How Do I Get Blood Stains Out Of a Mattress? Simple Steps That Work

If you’re searching for “How Do I Get Blood Stains Out Of a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old, stubborn mark. The good news: most blood stains can be lightened significantly, and many can be removed almost completely with the right approach.

This guide explains why blood is tricky to clean, the best methods for fresh and dried stains, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress in the future.

Why Are Blood Stains on a Mattress So Hard to Remove?

Blood contains proteins that bond quickly to fabrics, especially if exposed to heat. On a mattress, that’s even more challenging because:

  • You can’t just throw it in the washing machine
  • Moisture can soak deep into the layers
  • Scrubbing too hard can spread the stain

Understanding this helps answer “How Do I Get Blood Stains Out Of a Mattress”: you need cool water, gentle blotting, and patience, not heat or harsh scrubbing.

What Should I Do First When Blood Gets on My Mattress?

Step 1: Act Quickly (If the Stain Is Fresh)

For a fresh blood stain:

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove sheets, mattress protectors, and bedding as soon as possible.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use a clean, light-colored cloth or paper towel to blot up as much blood as possible.

    • Press gently
    • Move to a clean area of the cloth as it absorbs
    • Avoid rubbing, which pushes blood deeper into the fabric

  3. Use cold water only
    Dampen a cloth with cold water and continue blotting the stained area.

    • Hot or warm water can “cook” the proteins and set the stain.

Step 2: Mix a Gentle Cleaning Solution

A simple starting solution is:

  • Cold water plus a small amount of mild liquid soap

Lightly dab the solution on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a dry cloth. Alternate dampening and blotting until the stain fades.

How Do I Get Blood Stains Out Of a Mattress Once They’ve Dried?

Dried blood stains often need a bit more effort, but they can still improve a lot.

Option 1: Mild Soap and Cold Water (First Try)

Always start with the least aggressive method:

  1. Lightly dampen the stain with cold water
  2. Apply a small amount of mild soap on a cloth
  3. Gently work it into the surface (no heavy scrubbing)
  4. Blot with a clean, dry towel to remove moisture

Repeat several times. Many dried stains will lighten with persistence.

Option 2: Baking Soda Paste

For tougher stains, a baking soda paste can help lift discoloration:

  1. Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cold water to form a thin paste
  2. Apply a thin layer over the stain
  3. Let it sit for about 30 minutes
  4. Blot with a damp cloth to remove residue
  5. Blot again with a dry towel

Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting sheets back on.

What Cleaning Ingredients Are Safe to Use on Most Mattresses?

Every mattress is different, so it’s wise to check the care tag if possible and always spot-test in a small, hidden area first.

Commonly used, mattress-friendly options include:

  • Cold water – essential first step for fresh stains
  • Mild, non-bleach liquid soap – gentle cleaning power
  • Baking soda – helps lift stains and reduce odors
  • White vinegar (diluted) – sometimes used in small amounts to help loosen stains

Avoid soaking the mattress. The goal is minimal moisture and thorough drying.

What Should I Avoid When Removing Blood Stains?

To protect your mattress:

  • Don’t use hot water – can set the stain permanently
  • Don’t saturate the mattress – deep moisture is hard to dry and can cause odors
  • Don’t use harsh bleach or strong chemicals unless you fully understand how they interact with your specific mattress materials
  • Don’t scrub aggressively – this spreads the stain and can damage the cover

How Do I Dry the Mattress After Cleaning?

After cleaning any blood stain:

  • Press a dry towel on the area to absorb moisture
  • Allow the mattress to air-dry completely, ideally in a well-ventilated room
  • If available, use a fan to speed up drying
  • Avoid using direct heat on the mattress surface

Putting bedding back on before it’s dry can trap moisture, which is not ideal for long-term mattress care.

Can I Prevent Future Blood Stains on My Mattress?

While some accidents are unavoidable, you can make cleanup much easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier
  • Choose washable mattress pads or toppers that can be removed and laundered
  • Address any spill or stain as soon as you notice it, before it dries fully

These simple steps can significantly reduce the stress of dealing with future stains.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about “How Do I Get Blood Stains Out Of a Mattress”:

  • Act fast on fresh stains

    • Blot, don’t rub
    • Use cold water only, never hot

  • Start gently for dried stains

    • Try mild soap and cold water first
    • Use baking soda paste for tougher marks

  • Protect your mattress materials

    • Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and aggressive scrubbing
    • Always spot-test cleaners in a small area

  • Dry thoroughly

    • Blot with dry towels
    • Let the mattress air-dry fully before making the bed

With a calm, step-by-step approach, most blood stains can be noticeably reduced or removed while keeping your mattress clean, comfortable, and in good condition.