Cleaning
7 Effective Ways Of Removing Blood Stains From A Mattress
My kids are always having nose bleeds and it invariably seems to be when they are wearing their white karate kit or on the mattress when the mattress topper is in the wash! With the best will in the world it’s virtually impossible to prevent these things from happening, so, in this post, I’ll be sharing with you some amazing tips for removing blood stains from a mattress. This step-by-step guide will help you get rid of those nasty mattress stains in no time.
Dried blood stains are one of the nastiest things to see, so if the thought of anyone seeing your memory foam mattress without its bed sheets fills you with dread, then you’re in the right place!
Rules for removing blood stains from a mattress.
Clean up the stain immediately.
Fresh blood stains are the easiest to remove, so try to deal with the bloodstain as soon as possible before it dries.
Rinse the stain immediately with cold water before cleaning as this helps the blood to break down and dissolve.
Blot up as much of the blood as you can before attempting to clean the mattress.
Water temperature
Water should always be cold when removing blood stains from a mattress as hot water will cook the proteins in the bloodstain, set it, and make it harder to remove.
Using a cleaning solution
When using any of the solutions mentioned below, it is important not to oversoak the mattress as this will encourage mould growth.
A memory foam mattress should never be allowed to get wet.
Never mix cleaning products.
Always use as directed on the package and avoid mixing chemicals together especially bleach and vinegar, bleach and ammonia, or bleach and hydrogen peroxide, as the fumes created can prove fatal if breathed in.
Cloths or sponges.
Always use a clean white cloth or sponge to avoid any colour transferring from your cloth onto the mattress.
Drying the mattress.
Wherever possible, the mattress should be left to air dry, preferably in the sun, next to a fan or open window.
Protective clothing
Always use gloves and a mask when using any of the suggestions below.
Ventilation
Always work in a well-ventilated area and have a window open.
Colour fastness
Always check for colour fastness by testing a hidden area of the fabric.
For some amazing tips on getting rid of washing machine smells read this post
For best results it may be necessary to repeat parts of the process.
How to remove blood stains from a mattress.
7 tips for removing blood from a mattress.
- Using cold water
Use a white cloth and dab at the blood-stained area until the stain is removed. This method is better for fresh blood stain removal.
- Liquid detergent
Use 1/2 cup of liquid detergent with 2 tablespoons of cold water and mix up to a foamy froth, use a clean cloth or brush to remove the bloodstain. Rinse then dry well.
- Baking soda.
Sprinkle onto the fresh bloodstain, leave for thirty minutes then, when dry vacuum off. This method works better on fresh bloodstains.
- Baking soda and vinegar.
Sprinkle the baking soda over the bloodstained area, using a spray bottle, spray the vinegar over the baking soda and allow it to bubble for approximately 30 minutes. When the area is completely dry, remove the excess with paper towels then vacuum the remainder.
- Cornstarch, hydrogen peroxide and salt
Mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of salt together to form a thick paste, apply the mixture to the stain and leave for 30 minutes, scrub the stain with a small brush or cloth before removing the excess with a damp cloth. Let the area dry completely.
- Hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, sea salt.
Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 1 tablespoon sea salt together to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area then rub into the stain with a damp cloth or a stiff brush.
Leave the poultice to dry then remove by either brushing or vacuuming off.
If the stain is still there try rubbing it with hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth in a circular motion. - Meat tenderiser.
Meat tenderiser will break down the blood’s protein bonds believe it or not! Mix enough of the meat tenderiser with cold water to form a stiff paste big enough to cover the stain. Usually, I would use 1 tablespoon meat tenderiser to 2 teaspoons of cold water.
Leave the paste on the stain for approximately one hour then brush it off when dry. - Enzyme cleaner
After cleaning the mattress review the stain, if it has not gone, you may need to try something a lot stronger. An enzyme cleaner will break down the stain. Following the instructions on the packet, dab the stain using the cleaner and a white cloth.
- Ammonia
Use one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of cold water and dab at the stain until the stain is removed.
How to protect your mattress from further stains.
Always use a mattress protector on your bed and search for one which covers the whole of your mattress especially if like me your kids are prone to nose bleeds! You can read more about caring for your mattress here.
Now you’re ready to sleep in a super clean and fresh smelling mattress!
Frequently asked questions
To remove fresh blood stains from bed sheets soak the stain with white vinegar as soon as you can. Allow it to soak for about 15 minutes then blot the stain with a clean cloth or towel.
Vanish can be used to remove blood stains from white sheets by making a solution of Vanish Gold Oxi Action Crystal White Powder in 4 litres of cold water. Soak the sheet for a maximum of 6 hours, then wash as usual adding another scoop of Vanish Gold Oxi Action Crystal in with your detergent.
You could try making a paste of vanish and water and applying it to the mattress but it should not be allowed to dry on the stain and the product does not state that it is safe to use on a mattress so proceed with caution and at your own risk!
You could try using a bleach solution to remove dried blood stains from your mattress however you will run the risk of bleaching the colour out of your mattress so it is not an option I would recommend!
If the blood has dried and already formed a stain you may need to use one of the methods using vinegar and baking soda as listed above.
You can soak the mattress protector in a special solution of Vanish Oxi Action Crystal white powder as directed above to remove any bloodstains.
You could try using toothpaste to remove blood stains but I’m not sure it would be an effective way to tackle dried in bloodstains, try using any of the other methods listed above to remove the stains.
For some amazing tips to help you keep on top of the laundry mountain read this post!
What are your top tips for removing blood stains from a mattress? Let us know in the comments!