Menstrual Blood on Office Chair

If menstrual blood gets on an office chair, follow these steps for cleaning:

Immediate Action

Use clean tissues or a cloth to blot and absorb excess liquid from the surface immediately. Avoid rubbing back and forth to prevent the stain from spreading. In an office setting, quickly cover the area with wet wipes and temporarily conceal the chair with a coat, scarf, or folder to reduce embarrassment.

Cleaning Based on the Situation

• Fresh Blood Stains:
  After blotting up excess blood, turn the stained area upside down and rinse the back with a large amount of cold running water in the sink, or soak the stained area in cold water for 15-30 minutes to soften and dissolve the blood. Apply a mild neutral detergent, underwear soap, or sulfur soap, and gently rub with your fingers or a soft cloth. Finally, rinse thoroughly with cold water and use a dry towel to absorb excess moisture, ensuring the chair fabric is completely dry.
• Old/Stubborn Blood Stains:
  First, soak in cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully soften the dried blood. Apply a laundry detergent containing protease enzymes or a specialized detergent for underwear, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the enzymes to break down the proteins. Then, gently brush in one direction with a soft-bristled brush. For white or light-colored, bleach-resistant fabrics, apply a small amount of 3% medical hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 5-15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water. Test in a hidden area like the bottom of the chair before use to prevent fading. You can also try using cold saltwater (10 grams of salt per liter of water), diluted white vinegar, or a baking soda paste for local treatment to help break down the stain.

Cleaning Based on Fabric Type

• Fabric/Mesh Fabrics: These are relatively water-resistant. You can refer to the above soaking and gentle scrubbing methods, or use a neutral or specialized fabric cleaner.
• Leather Fabrics: Extra care is needed to avoid excessive moisture and harsh chemicals. It is recommended to gently wipe the stained area with a damp cloth dampened with diluted neutral soap solution and immediately dry it with a dry cloth. Finally, you can use a leather conditioner for care.

Additional Tips

Clean the chair promptly once you notice it is stained. Do not wait until the end of the workday to prevent the blood from seeping into the sponge. If the stained area is large, go to the company restroom and squeeze some hand soap, and repeatedly wipe with wet wipes. If it is really difficult to clean, you can move the chair to the restroom for a thorough cleaning after everyone has left work.