The secret to successful removal blood contaminants lies in one critical rule – never use hot water. Under the influence of high temperature, the protein contained in the blood curdles and literally “intentionally” binds to the fibers of the fabric. To save your favorite thing, you need to act quickly, using proven home and professional methods.
Effective remedies for fresh stains
If the trouble has just happened, the chances of full recovery of the material are maximized. The main task is to prevent the liquid from drying out.
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Ice water. The easiest and most affordable method. Wash the fabric under a strong stream of cold water from the wrong side to dislodge blood particles from the fibers.
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Laundry soap. After rinsing with water, soap the mark with classic 72% soap and leave it for 20 minutes, then gently rub and rinse.
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Saline solution. For delicate fabrics such as silk, a mixture of one tablespoon of salt per liter of cool water is suitable. Soaking in such a mixture helps to gently break down the structure of the stain.
How to remove stale stains
When the blood has already had time to dry, the usual rinse will not be enough. Chemical reactions that break down organic compounds are involved.
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Hydrogen peroxide. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that is ideal for white things and thick cotton. Apply the solution to the stain, wait for the characteristic fizz and carefully remove the foam with a cloth. Be careful with colored fabrics, as peroxide can “eat” the dye.
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Naphtha. Helps to deal with difficult marks on mattresses and upholstery. Soak a cotton pad in an ammonia solution and dab the mark, moving from the edges to the center.
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Starch. Effective for cleaning outerwear and delicate materials. Mix starch with water to a thick porridge, apply to the stain and allow to dry completely, then shake off the residue with a brush.
When working with any aggressive compound, always test on an inconspicuous area of the seam to ensure that the color and structure of the material is preserved. Professional enzyme stain removers also perform well, as they are specially formulated to break down proteins of organic origin. By choosing the right water temperature and the right reagent, you can restore your garments to their original appearance.
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