How to Remove Blood from a Mattress: Proven Tips and Guides

First Aid: Why Cold Water is Essential?

The most important rule is: Speed is crucial. Fresh stains come out much easier than dried ones. If you spot the stain right away, your best friend is plain ice-cold water.

Warning! Never use hot water. Blood contains proteins (hemoglobin) that will coagulate in heat and literally "seal" deep into the fabric fibers. Using hot water will permanently set the stain.

How to Treat a Fresh Stain:

1. Remove all bedding (wash these separately in cold water).
2. Soak a clean cloth in cold water.
3. Gently blot the stain (do not rub!). Rubbing will drive the blood deeper into the mattress's structure.
4. Work from the edges of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading it.

How to Remove Blood from a Mattress Using Household Ingredients

If plain water isn’t enough, or if the stain has started to dry, you don’t need to immediately call for professional cleaning. You can create a very effective solution from what you already have in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. The most common question is what to clean blood from a mattress with that will be gentle on the fabric. The answer is: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Expert Tip: Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is a great ally as it "fizzles" the blood away. However, it can have mild bleaching effects, so we recommend testing it first on a less visible area of the mattress or using it on white covers.

Recipe for the "Rescue Paste":

• ½ cup of cornstarch or baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• A little 3% hydrogen peroxide (mix to create a paste consistency)

Apply the paste to the stain and let it dry completely. The soda will absorb moisture and dirt. Then simply vacuum up the dry powder. If you’re looking for more maintenance tips, check out our article How to Thoroughly Clean a Mattress, where we also discuss dealing with dust mites.

How to Treat Older and Dried Stains?

Dried blood is a challenge, but not impossible. This is where enzymatic processes come into play. If you’re wondering how to get blood out of a mattress when the stain is several days old, reach for a meat tenderizer.

The enzymes in the meat tenderizer can break down the protein bonds in the blood similarly to how they work on meat. Mix the powder with a little water to make a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then wipe with a damp cloth soaked in cold water. Alternatively, you can use specialized enzymatic cleaners from the drugstore that are often gentler on fabrics.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Mattress?

In their efforts to clean a mattress, people often make mistakes that can irreparably damage the core of the bed. Here’s a list of things to avoid:

• Do not soak the mattress: Too much liquid can seep into the foams (especially memory foam) and cause mold to develop inside the core. Always use only a damp cloth, not a wet one.
• Avoid aggressive bleaches: Bleach and chlorinated detergents can damage the fibers of the cover.
• Do not use a hairdryer: Hot air can set leftover stains that you may have missed. Let the mattress air dry by an open window.

If your mattress is old and even cleaning hasn’t helped restore its hygiene, it may be time to consider a replacement. Check out our current selection of quality mattresses that will relieve your back.

Prevention: The Best Solution is Protection

Honestly? The easiest way to clean blood from a mattress is to not have to clean it at all. Investing in a quality mattress protector is a fraction of the cost of a new mattress.

Modern protectors are breathable (you won’t sweat in them) but will prevent liquids from penetrating. In case of an accident, simply remove the protector and wash it in the machine. Check out our section on covers and mattress protectors and save yourself a lot of hassle and work in the future.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to remove blood?

Yes, white vinegar is effective. But dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio before use, let it sit on the stain for about 30 minutes, and then thoroughly blot with a cloth.

What if the blood is on a memory foam mattress?

Be extremely cautious with the amount of water. Memory foam absorbs liquid like a sponge and dries poorly. Use only the "dry foam method" or just a very lightly moistened cloth.

How long should I let baking soda sit?

Ideally, until the mixture has completely dried, which can take 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the soda will "draw out" moisture and odors from the mattress.

Will hydrogen peroxide damage the mattress cover?

It can have mild bleaching effects. For white covers, this is desirable, but for colored ones, we recommend performing a test on a hidden spot (e.g., on the underside of the mattress).

Do you feel that your mattress has seen better days? Don’t wait until your back starts hurting. Choose a new mattress from us today and enjoy healthy sleep without compromises!