Wondering How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress?

If you’re wondering how to get blood out of a mattress, don’t stress. Accidents happen to everyone, but the great news is that blood stains on your mattress don’t have to be permanent. If you need to remove blood stains from a regular mattress or even a memory foam mattress, treating the stain promptly is of most importance and is crucial to preserving its life and creating safe and sanitary sleeping conditions.

Read this blog post to learn more about blood stain removal, removing blood stains from a mattress, as well as how to clean dried blood, fresh blood, and how to manage general stain removal.

Table of contents:

  1. Wondering How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress?
  2. The Urgency of Bloodstain Removal
  3. Pre-cleaning Preparations
  4. The Cleaning Method: Cleaning and Rinsing Your Mattress
  5. Making Homemade Stain Remover
  6. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution (If Needed)
  7. Post-Stain Removal Care
  8. Cleaning and Caring For Your Mattress
mattress with blood stain
woman wondering
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The Urgency of Blood Stain Removal

When it comes to effectively lifting as much blood as you can out of your mattress, it’s important to act quickly. Whether it’s period blood, fresh, dry, or from a cut, the proteins that exist in blood make it easy to absorb into the mattress. If you let it sit, it’s likely to stain the mattress permanently, and you may end up dealing with other issues like mildew growth and an unsanitary mattress. The longer blood and other stains sit, the easier it is for the stain to set.

Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need

To get prepared for cleaning, gather some of the following cleaning supplies:

  • Cold Water (mandatory)
  • Baking Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
  • Liquid Dish Soap
  • Small Brush
  • Soft Cloth or Sponge
  • Clean Towels or Cloths
  • Salt
  • Cornstarch
  • Spray Bottle
  • Ammonia
  • Lemon Juice

Why Use Cold Water to Remove Blood Stains

Cold water generally is more effective for removing blood than warm or hot water, so opt for cold water for the cleaning process. You may also wish to purchase extra or specialised cleaning supplies before getting started, such as if you want to get blood stain remover or enzyme cleaner. Wear gloves whenever you are cleaning up blood.

White vinegar, spray bottle and hydrogen peroxide

The Cleaning Method: Cleaning and Rinsing Your Mattress

To commence with pre-cleaning preparations, first strip all sheets, bedding, mattress covers, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, and any other extra layers on the bed. Then gently blot excess blood away with a clean cloth, trying to remove as much moisture as possible before cleaning. Be sure to blot and press, not rub, which can work stains further in. Next, rinse the stained area with cold water to lift and dilute the blood as much as possible. If desired, get a blood stain remover and apply it, following the label instructions.

Allow the mixture or cleaning paste to sit for the desired amount of time before wiping away with a paper towel or clean towel, and rinsing as needed. After completing the cleaning process, allow your mattress to air dry completely, letting it sit for at least a few hours. Take care to ensure that your area is well-ventilated and that your mattress gets completely dry, as wet mattresses can be prone to mould and mildew.

spraying mattress stain, microfibre cloths

Effective Homemade Blood Stain Removers for Your Mattress

You can make a homemade stain remover for cleaning blood out of your mattress, rather than using enzymatic cleaners.

To effectively remove blood from a mattress, start by crafting a homemade stain remover using cold water and a mild detergent. Mix the two ingredients to form a cleaning solution and apply it using a cloth or sponge, ensuring the affected area is thoroughly saturated. Gently blot the stain with the cloth or sponge, working from the outer edges towards the centre, to lift the blood without saturating the mattress further. Repeat the process as needed until the bloodstain is completely lifted, then rinse with cold water and dry the mattress.

Alternatively, here are some powerful DIY solutions to help you tackle blood stains more effectively:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: A Powerful Blood Stain Remover

This popular method is highly effective at lifting stubborn blood stains from your mattress. It’s an essential DIY solution for mattress cleaning.

  • Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the blood stain.
  • Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to boost stain removal.
  • Let the mixture bubble and break down the stain for 5-10 minutes.
  • Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the residue.
  • Wipe with a damp cloth soaked in cold water and allow it to air dry completely.

Why It Works: Hydrogen peroxide’s bubbling action helps to lift blood stains, while dish soap enhances cleaning power, making this method ideal for tough stains.

2. Baking Soda and Water Paste: A Natural Mattress Cleaner

Baking soda is a natural odour eliminator and stain absorber, perfect for getting rid of blood stains and freshening up your mattress.

  • Mix baking soda with cold water to create a thick paste.
  • Apply the paste generously to the stain.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the blood and neutralize odours.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe away the dried paste.
  • Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth until the stain is gone.

Why It Works: Baking soda absorbs stains and odours because it’s porous, which traps molecules, and mildly alkaline, which neutralizes acidic odours. It also absorbs moisture and reacts with acidic stains, breaking them down for easier cleaning.

3. Salt and Cold Water Scrub: Easy DIY Stain Removal

Salt is a common household ingredient that works wonders for lifting fresh blood stains from your mattress. It’s an easy and effective DIY solution.

  • Mix table salt with cold water to create a thick paste.
  • Gently apply the paste to the blood stain.
  • Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to break down the stain.
  • Lightly scrub the area with a soft cloth or brush.
  • Rinse with cold water and blot dry with a clean towel.

Why It Works: Salt acts as a natural abrasive to break down and lift blood stains from the fabric.

4. White Vinegar and Cold Water: A Simple, Effective Solution

White vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that works effectively to remove blood stains while also neutralizing odors.

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the stained area generously and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  • Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Rinse with a cloth soaked in cold water and allow the mattress to dry completely.

Why It Works: White vinegar dissolves blood stains because it contains acetic acid, which breaks down the proteins in blood. This prevents the blood from binding to fabric, making it easier to rinse away.

5. Cornstarch and Hydrogen Peroxide: A Stubborn Stain Solution

Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide combine to create a powerful cleaning paste, perfect for tackling tough, dried blood stains.

  • Mix cornstarch, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dish soap to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the blood stain and let it dry completely.
  • Gently brush off the dried residue with a soft brush.
  • Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let the area air dry.

Why It Works: Cornstarch helps to absorb the stain, while hydrogen peroxide breaks it down, making this method highly effective for older stains.

6. Lemon Juice and Salt: Natural Stain Fighter

Lemon juice and salt form a natural paste that’s effective at lifting blood stains and freshening up your mattress.

  • Mix fresh lemon juice with enough salt to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the stain and leave it for about 30 minutes.
  • Wipe away the residue with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Repeat as necessary, then allow the mattress to air dry completely.

Why It Works: The acidity of lemon juice works to break down the blood stain, while salt helps to scrub away the residue.

hydrogen peroxide bottle and molecule

Post-Stain Removal Care

The best way to manage mattress stains is to prevent them before they occur. Should an accident occur, be sure not to delay stain treatment. Some stains like blood can be especially stubborn and may require a bit of time or even multiple cleaning sessions to fully remove the stain. If the stains aren’t lifting out or are set in the mattress, seeking professional steam cleaning services may be necessary.

Other tips for maintaining a clean mattress include:

  • Investing in a high-quality mattress protector to keep spills and stains from reaching your actual mattress
  • Immediately dealing with any spills or stains
  • Washing your bedding on a regular basis, preferably each week
  • Vacuuming the surface of your mattress with a handheld vacuum cleaner
  • Flipping or rotating your mattress every few months (if it is double-sided)
  • Airing your mattress out occasionally, such as by opening windows or even letting it sit outside in the sun for a bit
steps to keep mattress clean after spot removal

Why Blood Stains on Mattresses Need Professional Cleaning

If blood stains persist on your mattress despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional cleaning. Tough stains like blood can be hard to remove without the right tools, and improper cleaning may worsen the stain.

Prolux Cleaning offers expert mattress cleaning services that tackle even the toughest stains. Using advanced steam cleaning technology, we ensure your mattress is not only stain-free but also sanitized for a healthier sleep environment.

Don’t let stains affect your comfort. Call Prolux Cleaning at 020-3318-6387 for reliable mattress cleaning solutions that will restore your mattress to its best.