For tough blood stains, start with cool-water soaking, then use detergent treatment and 3% hydrogen peroxide for lingering marks

A scratch or nosebleed can leave a blood stain on a favourite shirt or bedsheet. Blood stains on fabric and clothing are among the many irritating nuisances people encounter in daily life. If the stain is still wet, rinse it with cold water and rub it with liquid detergent or bar soap. On the other hand, when a blood stain is not noticed immediately and dries, it can become more difficult to remove. The University of Georgia Extension notes that blood stains set by heat can be difficult to remove.

The University of Georgia Extension recommends a step-by-step method for old and stubborn blood stains. First, soak the item in cool water for 30 minutes or longer. If the stain remains, soak it for another 30 minutes or longer in lukewarm water with an enzyme pre-soak product. Rinse the garment, rub detergent into any remaining stain, and rinse again. If the stain remains, apply a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 1 to 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and launder the item.

Cleaning fabrics and removing difficult dirt


Before cleaning a stained garment, check the care label first. Different fibres react differently to water temperature, soap solutions and cleaning chemicals. Some soft fabrics, like silk or pure wool, will need a different treatment procedure from tougher cotton or synthetic fabrics. Taking a few minutes to read the manufacturer's instructions may help prevent fading, bleaching or fabric damage. The guide also recommends testing each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to check colourfastness.

For old stains on washable clothing, the initial cool-water soak is followed by the lukewarm enzyme pre-soak if the mark remains. After rinsing, detergent is worked into any remaining stain before another rinse. If residue persists, the guide recommends applying a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 1 to 3 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse and normal laundering.

Applying proper care procedures to household surfaces

Unlike washable fabrics and bedding, household surfaces such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and hard surfaces require different cleaning methods. Soft household surfaces should not be thoroughly soaked, as excessive moisture can affect upholstery finishes and leave a circle in the treated area. Instead, use a spot-cleaning approach with damp pads and blotting to lift the stain.

For upholstered furniture made from natural cotton or linen, the guide recommends mixing 1 quart of cool water with ½ teaspoon of dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Blot the stain with a clean, white absorbent pad, changing the pad as it picks up the stain, then rinse with clear water and blot again to remove traces of ammonia.

Silk and wool require different treatment, and the guide cautions that ammonia can damage these fibres. For silk upholstery, it instead recommends a wet spotter made with glycerin, white dishwashing detergent and cold water. Cleaning agents should also be tested on an inconspicuous area first.

Hard surfaces should likewise be treated according to their material. For brick, concrete, stone, masonry and tile, the guide recommends first wiping the stain with a sponge dipped in cool water. If the stain remains, a solution of laundry detergent or washing soda in warm water can be used, followed by a thorough rinse. The key is to choose a cleaning solution suited to the surface and follow the recommended water temperature for each step.