Bold tips for removing blood stains from fabric

Bloodstains are notoriously difficult to get out, but don't despair, there are several effective methods — some of them quite surprising — that will do the job effectively.

• Keep in mind these three points when you come across a bloodstain that needs removing:
• Tackle a bloodstain as quickly as possible. The stain is much harder to remove as the blood dries.
• Always use cold water to flush a bloodstain, because any kind of warmth, be it from water or from the dryer, could set the stain.
• Refrain from scrubbing too vigorously. Otherwise, you'll leach the stain into the clean fabric that surrounds it.

• Blot the stain with cold water on a clean rag.
• Don't rub.
• If the stain persists, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with 250 ml (1 cup) of cold water in a bowl and dab it on the stain, allowing it to set for at least 10 minutes.
• Rinse by blotting again with a clean rag wrung out in cold water.
• Use a dry rag to blot it dry.
• If the stain won't come out, add a splash of ammonia to the detergent mixture and try, try again.

• Hydrogen peroxide can work wonders on garment bloodstains, but only if the garment is white or otherwise colour-fast. Test the fabric first by dabbing peroxide on a cotton swab, then on an inconspicuous area. Spread out the stained area over a sink or laundry tub and pour full-strength hydrogen peroxide through the stain. Scrub gently with a scrubbing brush or an old toothbrush. Rinse with cold water.
• In a pinch, and right after a bloodstain occurs, pour soda water through it or dab and blot carefully with a clean rag.

• Cover a fresh spot as soon as possible with a paste made from equal parts cornstarch and cold water.
• Rub gently and dry in the sun, where the blood should leach into the cornstarch.
• Brush lightly. If this doesn't work, try the technique a second time.
• Or make a similar paste with polenta and water or talcum powder and water and follow the same procedure.

• Cover the stain with a paste of equal parts borax and cold water.
• Let this dry, then vacuum up the dry powder.
• Or, sprinkle a fresh carpet stain with table salt, then with cold water. Gently blot with a clean cloth and wipe with a sponge.

• An unlikely but often effective method is to use shampoo. The key here, as always, is to attack the stain right away.
• Douse it with a capful of shampoo (any kind will do), making certain the shampoo covers every bit of the stain.
• Rub the area until the shampoo is completely absorbed, then wet with cold water.
• Once those telltale bubbles appear, scrub vigorously with a stiff-bristled nylon nailbrush.
• Rinse the stain in cold water.
• If a ring remains, repeat.