A mattress is a significant investment in your bedroom's decor and is built to last for years. However, what do you do if you discover your mattress has been soiled with blood? Don't panic; we researched helpful methods to remove blood from your mattress, so you don't have to run out for a replacement. Discover our suggested tips and tricks to remove unsightly stains from your mattress and get back to sleeping comfortably without worry.
When the unthinkable happens, and blood manages to stain your mattress, it's time to choose a solution to clean and restore your bed. Check out the following methods to help remove visible and deep-set blemishes from the mattress:
- Apply a paste of baking soda and add hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to lift away stains.
- Grab dish detergent, salt, and hydrogen peroxide to remove blood.
- Reach for cornstarch, hydrogen peroxide, salt, and a toothbrush.
- Try using a meat tenderizer.
- Opt for ammonia or bleach.
- Use a commercial stain remover or enzyme cleaner.
Using the right solution, some elbow grease, and having patience can remove difficult stains caused by blood on a mattress. Read on to learn more.
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Restore A Soiled Mattress
You spend a lot of your time sleeping, so having a clean, supportive mattress is optimal for enjoying good health. If you discover that your mattress has been soiled with blood, it can be upsetting. Depending on the stain's severity, you don't have to immediately schedule an appointment with a professional mattress cleaner. There are more than a few solutions to help you remove blood from your mattress and return your mattress to a brighter, cleaner condition.
When removing blood from a mattress, stick to cool water and avoid using hot water when cleaning. Hot water can encourage blood to bond to the affected area and leave a long-lasting stain. Take your time and make sure to get as much water as possible out of your mattress when you are finished cleaning. It is better to gradually add a cleaning solution and blot or agitate a stain with a brush to remove it, rather than to soak the mattress with liquids. Any liquids trapped in a mattress can lead to mold, mildew, and allergens proliferating.
Baking Soda
Mix one part of baking soda with two parts of cool water and apply it to the stain using a clean white towel. Allow the mixture to sit on the affected area for up to half an hour. Blot the area until the stain is lifted and wipe clean with a damp sponge or towel. If needed, add some hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to the area to help agitate the stain. Let the mattress air dry before putting on bedding.
Another method is to sprinkle baking soda over the stain and spray a mix of half white vinegar half water on top. Allow the solution to bubble away and sit on the spot for at least 30 minutes before removing it. Blot or rub away at the stain with a damp white towel or use an old toothbrush to lift the marks away. If the bloodstain is still fresh, pour some hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar on the area and let it sit before apply baking soda.
Check out this baking soda on Amazon.
Dish Detergent
Fight bloodstains from mattresses using a dish detergent like Dawn. Mix one tablespoon of Dawn to two cups of cold water and apply it to the affected area using a clean towel. Repeatedly blot at the stain using the solution of diluted dish detergent until it is gone. Finish up by blotting the area with water only using a towel. Let air dry.
Cornstarch
Make a paste using half a cup of cornstarch, a tablespoon of salt, and a quarter of a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Apply this mixture to the stain and let it sit until dry. Remove the paste and blot the area with a clean damp towel. Vacuum any leftover mixture and repeat the procedure as needed.
Check out this cornstarch on Amazon.
Meat Tenderizer
Make a paste using two parts water to one part meat tenderizer. Put the paste on the stain and rub it in. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour before removing it. Clean up the area with a wet cloth using cold water.
Check out this meat tenderizer on Amazon.
Ammonia Or Bleach
Stay safe when using ammonia or bleach to clean up stubborn or dried bloodstains on a mattress. Make sure to keep the area ventilated and wear gloves and a mask with these chemicals.
Wet the affected area and then cover it with table salt. When the salt is dry, scrape it away and apply some hydrogen peroxide to the stain. If the stain is particularly difficult to remove, apply one tablespoon of bleach or ammonia to one cup of cold water. Agitate the stain, working from the center and moving outward. Finish up with cold water to rinse off any chemicals and let the mattress air dry.
Check out this lemon-scented ammonia on Amazon.
Commercial Cleaners
If homemade cleaners are not your thing, try using a commercial cleaner. You can apply an enzyme stain remover or a product like OxiClean. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and work carefully to clean your mattress.
Does OxiClean Remove Blood Stains?
If you wish to use OxiClean to remove blood, it is best to treat a stain while it is still fresh. Before applying this cleaner try to use cold water to clean up as much of the blood as you can. Be careful not to saturate the mattress with too much water. Remember to do a test patch with the OxiClean before moving forward.
Use one scoop of OxiClean up to the line per every 16 ounces of water. Do not apply the solution directly to the stain but dip a white towel into the cleaner and blot the stain. When you have removed the stain, blot the area with a wet white towel to finish up.
Check out this OxiClean stain fighter on Amazon.
Does Dish Soap Remove Blood Stains?
If you have a dried bloodstain on a mattress, you can certainly grab some dish soap to remove the blemish. Create a paste of 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of salt and dish detergent to the stain. Rub this mixture into the affected area and allow it to dry before you remove it. You can also apply some diluted dish soap to a bloodstain and allow it to sit for 20 minutes or so until you agitate the mark with a sponge or brush to lift it away. Blot with a damp towel or sponge to finish.
Check out this handy dish detergent and sponge combo on Amazon.
Can I Use Bleach To Clean A Mattress?
Bleach can be used to clean a mattress if it is white and will not be negatively impacted by this harsh, corrosive chemical. However, bleach should be diluted with water and used as a last resort if you have a very tough stain. Bleach should not be used to clean a memory foam mattress, as it is possible to damage mattress fibers if not careful. Make sure to ventilate the area when using bleach.
It is best to apply a mix of bleach and water using a spray bottle and spritz it over the stained area. Allow the solution to sit for about 5 or 10 minutes before blotting away the stain with a damp, clean towel. Conduct a test patch on the mattress if you are using bleach to prevent discoloration or destroying the material. If a bleach smell lingers, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for about an hour before vacuuming it away.
Can I Have A Mattress Professionally Cleaned?
If you are battling a difficult stain in a mattress and want to have it clean and sanitized, consider getting it professionally cleaned. A professional cleaner can treat stains via steam cleaning to sanitize a mattress of germs and deter bugs with UV light. The cost of a professional mattress cleaning depends on the size of the mattress and the severity of the problems. When tough stains from blood, urine, sweat, or bed bugs get out of control, it's time to call a professional to clean your bed.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Mattress Professionally Cleaned?
Prepare to spend anywhere from $50 to $150 to have a mattress cleaned professionally. In most instances, the national average cost is around $1oo. The cost of cleaning includes the size of the mattress, level of stain, and other factors. Mattresses that are hard to clean at home may have better luck with a professional's care.
Does Steam Cleaning Remove Stains From A Mattress?
Steam cleaning a mattress is an excellent way to remove stains caused by urine, blood, sweat, and kill bed bugs and dust mites. When other cleaning methods fall short, steam cleaning uses heat and moisture to effectively lift away stains, sanitize a mattress, and eradicate allergens. You can try renting or buying a steam cleaner to remove stains from a mattress or hire a professional to do the job.
How Long Does A Mattress Take To Dry?
If you take quick and decisive action, you can get a mattress to dry in about 6 to 8 hours. However, it can take a mattress up to 24 hours to fully dry. If you discover your mattress is soaked, amp the air circulation in the room and direct a fan at the mattress. If able, run a handheld hairdryer over the surface of the mattress to remove moisture.
When using a hairdryer, make sweeping motions back and forth over the mattress. Take breaks between using a hairdryer to check for lingering moisture and use a towel to blot and absorb any water. If possible, prop your mattress up in front of an open window and let a fan blow on it, or prop it up in the sun to dry.
In Closing
We hope you learned many helpful ways to remove unseemly bloodstains from your mattress using products you may already have at home. You can add an extra layer of protection via a mattress topper or zippered cover to reduce the chance of blood staining your bed. Remember, it is a good practice to routinely clean your mattress to reduce buildup caused by sweat, urine, skin cells, and blood. No matter what method you choose to clean your mattress, always make sure that it is fully dry before using it again to prevent mold and mildew.
The life of your mattress and your health depend on taking appropriate actions when you discover stains. If left untreated, stains and excess moisture can lead to the development of bacteria, mold, allergens, and trigger ailments.
Before you go, check out the following articles related to your mattress.
How To Get Stains Out Of A Mattress
7 Types Of Mattress Toppers [And How To Choose The Best One]