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Other stains may not fall into a neat category but they still happen. Learn how to remove liquor stains, blood stains, mildew stains and other stains.

How to Remove Blood Stains

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Blood is one of the most difficult substances to remove once it has become a fabric, surface, or laundry stain. However, stain removal can be accomplished with some help. Follow these tips to erase blood stains.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon,
Rope, Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Treat the stain as soon as possible, as set blood stains can be extremely difficult to remove. Sponge
(the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) the stain with cold water. If the blood is still wet, this step should remove it. If any stain remains, apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia (but do not use ammonia on silk and wool). Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter and ammonia. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed, changing the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist with the wet spotter and ammonia. Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) thoroughly with cool water, making sure to remove all traces of the ammonia. Dry thoroughly.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

Remove Blood Stains From:
Acrylic, Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon,
Olefin, Polyester, Spandex

Fresh blood stains can usually be removed by a thorough laundering in cold water. If any stain remains, soak it in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia for 15 minutes. Tamp
(the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) or scrape (the method of using a scraping tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains), blotting occasionally with an absorbent pad. Continue as long as any stain is being removed. Rinse well with water, making sure to remove all traces of the ammonia. Then dry or launder.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Brass, Bronze,
Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Coral, Cork,
Enamel, Glass, Gold, lron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum,
Opal, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pearls, Pewter, Platinum,
Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Tin,
Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc

Wipe up blood stain with a sponge or cloth dipped in cool water or warm sudsy water. Dry with a clean cloth.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Alabaster, Marble

Wipe stain with a sponge dipped in cold water. If stain remains, mix a poultice of water, powdered detergent, and chlorine bleach. Apply it thickly to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard drying. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly and dry.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Bamboo, Cane

Wash with a cloth or brush dipped in warm soapy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse with clear water and dry.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,
Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone,
Slate, Terrazzo

Try wiping up the stain with a sponge dipped in cool water. If any stain remains, wash or brush
(the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to gently remove dried stains and spots) stain with a solution of washing soda or detergent in warm water. Rinse well and allow to dry.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Foam Rubber

Squirt Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover on the stained area. Another way to remove blood is to mix 1 teaspoon of a mild, non-alkali detergent with 1/2 pint lukewarm water. Add a small amount to the stain and blot the liquid. Do not force the stain further into the fibers. Continue blotting until no more stain is removed. If stain remains, add 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 cup water (do not use on wool), sponge stain, and blot liquid. Continue until no more stain is removed. Place an absorbent pad over the damp area and weight it down. When no more liquid is drawn out, remove the pad and allow it to air dry thoroughly.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Fur/Natural, Fur/Synthetic

Blot up excess. Wring a cloth in the suds of a mild detergent to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rub with the nap, taking care not to over-wet the pelt or backing. To rinse, dip a cloth in cool water, wring almost dry, and stroke with the nap. Air dry away from heat.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Grout

Wipe the stain with a sponge dipped in cool water. If any remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the grout. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Leather, Suede

Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge and gently rub the stained area, taking care not to spread the stain. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. On leather only, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Silver

Wash silver in hot sudsy water. Rinse in hot water and wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Wallpaper

Blood can permanently stain wallpaper. Try dipping a cloth in cool water, wringing until damp, and gently sponging the area, taking care not to spread the stain. Overlap the strokes slightly to prevent streaking. Gently pat dry.
Remove Blood Stains From:
Wood

Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in cool water. Wipe dry immediately and polish or wax as usual.
Many people feel faint at the sight of blood. These cleaning tips will ensure that your friends and guests won't have to suffer through any frightening scenes.

©Publications International, Ltd.

 



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