Unlike clothes, you can’t just toss your mattress into the washing machine. So, let’s discuss how to effectively clean it and avoid any lingering stains.
To remove blood from a mattress, you have four options. Feel free to use them individually or in combination for better stain removal. The key here is to act quickly because cleaning blood is more challenging once it dries and sets into the mattress fibers.
If accidents involving blood, urine, or vomit are common in your home, consider investing in a mattress with a removable, machine-washable cover. Alternatively, you can find mattress protectors on Amazon to safeguard your mattress from such incidents in the future.
Remember, the sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to remove the stain. So, let’s get to cleaning.
Crucial steps for effectively removing blood from your mattress:
Act Immediately
If you spot blood on your mattress, don’t procrastinate! The longer a blood stain lingers, the more challenging it becomes to eliminate.
Moreover, leaving the stain unattended poses a biohazard risk and increases the potential transmission of diseases within your household. Aim to address the stain within 2–3 hours for optimal results.
Assess the Blood
Before diving into the cleaning process, assess whether the blood is fresh or has dried over time. Outside the body, blood coagulates and begins to dry, showing distinct characteristics.
Look for the stain’s liquidity and color; if the blood appears lighter red and has a more gel-like consistency than fluid, it’s likely an older stain.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Tailor your cleaning approach based on factors like the age of the stain, blood type, and fabric. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; fresh stains typically respond well to cold water, while warm water is more effective for dried stains.
Ensure you have essential supplies on hand, including a cleaning cloth, rubber gloves, kitchen utensils (for paste mixtures), and a stain remover (options include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, enzymatic cleaner, ammonia, or cola).
How To Get Blood Out Of Mattress
Use Cold Water
Although hot water may be more effective with enzymatic stain removers in a washing machine, it’s not the most practical choice for tackling a blood stain on a mattress.
Dampen a white rag or paper towel (colored ones may stain your mattress cover) with cold water. Gently dab the bloodstain, avoiding rubbing to prevent pushing the stain deeper.
Don’t saturate the mattress; keep it lightly damp to facilitate quick drying and prevent mold or mildew. Ensure the water is cold, as hot water can set the stain.
Baking Soda
Mix one part baking soda with two parts cold water. Apply the mixture to the stain using a white paper towel or rag.
Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with another cloth. Dab the area dry with a clean rag and let it air dry further with a fan or open windows.
Salt, Cornstarch, and Hydrogen Peroxide
Create a paste by combining ½ cup of cornstarch, one tablespoon of salt, and ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients are effective against protein stains like blood.
Apply the paste over the stained area, let it dry completely, then scrape it up with a spatula or knife. Vacuum over the area for better results. This method can be repeated as needed.
Meat Tenderizer
If previous methods fail, try meat tenderizer. Mix one tablespoon of meat tenderizing powder with two teaspoons of cold water to form a paste.
Rub the paste over the entire bloodstain and let it dry for about an hour.
After drying, wipe up the paste with a cloth soaked in cold water, then pat the area dry with another dry cloth.
Removing Blood from a Pillow
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Head to your medicine cabinet and grab some hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount to the stain and wait a few seconds. Then, use cold water to wipe away the area, removing the remaining hydrogen peroxide.
- Laundry Detergent: If your pillow is machine-washable, add stain remover to the stained area and check if it comes out in the wash. Alternatively, treat the stain with a laundry pre-treater containing enzymes, then wash the pillow with an enzyme detergent for effective stain removal.
Getting Blood Out of Your Sheets
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Similar to mattress cleaning, use hydrogen peroxide on the blood stain. You can also wash the sheets in cold water with a powerful stain remover for an effective result.
- Salt Water: For silk sheets, mix 1 tsp of salt with 1 tsp of cold water. Wet the stain with the solution using a towel, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe it away with cold water. Alternatively, soak silk sheets in a basin of salt water before spot cleaning.
- Salt and Dish Detergent: Create a mixture of 1 tbsp of dish detergent and two tbsp of salt. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 25 minutes, then gently rinse and repeat until the stain is gone.
Removing Dried Blood from Mattress
Meat Tenderizer Powder
- Mix two cups of meat tenderizer powder with one cup of salt.
- Sprinkle the mixture on the affected mattress surface.
- Cover with a paper towel and a plastic bag, leaving it overnight.
- Vacuum the mixture the next morning and assess if further treatment is needed.
Enzyme Cleaner
- Choose an oxygenated bleach enzyme cleaner.
- Apply the cleaner to a clean towel, never directly on the mattress.
- Gently rub the stained area.
- The enzymes break down blood molecules, converting them into water and carbon dioxide.
Baking Soda Method
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.
- Drizzle white vinegar using a spray bottle for a bubbling reaction.
- Allow it to work for about thirty minutes.
- Clean the solution using an upholstery vacuum attachment or a clean cloth.
- Dab away residue with sterile, cold water.
Cornstarch Mixture
- Mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with ½ cup of cornstarch, adding one tablespoon of salt.
- Apply the paste on the stain.
- After thirty minutes, gently rub with a toothbrush.
- Remove the paste with a clean, wet cloth.
- Absorb excess moisture with a dry towel.
