How to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Discovering a blood stain on your mattress can be a stressful situation, whether it’s from a small injury, your monthly cycle, or a nosebleed. The key to effective stain removal is acting quickly before the stain sets. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to remove fresh blood stains, using everything from baking soda to hydrogen peroxide. Continue reading for expert tips from mattress cleaning specialists on how to effectively eliminate blood stains from your mattress.

Pre-Treatment: The First Step to Take

Begin by stripping the bedding, pillows, and any other items on the mattress to give you clear access to the stain. If your bedding has blood stains, it’s best to treat them right away by using oxygen bleach or an enzyme-based cleaner, and then wash them in the machine.

Gently press a cloth soaked in cold water onto the blood stain on the mattress. Avoid hot water, as it could set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can force the stain further into the mattress fibers. Once the area is wet, use a dry towel to absorb the blood. Repeat the blotting process with a clean towel until the stain lightens.

Effective Methods for Removing Blood Stains from a Mattress

Once you’ve removed the excess blood, it’s time to tackle the stain itself. Here are a few methods you can use to get your mattress looking fresh again:

Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is a tried-and-tested solution for tackling blood stains and lingering odors.
Generously apply baking soda to the blood stain.
Spray vinegar over the baking soda. The bubbling reaction will help lift the stain.
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
Wipe away the residue using a clean cloth.
Use a cold, damp cloth to blot the stain until it is fully removed.

Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach, which contains hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, is highly effective for lifting blood stains.

Mix half a cup of oxygen bleach with water in a bowl.
Use a soft-bristled nylon brush to apply the mixture to the stained area.
Let the paste sit for at least two hours to ensure it has enough time to work
Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.
Let the mattress dry naturally for about eight hours.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Steps to follow:

Gather the necessary items: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, a bowl, a soft-bristled brush, safety gloves, a fan, and a microfiber cloth.
Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in a bowl to form a paste.
Apply the paste to the stain using the soft-bristled brush, starting at the edges and working toward the center.
Let the paste sit for 30 minutes as it fizzes and lifts the stain.
After 30 minutes, take a damp microfiber cloth and blot away the remaining paste.
Let the mattress dry for a minimum of eight hours. If necessary, vacuum up any remaining baking soda.

Read also – How to clean your leather sofa

Meat Tenderizer

If you don’t have access to the usual cleaning agents, meat tenderizer (containing bromelain) can help break down blood stains, especially old ones.

Combine one tablespoon of meat tenderizer with two teaspoons of cold water.
Apply the paste directly to the blood stain and leave it to sit for 15 minutes to an hour.
Apply the mixture directly to the blood stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour.
Use a dry towel to wipe off the excess paste.
Dab the area with a damp sponge soaked in cold water.
Allow the mattress to dry using a fan for better airflow.

Enzyme-Based Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners break down organic molecules, making them an excellent choice for dried blood stains. These cleaners also help eliminate odors.

How to use it:

Apply a small amount of enzyme-based cleaner to a microfiber cloth.
Gently rub the cloth along the stain, starting at the edges and moving toward the center.
Let the cleaner sit for about 15 minutes.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to blot off the stain and any leftover cleaner.
Rinse the cloth often to prevent transferring blood back onto the mattress.
Let the mattress dry for up to eight hours.

Final Thoughts

How do you remove blood from a mattress? With a microfiber cloth, the right cleaning solution, and some patience, you can effectively treat fresh blood stains. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of success, but even stubborn, dried stains can be removed with the right methods. For challenging stains or for professional help, call Keen Clean at 020 7101 4325 and let us handle the cleaning for you!