Stain Removal: Blood

You must only use cold water on blood stains – warm or hot water will set the stain.

On washable material: If wet, soak in a cold strong salt solution. If dry, cold rinse. Soak overnight in biological washing powder, then wash. If non-washable, sponge with solution of 3 drops ammonia/2pts of water, then sponge with clean water; dab dry with kitchen paper towel.

You can dab the stain with hydrogen peroxide, but be careful. Then rub on the secret weapon: unseasoned meat tenderiser. Rinse and wash.

On a carpet: Sponge with cold water and blot firmly with a towel as often as required. Finish with a carpet shampoo.

If you get blood on a sheepskin coat, just sprinkle potting compost on it while it is still wet. The compost workslike blotting paper. Leave it overnight and brush it off in the morning.