How To Clean Blood Out Of a Mattress: Practical Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for how to clean blood out of a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old, stubborn stain. It can feel stressful, but with the right approach, you can often reduce or remove blood stains without damaging your mattress.

This guide walks through simple methods, common mistakes, and what to expect when cleaning blood from a mattress.

Why Is Blood So Hard To Remove From a Mattress?

Blood stains can be tricky because they contain proteins that set into fabric and foam as they dry. On a mattress—with its thick layers and absorbent materials—this can make stains more noticeable and harder to lift.

Two things matter most:

  • How fresh the stain is (fresh is easier to treat than dried)
  • How you clean it (temperature, products, and technique)

Knowing what to do—and what to avoid—can make a big difference in how well the stain comes out.

How To Clean Blood Out Of a Mattress: Step‑by‑Step

1. Act Quickly (If the Stain Is Fresh)

If the blood is still wet:

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

  2. Use cold water only.
    Lightly dampen a cloth with cold water and continue blotting. Hot or warm water can cause the proteins to bind more firmly to the mattress.

  3. Repeat until the stain lightens.
    You may not remove it completely with just water, but this makes later steps more effective.

2. Try a Gentle Cleaning Solution

You can use simple household ingredients. Always test any solution on a small, hidden area first to check for discoloration.

Common options include:

  • Mild soap and cold water:
    Mix a small amount of gentle liquid soap with cold water. Apply with a cloth, blot the stain, then blot with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.

  • Salt or baking soda paste:
    Mix with a bit of cold water to form a paste. Spread over the stain, let sit for about 30 minutes, then gently wipe away with a damp cloth.

  • Hydrogen peroxide (use cautiously):
    Some people use a small amount of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide on light-colored mattresses. It can help lift blood, but it may also lighten fabric, so spot test and use sparingly.

After using any cleaner, avoid soaking the mattress. Too much liquid can seep into inner layers and be slow to dry.

What’s the Best Way To Tackle Dried Blood Stains?

Dried blood can be more challenging, but some of the same methods still apply when considering how to clean blood out of a mattress.

  1. Loosen the dried residue.
    Gently scrape the surface with a dull edge (like a spoon) to lift any crusted material.

  2. Rehydrate with cold water.
    Lightly dampen the area with a cloth and cold water. This can help soften the stain.

  3. Use a cleaning paste or solution.
    A baking soda paste, gentle soap solution, or cautious use of hydrogen peroxide can help break down dried blood. Allow it to sit briefly, then blot—don’t rub.

  4. Repeat in small sessions.
    Older stains may require several passes. It’s often better to clean gradually than to oversaturate the mattress at once.

How Can I Dry the Mattress Safely After Cleaning?

Drying is just as important as cleaning:

  • Use clean, dry towels to absorb excess moisture, pressing firmly.
  • Allow plenty of airflow by opening windows or using a fan.
  • Avoid direct high heat (like a hair dryer very close to the fabric), which could damage materials or set any remaining stain.

The mattress should feel completely dry before putting bedding back on to help prevent odors and moisture from lingering.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Blood

A few simple missteps can make stains harder to remove:

  • Using hot water, which can set blood stains
  • Scrubbing aggressively, which pushes blood deeper
  • Soaking the mattress, leading to trapped moisture
  • Skipping a spot test before using stronger cleaners
  • Not allowing enough time for the mattress to dry

Being patient and gentle often leads to better results than using harsh methods.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to clean blood out of a mattress

  • Act fast on fresh stains by blotting with a cloth and cold water.
  • Never use hot water; it can set blood into the mattress fibers.
  • Blot, don’t rub, to avoid driving the stain deeper.
  • Use simple solutions like mild soap, salt, or baking soda paste, testing first on a hidden area.
  • Dried blood needs extra steps, like gentle scraping and repeated light treatments.
  • Prevent oversoaking the mattress to avoid moisture problems.
  • Allow full drying time with good airflow before remaking the bed.
  • Mattress protectors used in the future can make handling similar accidents much easier.

With a calm approach and the right techniques, how to clean blood out of a mattress becomes a manageable household task. While some older or severe stains may never disappear completely, careful cleaning can often lighten them significantly and help keep your mattress fresher and more comfortable to sleep on.