As the saying goes, life comes at you fast. And while you may find that regular cleaning of your house is tricky enough and consumes a great deal of time, it can get even harder when there is a challenging spill.
One of the most challenging clean-up problems we can encounter is blood.
From a shaving scratch that leaves blood on a favorite shirt or pants, to a medical emergency that leaves a large stain on hardwood floors, blood stains are complex.
Big spill? Big stain? Call a professional
In the unthinkable situation where your space is covered with blood because of a medical emergency or a violent crime, the easiest step is to call a trained professional.
Professional cleaning companies like Dry Patrol in southwest Ohio make the clean up simpler and safer than doing it yourself.
Blood creates unique problems because it is a liquid, which means it can get where other stains and spills might not. Worse yet, blood can carry illnesses and draw insects. For these reasons, thorough, careful cleaning is necessary after a large blood spill.
Smaller spills or stains? You can handle these yourself
You will be able to clean up smaller stains yourself using regular household cleaning products if you take some minor precautions.
Start with a solution of warm water and dish detergent. Using a bristled brush for floors, or a toothbrush if it is a small stain, simply brush the surface and build up a good lather.
Then use a wet paper towel or washcloth to completely rinse the spot, checking that the stain is removed.
If the surface is safe for using bleach, you can then use a bleach solution to make sure that you have completely cleaned any biological material that might have been contained in the blood.
If the spot is not safe for bleach, for instance if it would cause a permanent stain; use a disinfectant spray. Spray the area and let the mist rest on the spot according to the instructions on the can.
If the blood stain is in clothing, a solution of warm water and baking soda can be used. Simply brush the solution in the complete area in and surrounding the spot.
Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-cleaning-a-kitchen-counter-5591903/
