The quicker you get to a fluid spill in your dungeon, the easier it will be to clean and the less likely to stain. It is ideal to get to a spill just after it happens or at least before it has dried. Once a spill has dried, more intense cleaning comes into play.
It is important to remember that bodily fluids are protein based. This means that warm or hot water will set the stain rather than cleaning it so stick to cold water when trying to clean bodily fluids. Also, use detergents and soaps that contain enzymes to clean fluid stains as these will help to break down the proteins and lift the stain.
The ease or difficulty with which a bodily fluid is cleaned is primarily dependent upon the surface on which is has spilled.
No matter the fluid, if it has spilled on a hard surface such as tile or linoleum it should wipe up easily with a damp cloth. If more cleaning power is needed, a sudsy solution of detergent and water can be used. A Mr. Clean magic eraser can be very useful for more stubborn stains on hard surfaces. On a painted wall, the affected area can simply be sanded and repainted if the appearance of a fluid stain cannot be cleaned away.
Concrete, as a porous surface, is more likely to absorb fluids than tile and linoleum; however, it is also a durable surface. As with other hard surfaces, begin by trying to wipe up the fluid with a damp cloth. Especially if it is fresh, this will often take care of the spill. Many times, saliva or sexual fluids do not wipe up entirely because they begin to soak into the concrete. They will, however, evaporate out of the concrete as they dry. Fluids like blood or urine will not do this. However, a concrete floor can be scrubbed with a stiff bristled brush and cleaning solutions of various kinds including water/detergent solutions, vinegar/water solutions, ammonia, or a general purpose concrete cleaner that can be found at a hardware store.
If wood is finished, it should be well protected from fluids and stains. Bodily fluids should easily wipe up from finished wood with a damp cloth or with hydrogen peroxide. Also, a Mr. Clean magic eraser, if scrubbed gently, can help remove dried fluid spills from finished wood. If the wood is unfinished, however, it will absorb the fluid and stain removal becomes more difficult. Soaking the wood for several hours in a solution of 1 cup water and 1 tbsp oxalic acid can help to lift the stain out of the wood. If the stain is shallow, the surface of the wood containing the stain can be sanded away.
Dungeon furniture often has leather components. Fortunately, the finish on leather will typically protect it from staining if the spill is small or is attended to quickly with a damp cloth. A very mild solution of detergent and water can also be used to try and lift stains. If a bodily fluid stain has set into the leather and has penetrated the finish, the stain will be difficult to remove and the piece may need to be taken to a professional or the leather may need to be replaced.
Fabrics such as clothing or sheets have the advantage of being able to be laundered. Fluids such as saliva, sexual fluids, or urine do not have much color of their own and will typically be removed by soaking the stain in water or running water through the fabric with the stain side down to force the fluid away from the fibers. Rubbing liquid detergent on the stain or a laundry pre-treatment is also useful. All of this should be followed by normal laundering of the fabric. Blood, on the other hand, leaves very noticeable stains if not properly removed. Fresh blood stains can be removed in the same way just described. Soaking a small blood spot in the saliva of the person whose blood it is very effective at breaking down the proteins in the blood stain. Cleaners such as hydrogen peroxide, enzyme based detergents, and bleach appropriate for the fabric can help remove tougher blood stains.
Carpet and upholstery can be treated in much the same way when cleaning bodily fluids. A damp cloth soaked in plain water or an appropriate soap or detergent can be dabbed on the stain soaking it. Follow by dabbing with a dry cloth to absorb the water and the stain. This process may need to be repeated several times to completely remove the stain. Baking soda mixed with water will also help lift stains out of carpet and upholstery and is also good at hiding urine smells. Pet urine removers can also be used to remove human urine. If stains are particularly stubborn, steam cleaning is recommended.
Cleaning wallpaper can be a complicated endeavor due to the great many kinds of wallpaper available. However, if faced with a fluid spill on wallpaper, general tips involve lightly sponging a very mild detergent solution or a dry cleaning sponge or Mr. Clean magic eraser on the stain and always wiping in the direction of the wallpaper seam. Abrasive cleaners or materials should never be used on wallpaper.
Finally, remember that the easiest way to clean up bodily fluid stains is to prevent them in the first place. Fill your dungeons with hard surfaces rather than carpets and fabrics. If carpeting is desired, use rugs or other carpeting that you consider to be cheap and easily replaceable should they become stained. Ensure that wooden and leather furniture is finished and sealed. And of course, lay down plastic sheets or other protective coverings if you know that a scene is going to involve spilling bodily fluids. All of these tips can help keep your dungeon a clean and sanitary place to play.
