How To Remove Blood Stains From Mattress Cover: Simple Methods That Work

If you’re searching for “How To Remove Blood Stains From Mattress Cover,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh spill or an old, stubborn mark. This guide walks you through safe, practical methods to clean blood from a mattress cover without damaging the fabric or the mattress underneath.

Why Are Blood Stains on Mattress Covers So Tricky?

Blood is a protein-based stain, which means it can set permanently if treated with heat or the wrong products. Mattress covers can also be:

  • Quilted or padded
  • Waterproof or coated
  • Not always machine-washable

Because of this, being gentle and using the right temperature and cleaners matters just as much as acting quickly.

First Steps: What Should I Do Right After I Notice the Stain?

If the blood is still wet, you have the best chance of removing it completely.

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

  2. Use cold water only
    Dampen a cloth with cold water and continue blotting. Avoid hot or warm water, which can cause the blood to set.

  3. Protect the mattress
    If the cover is still on the mattress, place a towel or absorbent cloth underneath the stained area so liquid doesn’t soak into the mattress.

Can I Remove Blood From a Mattress Cover in the Washing Machine?

Often, yes—but only if your care label allows it.

How to machine-wash a mattress cover with blood stains

  1. Check the care label
    Look for instructions such as “machine washable,” “hand wash only,” or “do not bleach.” Follow these closely.

  2. Pre-treat the stain
    Before washing, apply a small amount of liquid detergent or a gentle stain remover to the stain. Work it in lightly with your fingers or a soft brush.

  3. Wash on a cold cycle
    Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Hot water can bake the stain into the fabric.

  4. Air dry first
    Let the cover air dry rather than using a hot dryer. If any stain remains, drying with heat can make it much harder to remove.

How To Remove Blood Stains From Mattress Cover by Hand

If the cover isn’t machine-washable, or the stain is localized, hand-cleaning is usually safer.

Step-by-step spot-cleaning method

  1. Mix a mild cleaning solution
    Combine a small amount of gentle detergent with cold water. You can also use a tiny amount of mild soap.

  2. Test a hidden area
    Try the solution on a hidden seam first to make sure there’s no discoloration.

  3. Dab the stain
    Dip a clean cloth in the solution and dab the stain from the outside in. This helps keep it from spreading.

  4. Rinse with a clean damp cloth
    Use another cloth with plain cold water to remove soap residue.

  5. Blot dry
    Press a dry towel on the area to absorb moisture. Allow the cover to air dry completely before putting it back on the bed.

What If the Blood Stain Is Old or Dried?

Dried blood is more stubborn, but you may still lighten or remove it.

  • Rehydrate with cold water: Lightly dampen the stain with cold water to soften it.
  • Use a gentle cleaner: Apply a small amount of detergent or a fabric-safe stain remover, then blot.
  • Repeat patiently: Older stains may need several cycles of apply–blot–rinse.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively, which can damage the fabric or break waterproof layers.

Are There Any Cleaners I Should Avoid on a Mattress Cover?

Yes. To protect both your cover and mattress:

  • Avoid hot water on blood stains.
  • Be cautious with bleach: It can discolor fabric and weaken fibers if the label doesn’t specifically allow it.
  • Limit harsh chemicals on waterproof covers, as they may damage protective coatings.
  • Don’t soak the cover excessively while it’s still on the mattress; excess liquid can seep through to the mattress core.

How Do I Keep Blood Stains From Reaching the Mattress Itself?

A mattress cover is your first line of defense, but you can reduce future cleaning stress by:

  • Using a water-resistant or waterproof protector on top of the mattress cover.
  • Treating any stain as soon as you notice it.
  • Washing or spot-cleaning the cover regularly according to its care instructions.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Remove Blood Stains From Mattress Cover:

  • Act fast: Fresh blood is much easier to remove than dried blood.
  • Use cold water only: Heat can permanently set protein-based stains like blood.
  • Blot, don’t rub: Rubbing spreads and grinds the stain deeper into the fabric.
  • Check the label: Follow washing instructions carefully to avoid shrinkage or damage.
  • Pre-treat before washing: Gently apply detergent or stain remover directly to the spot.
  • Air dry first: Make sure the stain is gone before using heat from a dryer.
  • Handle old stains patiently: Several rounds of gentle cleaning are often more effective than one harsh attempt.

With these methods, you can approach How To Remove Blood Stains From Mattress Cover calmly and systematically, helping your bedding stay cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable night after night.