Controversial Cleaning Tutorials by Chinese Influencer Raise Alarm
A recent series of videos by a Chinese influencer has ignited concerns surrounding criminal activity. The creator, who identifies as Hua, claims to be a senior researcher at a biotechnology institute in Guangdong province. His storytelling and unconventional cleaning methods have attracted over 300,000 followers on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok.
Methods That Cause Concern
In one of Hua’s notable clips, viewers are shown how to eliminate bloodstains from bathroom floors utilizing a combination of hydrogen peroxide and toilet cleaner. After demonstrating this method, he remarked, “The internet is not a lawless place,” seemingly attempting to distance his actions from potential misuse.
Another video features Hua applying toothpaste directly to bloodstains on clothing, followed by a rinse. He further enhances the effectiveness of his cleaning techniques by using luminol reagent, a chemical often employed in forensic analysis, to confirm the complete removal of the stains.
Dissolving Bones: A Disturbing Demonstration
Hua’s tutorials also include a shocking demonstration on how to dissolve chicken bones by soaking them in drain cleaner mixed with hot water. Within just 30 minutes, the bones dissolve into a reddish liquid. He elucidates the chemistry behind this process, explaining how hydroxide in the drain cleaner reacts with calcium in the bones to facilitate the decomposition.
Chinese influencer teaches cleaning bloodstains, dissolving bones, sparks fears https://t.co/MjZ9B4Gv5R
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) December 31, 2024
Fingerprint Removal and Public Backlash
Among other cleaning techniques, the influencer also demonstrated how to lift fingerprints from phone screens using talcum powder. Despite claiming these tips are aimed at practical household cleaning issues, his content has provoked significant backlash on Chinese social media platforms.
One viewer voiced concerns, stating, “Removing bloodstains and dissolving bones. This feels like a guide to the ‘perfect crime’. What if criminals start using these techniques?” Another user commented on the potential implications, noting, “Using such tutorials to sell cleaning products seems to incite crime.”
Institution’s Response and Legal Perspectives
In light of the emerging controversy, Hua’s research institute has issued a clarification, asserting that their mission is to foster scientific understanding and advocate for safe cleaning practices. The spokesperson emphasized, “We would never teach people to commit crimes. Our goal is to educate on chemical principles and safe cleaning practices,” as reported by South China Morning Post.
Legal experts have also chimed in, stating that Hua’s videos do not constitute illegal activity since they do not explicitly promote criminal acts. Nonetheless, in China, disseminating methods that facilitate criminal behavior can have severe repercussions, potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
As debates continue over Hua’s content, it is crucial for social media platforms and influencers to navigate the fine line between educating and glamorizing risky practices.
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