The following tips are compiled for removing blood stains.  But they are also sometimes effective for removing other types of protein stains as well -- egg stains, semen stains, discharge stains, milk stains, etc.

Results of using these tips are not guaranteed, and the writer assumes no responsibility for failure or further damage.  There are too many variables -- the specific type of stain, the material or fabric stained, the fabric or material finish, the time span since the stain occurred, temperature exposure, etc. -- to guarantee good results in all cases, even in many cases.

First, there are a couple of important basics to heed.
1)  Act fast.  Act before the stain sets -- act before the protein of the stain coagulates.
2)  Do not use heat.  Use cold water where possible for the first try in removing a blood stain.  Hot water, even warm water, may cause the blood stain to set, or set more, if it has already started to set.

Carpets may be labeled stain resistant.  That does not mean stain-proof.  You have a good chance of removing the blood stain if you get to it right away, before the blood coagulates.  If the stain is old and dried, it will be difficult to impossible to get the stain out.

Use cold water, not hot water.  Put a little water on the spot, and blot it up with white paper towels or clean white cloths.  Repeat until no more can be removed.

Then make a solution of a few drops of plain dish-washing detergent in a cup of cold water.  Work it gently into the blood stain, being careful not to spread the stain.  Blot with white paper towels or clean white cloths.  Don't damage the carpet fibers by rubbing too hard.  Damaged fibers hold stains and will get stained more easily in the future.

Repeat the steps as necessary until no more blood comes out onto the paper towels or cloths.  When done, blot up any excess water.

Finally, dry the area as rapidly as possible.  Either turn a fan on it or put down a stack of white paper towels or clean white cloths with something heavy on them to soak up the water remaining.  You may have to replace those paper towels or cloths a few times also.

If there is still some stain left, you could next repeat the soak, blot, dry steps with club soda.  Rinse and dry as discussed above.

For a stubborn stain on synthetic fabric, not wool, carpets, mix a tablespoon of ammonia in a cup of water.  Sponge or spray the stain and blot.  Repeat until the stain disappears.  Rinse and dry as discussed above.

That's it.  Problem solved.  Or not.

Soak the fresh bloodstains in cold water and then launder in cold water.

If the stain remains, mix a half-teaspoon of dishwashing soap, one tablespoon of ammonia and a quart of warm water. Soak the stain in this solution for approximately fifteen minutes. Gently rub the stain and blot with clean white cloths or paper towels.

After the stain is removed completely, rinse well with cold water and then launder as usual.

Make a solution of a mild soap or dish-washing liquid.  Using just the suds, rub the stained area gently with a sponge with the suds.  Be careful not to spread the stain.

Another method to try is to put a little hydrogen peroxide on a clean white cloth, blot the stain, then wipe the bubbles off.

Wipe up the stain using cool water on a clean cloth or paper towel.  Then wipe dry and wax or polish as usual.

Note that many stains cannot be removed. Some stain removal chemicals, agents, or even commercial stain removal products can damage or discolor fabrics, making the result even worse.

If you have any doubt as to the safety of your fabric or the fabric color, test the chemical(s) or product(s) you want to use to remove stains on an inconspicuous location on the garment.

If in doubt, consult a professional cleaning service.

No liability is assumed -- use this advice at your own risk.

The Most Important Stain Removal Tip You Will Ever Read!

Top Stain Removal Tips

Blood Stain Removal Tips

Carpet Stain Removal Tips

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Ink Stain Removal Tips

Synthetic Fabric Stain Removal Tips

Tips for Using Bleaches for Stain Removal

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.  No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of David A. Bean.
Copyright © 2008 David A. Bean.  All rights reserved.

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