How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress

Blood is one of the toughest stains to remove from a mattress. But many household ingredients can help. Knowing how and when to use them will keep your mattress in good condition. Keep reading to learn more.

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Timing is crucial when you have blood stains on your mattress. The quicker you act, the easier it is to remove the stain. Read on to learn what to do in each situation.

Use Cold Water for All Blood Stains

The most important thing to remember is to always use cold water for blood stain removal. That includes using only cold water when throwing any linens in the washing machine.

Cold water could be all you need to remove blood stains if you catch them early. Dampen a clean, white rag with cold water to gently blot the blood stain.

Don't press too hard. Rubbing will set the stain into the mattress. You should also take care not to soak the mattress. While you might remove the blood stain, you'll replace it with mildew growth.

After you remove the blood, let the mattress dry completely before replacing the bed linens.

Should You Use Baking Soda on Blood Stains?

If the blood stain is a little stubborn, baking soda may help. Follow these steps:

1. Combine two parts cold water and one part baking soda.

2. Lightly apply the mixture to the stain.

3. Gently rub without pushing the stain further into the mattress.

4. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes.

5. Blot the mixture up with a clean, lightly dampened cold rag.

6. Finish by blotting up the moisture with a dry towel.

Removing Blood Stains Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works well as a stain removal agent. Follow these steps to apply it.

1. Mix ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide and a tablespoon each of dish soap and table salt to create a paste.

2. Dab the mixture onto the stain—do NOT rub it in. That will push the blood further into the bed.

3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.

4. Scrape it up using a butter knife or spatula.

5. Use a clean towel or clean cloth with a little bit of hydrogen peroxide to dab the stain. Make sure the cloth is white so that it doesn't transfer any colors to your mattress.

6. Repeat the process as necessary.

Removing Blood from a Mattress with Vinegar

Vinegar can help remove a fresh blood stain. Here's what you need to do.

1. Blot up as much of the blood as possible.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over the area.

3. Lightly spray with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. The vinegar will cause the baking soda to bubble. The bubbles help lift the blood off of the mattress.

4. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

5. Once the mixture stops bubbling, dab it away with a damp, clean cloth (cold water only).

You can also use a wet or dry vacuum to remove the dried residue off the mattress. If the blood stain remains, repeat the steps as necessary.

How to Get Dried Blood Out of a Mattress

A corn starch mixture may help with a stubborn dried blood stain. These are the steps you can take:

1. Mix ½ cup each of corn starch and hydrogen peroxide.

2. Add a tablespoon of salt to it.

3. Lightly place the mixture on the blood stain.

4. After 30 minutes, use an old toothbrush to work the mixture into the mattress.

5. Dab the area with a slightly damp (cold water) rag until the stain disappears.

If you notice the stain remains after the mattress dries, repeat the process as many times as necessary.

Bottom Line

Fast action is the key to removing blood stains from a mattress. If you don't catch the stain right away, it'll take a little more work (and patience). Fortunately, you can usually find the products needed to remove blood stains around your home.