Contents
Since blood contains protein, hot water will curdle it, and in this case it will not be possible to wash or rinse it out of the fibers of the fabric in any way – it will still leave a yellowish stain on it. But ice water for washable fabrics is what you need. It is advisable to immediately place the item in a basin with such water, hold it in it for half an hour, and then change the water and soak the stain again in cold water. After half an hour or an hour, the item can be subjected to additional processing.
If the stain is fresh, it should be gently blotted with a napkin or a soft, clean cloth that absorbs liquid well. Do not rub the stain so that the blood is absorbed even more and the stain does not increase even more. Aged blood stains should be rubbed with a dry toothbrush before cleaning with cleaning agents to remove any clotted blood from the surface of the material.
How hydrogen peroxide and ammonia (ammonia) work
Very often, in order to get rid of blood stains on tissue, experts advise using hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Women who often dye their hair know that these active substances are components of the dye formulations and ensure the removal of the natural natural dye melanin from the hair structure. This property of hydrogen peroxide, which, under the influence of air, begins to release active oxygen molecules that lighten the pigment in the blood, is also used to remove stains from it. Ammonia creates an alkaline environment that changes the structure of blood molecules, which facilitates the process of washing out the red pigment of this protein compound.
What stains and how can you remove with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide
If the stain is fresh, after it has been soaked in cold water, pour ammonia diluted in water on it (1 tablespoon of alcohol to ½ glass of water). Let it sit for 1 hour, then wash the fabric as usual with powder in warm water. If the area of contamination is large, you can preliminarily, while soaking, add ammonia to cold water at the rate of 1 tbsp. for 1 liter of water, and only then treat the stains with a more concentrated solution.
Satin and silk fabrics must not be cleaned with products that contain ammonia or enzymes that break down proteins.
When using hydrogen peroxide, you should be very careful – if you remove blood with it, it can discolor not only the blood stain, but also the tissue itself, and at high concentrations even leave a hole on the material. Stain can be removed on durable white fabric by simply pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide solution over it. At the same time, foam will begin to form on the stain, after 5 minutes rub it with a toothbrush so that the peroxide is well absorbed into the tissue fibers. If the stain cannot be removed the first time, repeat the procedure.
To enhance the effect, hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with dishwashing liquid containing enzymes that break down protein: protease, cellulose, lipase, they must be indicated in the composition. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 150 g of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and immerse the stain in this mixture for 30 minutes, then wash clothes in cold water with an enzyme powder.
For stains on carpets and furniture, you can make a paste by mixing: – ½ cup starch; – 1 tsp. table salt – ¼ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution Rub the resulting paste into the stain with a toothbrush and let it dry well. Repeat the operation several times until the blood disappears completely. If the fabric is dark, water should be used instead of hydrogen peroxide.