Always clean stain immediately if possible.
Finally, if you have any concerns, regarding your household carpets/upholstery. If they are delicate
silk or antique, contact a professional. Supreme Carpet Cleaning Dublin
can provide the services required.