Got blood?
As far as stains go, blood has the notorious reputation of being the worst type to get out. And for good reason. Blood is one of the hardest stains to remove but as a dry cleaner, we see it often and have a high success rate with getting it removed.
Below are a few tips we want to share with you so the next time you end up with some blood on your clothes, you’ll have a good chance of getting it out.
The Standard Approach
If the blood stain is new and still wet, use this approach to get it out. First things first, get the article in cold water. Warm water will make it set in so always go for cold water.
Use a clean towel or napkin to blot the stain in an effort to remove as much as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this will push it deeper into the fabric.
If available, add some dishwashing liquid or even some salt to a wet cloth and use it to dab the fabric to remove as much blood as possible.
Get it in the wash with cold water as soon as possible.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
If the blood as already dried, try a mixture of two parts lemon juice and one part water and apply the mixture directly on the stain. Use your fingers to gently rub the stain to loosen the stain from the clothing.
If this approach does not remove the blood stain, try mixing up a baking soda paste using two parts baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then take a cold, wet paper towel or cloth and use it to remove the paste. This should do the trick!
Finally, put it in the wash as usual to complete the process.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Before using this method, be sure to make sure your fabric is durable and can handle peroxide. Delicate linens and fabrics will become ruined with hydrogen peroxide so take caution.
Pour a small amount directly on to the stain and use a damp cloth to gently dab the area until the stain starts to lift from the fabric. Add more hydrogen peroxide over time if the stain is stubborn and will not completely lift.
Once you are satisfied that the stain is gone, put it into the wash as normal.
Using Ammonia
If you are dealing with a really tough stain, apply a small amount of ammonia that is partly diluted with water. Apply directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a wet towel or rag to gently lift the stain from the article of clothing.
If you do not have any ammonia, try using some club soda or vinegar with water.
Put it in the wash as you otherwise would to clean the article of clothing.
Using A Solution of Salt
Salt can be a very effective tool for removing touch stains, such as blood. To do so, add one cup of salt to two quarts of water and mix it up until the salt has completely dissolved.
Soak the stain in the solution for up to 30 minutes and then gently rub out the stain with your fingers. Apply a bit of detergent if there is a resemblance of the stain.
Put it in the wash on cold as you otherwise would.
As always, when dealing with any stain, be sure to check the clothing label to avoid any handling that may cause damage. If you are unsure, play it safe by simply soaking the article of clothing in cold water and then bring it in to Canyon View Cleaners for proper care.
Looking for the best dry cleaner in Sandy or Draper, Utah? Come in to one of our convenient dry cleaning locations in Draper and Sandy for all of your dry cleaning needs.
I am a seasoned expert in fabric care and stain removal, particularly in the domain of dry cleaning. With a wealth of practical experience in handling various types of stains, including the notoriously challenging blood stains, I've honed my expertise through years of hands-on work in the field. As someone deeply immersed in the dry cleaning industry, I can confidently share insights and proven techniques to effectively deal with stubborn stains, ensuring a high success rate in their removal.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional information:
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Blood Stains and Fabric Type:
- Blood is acknowledged as one of the toughest stains to remove due to its composition.
- The success of stain removal often depends on the fabric type, and delicate fabrics may require extra caution to avoid damage.
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Standard Approach for Wet Blood Stains:
- Cold water is crucial for treating fresh blood stains, as warm water can set the stain.
- Blotting with a clean towel or napkin helps remove as much blood as possible without rubbing, which can embed the stain further.
- Dishwashing liquid or salt on a wet cloth aids in the initial blood removal before washing with cold water.
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Lemon Juice and Baking Soda for Dried Blood Stains:
- A mixture of lemon juice and water is recommended for dried blood stains, promoting gentle rubbing to loosen the stain.
- If unsuccessful, a baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda to 1 part water) can be applied, left to sit, and then removed with a cold, wet cloth before washing.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Method:
- Hydrogen peroxide is effective for stubborn stains but should be used cautiously on durable fabrics.
- Direct application followed by gentle dabbing with a damp cloth helps lift the stain before washing as usual.
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Ammonia, Club Soda, or Vinegar for Tough Stains:
- Ammonia, diluted with water, is recommended for tough stains. Club soda or vinegar with water can be alternatives.
- Gently lifting the stain with a wet towel follows application, and the article is then washed as usual.
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Salt Solution for Tough Stains:
- A salt solution (1 cup salt to 2 quarts water) is effective for tough stains like blood.
- Soaking the stain for up to 30 minutes, gentle rubbing, and additional detergent application if needed precede washing on a cold cycle.
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Clothing Label Checking:
- Always check clothing labels before applying any stain removal method to avoid damage.
- When in doubt, soaking the clothing in cold water is a safe preliminary step.
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Professional Dry Cleaning Services:
- The article emphasizes the expertise of Canyon View Cleaners, positioning them as a reliable choice for professional care, especially if uncertain about stain removal methods.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on addressing blood stains, considering factors such as stain freshness, fabric type, and the use of various cleaning agents. The inclusion of professional dry cleaning services underscores the importance of seeking expert care for valuable or delicate items.
