How to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Your bed doesn’t have to look like a crime scene! Whether from a nosebleed, cut, or mother nature, you needn’t fear if you have blood stains on your mattress. These stains can be removed and fade over time with the right care. Here’s how to remove the blood stains from your mattress.

There are likely some basic cleaning supplies you already have around the house that you can use to clean. Read on to learn how to mop up fresh blood and remove older dried stains.

Top tips for mattress cleaning 

To prepare you for the blood stain removal, let's first review a few basic tips. Removing any kind of stain from a mattress will involve similar processes with the same principles applied. Here’s some suggestions to help you on your way:  

Act quickly. As with most messes, it’s better to do what you can to clean up before it sinks in too deep and cements itself into a more permanent stain. When you don't let the liquid fully dry, you’ll have a better chance of removing stains. 

Don’t rub it in! Wet stains should be dabbed and blotted, not scrubbed. Scrubbing a wet stain often makes it worse as you’re essentially pushing the dirt deeper into the fibres!

Be persistent. Put in elbow grease and don’t give up! It may take more than one run-through to get rid of a stubborn stain. If a method doesn't work the first time, repeat it. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re having trouble with stubborn stains on your mattress, it’s always worth getting professional cleaning help. It’s not worth ruining an expensive mattress or impacting your precious sleep!  

Be Gentle. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they damage or weaken the mattress. Rough scrubbing can also weaken the mattress fibres.

Invest in your mattress. If you have a mattress with stains or other damage, or if you’ve been using your current mattress for eight years or more, consider buying a new one.  Using a mattress protector is a good idea to protect your investment and add an extra layer of comfort.

How to get blood out of a mattress

Let’s get into the specifics and help you out of this bloody mess!

You can remove blood stains with just a few ingredients if you notice them before they set in or dry. Even if the blood has already dried, we suggest starting with this gentler method before using a chemical-based solution. 

Which cleaning treatment is best for your mattress?

The type of mattress you own should be considered before using a self-cleaning solution. Mattresses are an expensive investment, and you don't want to damage your bed by trying to remove a stain.  

It may seem pedantic, but this matters. If your mattress contains foam, you should avoid cleaning methods involving soaking with water or liquids. Mould and bacteria grow in a moist environment created by liquid trapped in the mattress. This can both damage the mattress and cause health issues if the spores are inhaled.

When it comes to treating stains on memory foam mattresses, you should practice caution as the material is particularly prone to water absorption and damage. You can choose from any of the methods below but be careful with the liquid ingredients. You should also be sure to blot the mattress periodically during and after the treatment with a clean, dry cloth. 

Clean up fresh blood using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar 

A tried and true method. This is a simple but effective way to clean stains with ingredients you’ll likely already have in your cupboard. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather together the things you’ll need for the process: 
   - Bicarbonate of soda
   - White vinegar
   - Clean, dry cloth or kitchen roll
   - Spray bottle 
   - Cold water
   - Vacuum cleaner
2. Strip back the bedding and remove all sheets. If they aren’t stained you can simply run them through the wash and dry them. If they are stained, we’ll take you through how to clean them later in the article. 
3. Using a dry, clean cloth or paper towel, blot (don’t rub!) the stained area and try to absorb as much liquid as you can. You might want to repeat this step a few times, but remember to be gentle. 
4. Cover the blood stained area with a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda. This should absorb more of the excess liquid.  
5. In an empty spray bottle, create a solution that’s half water and half white vinegar. Spray this generously onto the area and let this sit for around half an hour, or until it’s dry.
6. Take your vacuum cleaner and use the narrow nozzle if you can. Hoover up any excess bicarbonate of soda to clean off the surface of the mattress. If it’s still not clean, you might want to repeat the process, or try a more intense method.  

How to Remove Dried Blood Stains from a Mattress

Understandably, if you’re bleeding, your priority might not be saving the mattress! If the blood stain has already dried and set, you may need a more vigorous stain removal method. Among the following DIY cleaning solutions, baking soda and vinegar might not be strong enough for stubborn older stains. 

Using Hydrogen Peroxide, Corn Starch, and Salt

1. Gather together the things you’ll need for the process: 
   - 65g (1/2 cup) of hydrogen peroxide 
   - 50g (1/4 cup) of cornstarch
   - 1 tablespoon of salt 
   - A large bowl to mix in
   - An old toothbrush
   -A clean cloth or kitchen roll  
2. Strip the bed and wash the sheets, if you can.
3. Make a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, corn starch, and salt in a bowl. 
4. Gently apply a liberal amount of the paste to cover the stain, and let it sit for about half an hour.
5. Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to thoroughly scrub the paste into the stain.
6. Use a damp, clean cloth (not wet!) to gently dab the area and remove any excess paste. You can repeat the process if this hasn’t fully removed the stain.

How to get blood stains out of sheets 

If you haven’t managed to strip the bed in time, blood stains on mattresses are likely to show up on your bed sheets as well. Possibly pyjamas, too. Fortunately, cleaning bed sheets is a simple process, and should work on both fresh and dry blood stains. 

1. When the blood stain isn't completely dry, blot the area with a dry cloth to remove as much liquid as you can. 
2. Using cold water, soak your sheets completely and leave in the water for several hours, or overnight.
3. Take care of the stain with a stain removing product of your choice, or mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water to create your own solution. Pour the cleaner or solution on the stain and let it soak for 24 hours. 
4. When you've worked out the blood stain, wash your sheets as usual. Do not use the dryer for drying your sheets once they are free of blood stains. Instead, hang them to air dry. Again, you can repeat this process if the stain has not been fully removed.

Why professional mattress cleaning is worth it

Even a blood-free mattress might not be as clean as it looks. For instance, we lose approximately 285ml of fluid and 454g of dead skin per year, both of which get soaked into your mattress if it isn't cleaned. Adding to that, a mattress holds an average of 10,000 dust mites.

You can rest easier at night knowing your bed is free of dirt, debris, and allergens. Sleep is the cornerstone of good health and wellbeing, so don't leave a mattress with unsightly stains and bacteria.

Let A Cleaning Service help you

When you need a mattress clean, we can provide professional service from the comfort of your home. Our team of experts and experienced cleaners have the skills and equipment to return even the filthiest mattresses to their former glory. 

The extractor machines we use are extremely powerful and able to reach deep into the mattress' fabric and remove allergens and dust, and the mattress is then deodorised and sanitised so you can sleep soundly.

To answer any questions you may have regarding the services, we are happy to provide a free, no-obligation quotation. As part of our process, we are also happy to provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee as our aim is to leave every customer wowed.  

Contact us today and find out how our professional mattress cleaning services can work wonders for your home.