There are some solutions for removing blood stains from silk fabrics. Silk is a very delicate fabric and should be treated with great care. Consequently, keep this in mind when attempting to remove a bloodstain from silk. The methods below can be used for washable silk items. For non-washable ones, it's best to leave the blood stain removal to the professionals.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fresh Blood Stain: Cold Water and Salt
Step 1. Lay the stained silk article on a flat surface
Step 2. Blot excess blood with a cloth or paper towel
Do not scrub, just dry to prevent the blood stain from spreading. Repeat the drying process until there is no more blood. Make sure you change the cloth when necessary.
Step 3. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of cold water and place the solution in a spray bottle
Step 4. Spray the saline solution on the blood stain
If you don't have a spray bottle, get a clean cloth, dip it in the saline solution, and dab on the stained area.
If you're treating a large spot, start at the edges and work your way to the center; this is a strategy to contain the stain and prevent it from spreading
Step 5. Blot the area with a dry cloth
Repeat the spraying and drying process until the blood stain is gone or the cloth no longer absorbs blood.
Step 6. Rinse the affected area with cold water
Step 7. Wash the silk article as you normally would
Step 8. Lay it on a dry towel and let it air dry
When the silk fabric is dry and the blood stain is still visible, use the difficult blood stain removal method.
Method 2 of 2: Dry or Hard Blood Stain: Rain Stain Remover
Step 1. Lay the silk article on a flat surface
Step 2. Mix 1 part glycerin, 1 part white dishwashing detergent (powder) and 8 parts water to make a rain stain remover and place the solution in a flexible plastic bottle
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Step 3. Moisten an absorbent pad with the solution
Step 4. Cover the bloodstain with the absorbent pad
Keep it there until it no longer absorbs any of the stain. Repeat this process until the stain disappears. Make sure you use a new absorbent pad each time.
Step 5. Wash the affected area with cold water
Step 6. Wash the silk as you normally would
Step 7. Lay the item on a dry towel and let it air dry
Advice
First try the solutions you intend to use on a small, inconspicuous spot on the silk article to make sure the fibers of the fabric do not discolor or become damaged
Warnings
- Don't use anything hot on blood stains. The heat would cook the blood proteins and this would cause the stain to settle.
- Never use ammonia or enzyme cleaners on silk. These products would precipitate proteins and could damage the silk fabric which is made of proteins.
- When handling blood that isn't yours, wear protective gloves to protect yourself from the risk of getting blood diseases.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on silk. Its alkalinity can degrade the silk fabric.
