Removing stains·8 questions

QUESTION: How to remove a blood stain?

Answer

Blood stains are considered some of the most tricky ones, but every professional knows the main rule for working with them — use exclusively cold water. It is strictly forbidden to use hot or warm water, because the protein contained in the blood curdles under the influence of temperature and is "welded" into the fabric fibers forever.

To clean a fresh blood mark, thoroughly rinse the item under a stream of ice-cold water, then abundantly rub the stain with laundry soap and leave it for half an hour. After that, rinse the fabric by hand and wash it in the usual way in a washing machine at low temperatures.

If the blood has already dried, the algorithm of actions becomes more complicated.

For light-colored fabrics, use hydrogen peroxide, which will start to hiss upon contact with blood and destroy the protein structure.
For colored items, prepare a thick paste of table salt and cold water, and apply it to the stain for an hour.
Use a special enzymatic laundry detergent that breaks down organic compounds.

If a blood stain is on upholstered furniture or a mattress that cannot be washed entirely, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it on the stain. Wait a couple of minutes and gently blot the moisture with clean white napkins, trying not to spread the stain around.

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