Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Blood stains are tough things to get rid off, especially off a large object such as a mattress, which can't be accessed from both sides for a good scrub. However, such a stain is removable in many instances, or at least can be minimized, especially with fast action.

Steps

Blotting Before Stain Removal

  1. Blot the stained area with a clean cloth. The cloth must be dampened with cold water. Do not never ever use warm or hot water, as this can set the stain for good.
  2. Blot the area again. However, this time use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture left from the dampened cloth.
  3. Do not rub! In each case, just blot––rubbing might cause the stain to spread or sink more deeply into your mattress.
  4. Repeat the blotting process until the blood stain is gone or the cloth is not collecting up any more of the blood. If the stain remains, try the methods suggested below.
  5. Choose a method for complete removal. Different methods can be used to remove blood stains from a mattress. But it is highly recommended to use the "gentlest" method first - Cold Saltwater Method. If the blood stain remains after the process, proceed to one of the other "stronger" methods following.

Cold Saltwater Method (Fresh Blood Stains)

  1. Mix 2 teaspoons of salt with 1 cup of cold water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
    • Once again, note that it's vital to use cold water because hot or even warm water can set the blood stain permanently to your mattress.
  2. Spray the saltwater solution on the affected area. If you don't have a spray bottle, wet a clean, white cloth with the saltwater solution and blot it on the stained area.
    • If you're working on a large stain, start on the edges and work your way towards the center; this is a strategy to contain the stain and to prevent it from spreading.
  3. Blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb the solution. Repeat the spraying and blotting until the blood stain is gone or the cloth is not absorbing any more of the blood.
  4. Use a cloth damped with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
  5. Use a towel or cloth to dry the area. If the stain is still visible, try one of the other stronger methods.

Detergent and Water Method (Fresh Blood Stains)

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent with 2 cups of cold water in a large bowl to make a detergent solution.
  2. Soak a clean, white cloth with the solution. Apply it to the stained area.
  3. Gently brush the affected area with a toothbrush. Do not scrub too hard, as this might cause the stain to spread or go deeper into your mattress.
  4. Blot the area with a clean, wet cloth to rinse the solution. Repeat the applying, scrubbing and rinsing process, if needed.
  5. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
  6. Use a cloth towel to dry the area. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before using it again.

Ammonia and Water Method (Fresh Blood Stains)

Ammonia can remove the blood stain on your mattress but avoid using this method if you have a woolen mattress, as it'll weaken the fibers.

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1/2 cup of cold water. Pour it in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the ammonia solution on the blood stain. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Blot the spot with a clean cloth. Do not rub or scrub! The goal is to “lift” the stain and not rub it into the fabric of the mattress. Repeat the spraying and blotting process until the blood stain is gone or the cloth is not absorbing any more of the blood.
  4. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
  5. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before using it.

Hydrogen Peroxide Method (Fresh Blood Stains)

Hydrogen peroxide works well on blood stains. However, use it as a last resort because it has bleaching properties that can weaken the fabric of your mattress.

  1. Moisten the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for about 30 seconds.
  2. Blot the foamy substance with a clean dry cloth. Repeat the applying and blotting process until the blood stain on the mattress is gone.
  3. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
  4. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before using it.

Baking Soda Method (Fresh Blood Stains)

Baking soda's chemical properties make it a great help in removing blood stains. It is also safe to use and inexpensive.

  1. Mix 1 part baking soda and two parts cold water in a large bowl to make a solution.
  2. Apply the solution on the stained area using a clean cloth. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
  4. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before using it.

Meat Tenderizer Method (Dried Blood Stains)

Blood contains protein and meat tenderizer breaks down protein. This makes meat tenderizer an effective blood stain removal agent.

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of meat tenderizer with 2 teaspoons of cold water in a small bowl. Mix it into a paste.
  2. Spread the paste on the blood stain. Gently rub it with your fingers. Let it sit for 1 hour.
  3. Brush off the excess paste with a cloth. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to remove the remaining paste. Rinse thoroughly.
  4. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before using it.

Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide Method (Dried Blood Stains)

Since you don't want too much moisture to be absorbed by your mattress, using a paste is a great way to get rid of the blood stain.

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Mix it into a paste.
  2. Use a spoon to apply the paste on the stained area. Let it dry completely.
  3. Scrape away the excess dried paste with a spoon.
  4. Vacuum the area to completely remove the remaining dried paste. Repeat the whole process when needed.

Tips

  • Pretest any cleaning solution you will use to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric of your mattress.
  • Apply the "1 part vinegar with 2 parts water" solution on the affected area if the stained area turned brown when it dried.

Warnings

  • Remember to keep whatever cleaning solution to a minimum, to prevent too much liquid going into the mattress. Moisture in a mattress can grow into mold and mildew, a much more serious problem.
  • When handling blood that is not yours, wear protective gloves to protect yourself from the risk of catching any blood-borne diseases.
  • You may also use some of these methods to get blood off of shirts.
  • Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach as it will result in creating hazardous fumes.
  • Do not use anything hot on blood stains. The heat will cook the protein that is in the blood and this will cause the stain to set in.
  • Do not inhale ammonia, it is hazardous.
  • If you use commercial spot or stain remover for blood stain, make sure they are made from proteins.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Small white cloths
  • Cloth towels
  • Ammonia
  • Dish-washing liquid soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch
  • Meat tenderizer
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Toothbrush

Sources and Citations

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