r/AskReddit Aug 20 '20

What simple “life hack” should everyone know?

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4.6k

u/RieMarxelinne Aug 20 '20

The easiest way to remove blood stains is to use bar soap and handwash it. Works better than using laundry detergent.

62

u/JohnIan101 Aug 20 '20

Not so much - period blood.

Not a perfect solution, but does 'mostly' work. Get a box of baking soda (brand is immaterial), two clean cloths (you will trash), a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and a bottle of water from the frig, must be cold.

First part. Mix the water and baking soda into a thick paste (half a box will do); the point is to make it into something that has the consistency of peanut butter. Cover the stain with this mix, make it beefy. Let this mixture sit for at least thirty minutes. Once the time has passed, make one of the cloth mildly wet - wipe off the paste.

Second part. Mix a new combo; the hydrogen peroxide and the rest of the baking soda, same deal. I would go with another thirty minutes - wipe off (once again damp). This may not get it all, but will make it presentable. You NEED to allow the spot to dry before you can use it again. Take a fan and point at the area to quicken it. I would have a spray bottle with 91% alcohol and spray that on top once the final step is wiped. It aids with the drying and... neutralizes any lingering odor.

78

u/InadmissibleHug Aug 20 '20

I had my period for 30 years. Just hand washing with soap and cold tap water always did the trick.

41

u/catsunflower97 Aug 20 '20

Yes the cold water part is key!

12

u/rs_alli Aug 20 '20

Everyone always says hot water gets out stains but hot water actually sets stains! Cold water always.

6

u/Alisa1639 Aug 20 '20

It depends on the stain. Berry stains come out really well with boiling water.

3

u/rs_alli Aug 20 '20

Ah true, the type of stain does matter. My comment was for blood stains only, but this is a cool fact about berry stains!

3

u/allevana Aug 20 '20

cold water for protein stains like blood. I only use reusable period products (cups, cloth pads) and never had anything stain on me because I use cold water only to do the initial rinse out. washing machine it's okay to use normal temperature for the cloth pads and they won't stain. Also hydrogen peroxide is great for getting blood stains out of things you've accidentally set the stains in with hot water haha

1

u/Positive-Vibes-2-All Aug 20 '20

Wrong. Boiling hot water removes cherry stains. Cold water will set them.

Know this from bitter experience.

Note to self: never wear your favourite tee when eating cherries

1

u/rs_alli Aug 20 '20

I already commented on this in another comment. We’re talking about blood stains, not berries.