How Do You Get Blood Out of a Mattress? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Accidents happen, and a blood stain on your mattress can be frustrating to deal with. Whether caused by a nosebleed, a small injury, or period blood stains, acting quickly is the best way to prevent permanent discoloration. Fresh blood stains are easier to remove, but dried blood stains require more effort.

This step-by-step guide explains effective cleaning methods of  how do you get blood out of a mattress, whether it’s a Memory Foam Mattress or a traditional one. The methods range from using oxygen bleach and baking soda to natural solutions like lemon juice and white vinegar. Additionally, this guide provides mattress care tips to prevent future stains and maintain hygiene.

Before diving into blood stain removal, the first step is preparing properly.

Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Essentials

1.1 Gather Necessary Cleaning Supplies

To ensure effective blood stain removal, having the right cleaning products is essential. Below is a list of items needed:

• Cold water (Never use hot water or warm water, as it can set the stain!)
• Clean cloth, white cloth, paper towel, dry towel, and wet cloth
• Baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt water, and table salt
• Enzyme-based stain remover, oxygen bleach, and Laundry Detergents
• Soft-bristled brush, old toothbrush, and a vacuum cleaner

These items help lift stains from the surface of your mattress without causing damage.

1.2 Blot, Don’t Scrub (Prevent the stain from spreading!)

The first thing to do is remove excess blood without spreading it deeper into your mattress.

• Use a clean towel, white rag, or paper towel to blot the stained area gently.
• Never scrub, as it can push the stain further into the fabric.
• Avoid much moisture since a wet mattress can develop mold and odor.

For best results, start the cleaning process immediately after spotting the stain.

1.3 Remove & Wash Bedding Separately

If the stain has transferred to bed sheets, a mattress cover, or a mattress topper, wash them separately using cool water and Laundry Detergents in a washing machine.

• If using a waterproof mattress protector, remove it and wash according to care instructions.
• Washing fabrics in cold water prevents the stubborn stains from setting.

Once the mattress is prepared, the next step is choosing the best method to clean blood stains effectively.

Step 2: Best Methods to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Blood stains can be challenging to remove, but using the right cleaning methods can restore your mattress. The approach depends on whether the stain is fresh or dried.

2.1 How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains (Easiest to clean!)

Fresh blood stains are easier to remove as they haven’t set into your mattress fibers. Below are the most effective cleaning methods:

✔ Cold Water & Blotting Method (Quick & simple technique!)

Using cold water is the best way to clean fresh blood stains before they become stubborn stains.

1. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water (avoid hot water or warm water).
2. Gently blot the stained area instead of scrubbing.
3. Repeat until the stain starts fading.
4. Dry using a paper towel or dry cloth to remove much moisture.

✔ Baking Soda & White Vinegar Paste (A natural & effective method!)

The baking soda method works well for blood stain removal and helps neutralize odors.

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a thick paste.
2. Apply to the surface of your mattress and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Spray lightly with white vinegar and wait for the reaction.
4. Wipe away the paste with a clean cloth.

✔ Lemon Juice & Salt Water Solution (Best for period blood stains!)

A combination of lemon juice and salt water can break down period stains effectively.

1. Mix lemon juice with table salt to create a cleaning paste.
2. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Blot with a white cloth, then rinse with cool water.

✔ Enzyme-Based Stain Remover (Best for tough stains!)

For fresh blood stains, enzyme-based stain remover is highly effective.

1. Apply a few drops of an enzymatic cleaner directly on the stain.
2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the blood proteins.
3. Use a damp cloth to blot the excess cleaner.

 

2.2 How to Remove Dried Blood Stains (More effort required!)

Dried blood stains can be tougher to remove, but these cleaning methods can help lift them from your mattress.

✔ Oxygen Bleach Method (Best for old blood stains!)

Oxygen bleach is highly effective for dried blood stains and stubborn stains.

1. Mix oxygen bleach with cool water to form a stain-removing paste.
2. Apply using an old toothbrush and scrub gently.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth.

✔ Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap Paste (Powerful method but use carefully!)

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong cleaning solution, but it can lighten fabric color.

1. Mix one cup hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of water and Laundry Detergents.
2. Apply using a soft-bristled brush, then blot with a dry cloth.
3. Avoid using this method on a Memory Foam Mattress as it may damage the foam.

✔ Meat Tenderizer Powder Method (Unusual but effective!)

The meat tenderizer method helps break down old blood stains using enzymes.

1. Mix one tablespoon of unseasoned meat tenderizer with two tablespoons of water.
2. Apply to the dried stains and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Wipe off with a clean towel and blot dry.

✔ Vacuum Cleaner for Residue Removal

After treating mattress stains, using a vacuum cleaner helps remove any remaining cleaning paste and restores freshness.

Step 3: Drying & Protecting Your Mattress

After blood stain removal, proper mattress care is crucial to prevent damage and maintain hygiene. The following steps ensure your mattress dries completely and remains protected from future stains.

3.1 Allow Your Mattress to Air Dry

Excess moisture from the cleaning process can lead to a wet mattress, causing mold or odor buildup. Drying is an essential step to ensure best results.

✔ Steps for Proper Drying:

1. Use a dry towel to absorb much moisture from the affected area.
2. Allow the mattress to air dry by placing it in a well-ventilated space.
3. Speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows.
4. A vacuum cleaner can help remove any remaining cleaning paste residue.

For a Memory Foam Mattress, avoid direct heat, as it may damage the material.

3.2 Use a Mattress Protector for Future Stains

A waterproof mattress protector is one of the best investments for mattress care. It prevents stubborn stains, including period blood stains, from reaching your mattress.

✔ Benefits of a Mattress Protector:

• Shields against mattress stains from spills, sweat, and dust.
• Extends the lifespan of your mattress.
• Makes future blood stain removal easier.
• Protects against allergens and bacteria.

Regularly washing the mattress cover helps maintain a clean and hygienic sleeping surface.

3.3 When to Consider a New Mattress

Despite multiple cleaning methods, some stubborn blood stains may persist. In such cases, it may be time to replace your regular mattress with a new mattress.

✔ Signs It’s Time for a Replacement:

• Dried stains that won’t fade after several cleaning attempts.
• A lingering odor, even after thorough drying.
• The mattress has lost its comfort and support.

Investing in the Best Mattress options with a waterproof mattress protector can help prevent future cleaning issues.

 

Final Thoughts

Removing blood stains from your mattress requires the right cleaning process based on whether the stain is fresh or dried. Acting quickly using cold water, baking soda, or oxygen bleach can lead to the best results.

For mattress care, using a waterproof mattress protector and regularly cleaning the mattress cover can prevent future stains. If stains persist, replacing with a new mattress may be necessary.

By following these cleaning methods, anyone can achieve a clean mattress with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQ)
Many people search for specific blood stain removal solutions for their mattress. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that address various cleaning methods and prevention tips.

How to remove old blood stains from a mattress without hydrogen peroxide?

Old blood stains can be challenging to remove without using hydrogen peroxide, but alternative cleaning products can be just as effective.

✔ Alternative Methods:

• Oxygen bleach mixed with cool water can lift dried blood stains.
• The baking soda method combined with white vinegar helps break down tough stains.
• Enzyme-based stain remover effectively removes old blood stains.

 How do you get blood out of a mattress without harsh chemicals?

For those who prefer natural cleaning methods, several options can help with blood stain removal.

✔ Chemical-Free Methods:

• Cold water & blotting with a white cloth or paper towel.
• Lemon juice & table salt to form a cleaning paste for fresh blood stains.
• Baking soda & water to create a thick paste for lifting stains.

These methods work well for minor mattress stains without using Laundry Detergents or bleach.

 How do you get blood out of a mattress with baking soda?

The baking soda method is a good idea for removing stubborn stains.

✔ Steps to Use Baking Soda:

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly on the affected area.
2. Spray lightly with white vinegar and let the mixture react.
3. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
4. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove residue once dry.

What is the point of a mattress protector?

A waterproof mattress protector provides several benefits for mattress care.

✔ Benefits of a Mattress Protector:

• Prevents future stains from spills, sweat, and dust.
• Makes blood stain removal easier in case of accidents.
• Extends the lifespan of your mattress.

Regularly washing the mattress cover ensures hygiene and helps maintain a clean mattress.

How to get period blood out of a mattress without baking soda?

If baking soda is unavailable, other cleaning methods can effectively treat period blood stains.

✔ Alternative Methods:

• Oxygen bleach mixed with cool water works well for dried stains.
• Lemon juice & table salt create a cleaning paste that lifts stains naturally.
• Enzyme-based stain remover is a reliable choice for fresh blood stains. 

How to get blood out of a mattress in the UK?

The process of blood stain removal remains the same regardless of location. However, those in the UK may prefer to use eco-friendly cleaning products.

✔ Recommended UK Cleaning Methods:

• Baking soda method combined with white vinegar.
• Enzyme-based stain remover for stubborn mattress stains.
• Cold water & blotting for fresh blood stains before they set.

These cleaning solutions are widely available and effective in mattress cleaning.