Blood stain removal – Effective tips

Removing blood stains from a piece of clothing or fabric is often said to be one of the most challenging tasks on the face of Earth. How does one proceed for blood stain removal without needing to salvage one of his or her favorite clothing items? Read on to know some tips which can help you to remove the blood stains from fabric as fast and as neatly as possible:

Blood stain removal – Why is it important?

The hemoglobin content in blood acts as a binding agent for the blood clots onto the surface of a cloth, thus sticking in an almost permanent manner to the yarns or threads. However, throwing off every piece of clothing which has been accidentally bloodstained is not an attractive option every time, and blood stain removal becomes the only viable option.
Blood stain removal – Dried stains Vs wet stains
Blood stain removal of stains from the fabric surface before they dry up and coagulates are a better option, as it promises more effective results. Dried blood forms more stubborn stains, which often prove impossible to be removed completely. Wetting the cloth while the bloodstain is still wet would ensure better results.
Blood stain removal – Methods
Rubbing the blood stain and trying to force it out is a bad idea, as it would serve to push the stain even further deep and wider into the cloth fibers. Rinsing the stains gently with the aid of cold water after blotting the wet stain would ensure a preliminary blood stain removal. Rubbing soap onto the bloodstain can prove to be effective in removing the bloodstain to some extent. However, choosing a detergent powder or soap bar that is mild, as harsh chemicals in the soap can lead to further damage to the fabric by leaving scuff marks and uneven patches.
Soaking the affected fabric in water for a while does help in removal of a considerable part of the bloodstain. However, overnight soaking promises better results, as the blood stain removal is more effective herein. Natural blood stain removal methods are effective as well as render lesser damage to the stained cloth. For example, soaking the cloth overnight, immersing the cloth in a saline solution made from ordinary salt and water, usage of ice cubes or cold water rinse would cause zero damage, and bring out better results in terms of removal of the undesirable bloodstain.
Several individuals incorrectly assume that scrubbing the fabric surface would help in removal of the bloodstain. On the contrary, scrubbing can only render further trouble to the prevailing situation. There is a high risk of causing damage to the fabric through the introduction of uneven color patches and faded areas. Gentle rinsing always works in a better manner. Usage of hydrogen peroxide should necessarily be considered as a last resort, as this can prove to be harsh on the constituent fibers. Hydrogen peroxide tends to weaken the strength of the yarn or the threads which make up the fabric. Also, discoloration is a huge possibility.