How to get rid of blood stains: unexpected ways

In summer, the likelihood of blood stains on clothes increases – injuries from gardening, insect bites, bruised knees, and other similar troubles are more common in the summer season. And not always a quick wash can help remove the stain.

In fact, laundry experts warn that you shouldn't put clothes with traces of blood in warm water, even if they are not. The high temperature will cause the protein to coagulate rapidly, which will penetrate deeply into the fabric fibers. Therefore, it is better to treat a fresh stain with a suitable product first. OBOZ.UA found out what unexpected products and substances can help with this.

Salt

Ordinary table salt is an excellent remedy for blood stains due to its high hygroscopicity. Moreover, in the city, it can be obtained almost anywhere – just go to the nearest cafe. Since salt naturally dehydrates the blood, simply apply a generous portion to the stain or make a paste with it and cold water. Give the salt 10-20 minutes to work. Then scrape off the salt and rinse the item with cold water. The product will also break down the blood structure, so it will be much easier to wash the residue during washing.

White vinegar

White vinegar alone is unlikely to completely remove a blood stain. But it will weaken it so much that it can be easily removed during washing. The acid in its composition helps to break down the protein in the blood. Just pour the rescue liquid generously over the stained area and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then thoroughly blot the remnants of the product, avoiding friction. The next step is to wash in cold water.

Saline solution

If you wear contact lenses, you may have a bottle of saline in your bathroom that can be used to dehydrate a blood stain. Take the stained clothing and soak the stained area completely in saline. Squeeze the stained fabric with your fingers to allow the solution to penetrate deeply into the fibers, and leave the garment for a few minutes. Then rinse the garment with cold water and repeat the procedure. As soon as the stain begins to lighten, throw the garment into the washing machine with your favorite detergent and wash it as usual.

Seasoning to tenderize meat

The powder that is used to tenderize steaks is based on enzymes that break down the protein in meat. This means it should work with blood as well. Make sure you use an unseasoned meat tenderizer, otherwise the spice mixture may leave another stain. Add a little water to it to make a paste, apply it to the stain, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then rinse off the paste and wash the item as usual. This method is said to work even with old blood stains.

Milk

Let's start with the bad news right away – vegetable milk will not help remove blood stains, you will have to take cow's milk. Only it contains enzymes that can break down blood. First, rinse the stain with cold water, trying to remove as much blood as possible. Then soak the stained object in a bowl of milk. Leave it for several hours, for example, overnight. In the morning, wring out the item and put it in the washing machine. The extent to which the stain will come out will depend on the fabric and the age of the stain, but milk will definitely help better than detergent alone.

Pet stain remover

Special stain removers designed to remove pet marks contain powerful enzymes that break down proteins. And that's exactly what we need to fight blood stains. Start by rinsing the stain thoroughly with cold water. Then completely treat the affected area with a stain remover. Do not skimp on the product. Leave it on for the time specified in the instructions. Don't be afraid to use a brush, as it will only enhance the effect. Then rinse the item in cold water and wash it as usual.

Aspirin

Like vinegar, aspirin is an acid, which means it can destroy blood. Crush enough to get 1 to 3 tablespoons of powder, depending on the size of the stain. Next, mix it with water to make a paste and apply it to the stain. Let the paste dry, remove the residue, and wash the item. The stain should disappear.

Baking soda

As with some of the other ingredients on this list, you'll need to make a baking soda-based paste. Make enough to cover the entire stain. The consistency of the product should be thick enough to prevent it from spreading on the fabric. Leave the paste to work for 30 minutes, and then thoroughly blot (do not rub!) it. If necessary, repeat the entire process, and then wash the item as usual. This cleaning is completely safe for colored fabrics.

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks work in two directions at once – the acids in its composition destroy blood, and carbon dioxide bubbles push out dirt particles from the fabric. Just soak the stained item for a few hours. It is better to take sugar-free drinks and not soak light-colored items in dyed liquids – choose colorless types for them. Then send the item for regular washing.

Corn starch

Like salt, starch will quickly draw water out of the blood. You can use it dry or make it into a paste. Apply the starch liberally to the stain, covering the fabric on both sides if possible. Give the product some time to work – at least 10 minutes. Then brush off the residue and wash the item in cold water.

WD-40

You may be surprised, but this lubricant can also remove blood stains. But keep in mind that it can damage synthetic items. Carefully apply WD-40 from a spray can to the stain. Leave it on for just a few minutes and then blot thoroughly. Before sending the item to the laundry, try to remove as much of the product from the fabric as possible.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.