This is true; your own saliva has enzymes that effect the blood smear. This little tidbit probably has something to do with the also fact that when one swallows much of their own blood it can be quite nauseating. (Yeah, I know, swallowing any blood is really gross, PERIOD!)

Try the spit technique. :thumbup:

Jan in VA

I learn something new all the time here....chew a wad of thread...who would have thunk!!!

For blood, hydrogen peroxide. I'm a nurse..... I've been there.

This works for me. I tried the bread wad and didn't work out of habit I swallowed it.

I have always used my own spit, and it has always worked. I use Qtips.

i always use spit always works:thumbup:

Yes, before it dries, that works very well. After it dries, Biz works. Make a solution of Biz and water in a small container. Dunk the stained portion of the quilt into this container and let it set for at least an hour. Then look at it. If it's not all gone, soak it longer. Then rinse the Biz out of that portion.

I've always had very good luck with Biz.

Hydrogen peroxide always goes after protein-based substances (blood). I'm a bit of a bleeder, so the least little prick gets me going and about the time I think it has stopped, I discover a trail of dots on my quilt. Over 30 years, peroxide on a swab has never let me down.

Spit is also used to clean oil paintings - believe it or not. I cleaned one once with spit and cotton tips and it worked well.

I first learned this trick while watching a sewing show on TV where they interviewed someone who works with preserving antique needlework. They asked her what is the best thing for someone to do when they bleed on their project. She said the enzymes in your spit match your blood. Weird, but it's always right there when I need it. :-)