How To Clean Blood Off Of a Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for “How To Clean Blood Off Of a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh spill or a stubborn dried stain and want to fix it without ruining your bed. This guide walks through practical, at-home methods to remove blood stains, protect your mattress, and avoid common mistakes.

Why Is Blood So Hard to Clean From a Mattress?

Blood stains can be tough and long-lasting because they contain proteins that bond to fabric as they dry. On a mattress, this is even trickier because:

  • You can’t just toss the mattress into a washing machine.
  • The surface and inner layers absorb liquid easily.
  • Using the wrong cleaner or too much water can make the stain spread or damage the materials.

Knowing how to clean blood off of a mattress correctly helps you act quickly, minimize staining, and keep your sleep surface fresher.

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

Step 1: Act Quickly if the Blood Is Fresh

If the stain is fresh:

  1. Blot, don’t rub
    Use a clean, light-colored cloth or paper towel to blot up as much blood as possible. Press gently; rubbing can push the stain deeper and wider.

  2. Use cold water only
    Dampen a cloth with cold water and continue blotting. Hot or warm water can set the stain, making it much harder to remove.

  3. Keep the area as dry as possible
    Avoid soaking the mattress. Use small amounts of water and keep blotting with a dry cloth to lift out moisture.

Step 2: If the Blood Has Already Dried

For dried stains, you’ll need a bit more effort:

  • Lightly dampen the area with cold water to soften the dried blood.
  • Avoid saturating the mattress; you just want to loosen the stain before using cleaners.

How To Clean Blood Off Of a Mattress: Effective Home Methods

There are several gentle approaches people commonly use on mattress fabrics. You can start with one method and repeat as needed.

1. Mild Soap and Cold Water

This is often the safest first step.

  • Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with cold water.
  • Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water, wring it out, and blot the stain.
  • Follow with a separate cloth dampened with plain cold water to remove any soap residue.
  • Blot dry with a towel.

This method works best on fresh or light stains.

2. Salt and Cold Water Paste

A simple pantry option:

  • Mix table salt and cold water to form a thick paste.
  • Apply a thin layer to the stained area.
  • Let it sit for about 15–30 minutes.
  • Gently blot with a cold, damp cloth to lift away the mixture and stain.
  • Blot dry with a towel.

Salt can help draw some of the stain out of the fabric surface.

3. Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is often used for both stain and odor control:

  • Sprinkle baking soda over the dampened stain, or make a paste with a little cold water.
  • Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
  • Blot with a damp cloth, then press with a dry towel.
  • Once fully dry, you can gently vacuum any remaining powder.

This method may be particularly helpful if you’re also concerned about lingering smells.

What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Blood From a Mattress?

Using the wrong approach can make stains worse or harm your mattress materials. Common pitfalls include:

  • Hot water: Can “cook” the proteins in blood and lock in the stain.
  • Harsh scrubbing: May damage the fabric and push the stain deeper.
  • Too much liquid: Soaking the mattress can lead to long drying times and potential odor.
  • Strong, undiluted chemicals: These may discolor or weaken mattress fabrics and comfort layers.

When in doubt, start with mild, diluted solutions and test on a small, hidden area if possible.

How Long Will It Take the Mattress to Dry?

After cleaning, it’s important to let the mattress dry thoroughly:

  • Open windows or use a fan to increase airflow.
  • If safe for your mattress type, a cool or low-heat hair dryer held at a distance can help (avoid high heat).
  • Wait until the area is completely dry before putting sheets or a mattress protector back on.

Drying time depends on how much liquid you used and the room’s ventilation, but the goal is to leave no lingering dampness in the mattress.

Can Old Blood Stains Be Removed Completely?

Older, set-in blood stains may lighten significantly but not always disappear entirely, depending on:

  • How long the stain has been there
  • The mattress fabric and construction
  • How many cleaning attempts have already been made

Multiple gentle cleaning sessions can gradually improve the appearance. The priority is usually to reduce visible staining and remove any odor without harming the mattress.

How Can I Prevent Blood Stains on My Mattress in the Future?

While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can reduce long-term damage:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier between spills and the mattress.
  • Spot clean as soon as you notice a stain.
  • Keep extra bedding handy so you can strip the bed quickly and deal with stains right away.

A simple, removable barrier is often the easiest way to keep your mattress looking cleaner over time.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about how to clean blood off of a mattress:

  • Act fast: Fresh stains are easier to remove than dried ones.
  • Always use cold water: Hot water can permanently set blood stains.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Press gently to lift the stain; avoid rubbing it in.
  • Start mild: Use gentle soap, salt, or baking soda solutions before considering stronger options.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress: Use minimal moisture and dry thoroughly with airflow or fans.
  • Older stains may not vanish completely: But they can usually be lightened and made less noticeable.
  • Protection helps: A washable, protective layer between you and the mattress makes any future cleanups far easier.

With patient, careful cleaning and the right techniques, how to clean blood off of a mattress becomes manageable, and you can help extend the life and comfort of your bed.