How To Remove Blood Stains On a Mattress: Simple Methods That Actually Help

If you’re searching for how to remove blood stains on a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or discovering an older mark. Blood can be stubborn, but in many cases you can lighten or remove it with common household ingredients and a bit of patience.

This FAQ-style guide walks you through safe, mattress-friendly methods to tackle blood stains without harsh scrubbing or guesswork.

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

Blood contains proteins that can bind to fabric fibers, especially when exposed to heat. Once dried or “set,” the stain can become more noticeable and harder to shift.

A few important points:

  • Heat makes stains worse. Hot water or heat from a dryer can help “set” the stain.
  • Time matters. Fresh blood is usually easier to remove than old, dried stains.
  • Mattresses are absorbent. Liquid can soak in, so working gently and quickly on the surface helps.

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

1. Act Quickly (If Possible)

If the stain is fresh:

  • Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot up as much blood as you can.
  • Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it.
  • Avoid pushing liquid deeper into the mattress.

2. Use Cold Water Only

Cold water helps prevent the proteins in blood from setting into the fabric.

  • Lightly dampen a clean cloth with cold water.
  • Gently dab the stain.
  • Continue blotting with a dry cloth to pull moisture and pigment out of the mattress.

If cold water alone doesn’t work, move on to a gentle cleaning solution.

How To Remove Blood Stains On a Mattress with Common Household Ingredients

Using Mild Soap or Detergent

This is often the safest first step:

  1. Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with cold water.
  2. Dip a cloth in the soapy solution and gently dab the stained area.
  3. Blot with a clean, damp (cold water) cloth to remove soap residue.
  4. Pat dry with a towel and allow the mattress to air-dry completely.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is commonly used for deodorizing and gentle stain lifting.

  1. Lightly mist the stain with cold water (do not soak).
  2. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the damp stain.
  3. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, longer for older stains.
  4. Gently blot with a damp cloth, then with a dry cloth.
  5. Once fully dry, vacuum any remaining baking soda.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide (Spot-Test First)

Some people use 3% hydrogen peroxide on light-colored mattresses. It can help lift blood but may cause slight discoloration on certain fabrics, so always spot-test in an unseen area first.

  1. Apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain.
  2. It may fizz; let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Blot gently with a clean cloth.
  4. Follow with a damp cloth (cold water) to remove residue.
  5. Blot dry and allow to air-dry fully.

Use this method cautiously, especially on dark or colored fabrics.

Can I Remove Old or Dried Blood Stains from a Mattress?

Older stains are more stubborn, but you may still lighten them:

  • Re-dampen the stained area with cold water to soften the dried residue.
  • Use a mild soap solution or baking soda method.
  • Repeat the process several times, allowing drying between attempts.

For deeply set stains that cover a large area, complete removal may not be possible at home, but you can often make them far less visible.

What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Blood Stains on a Mattress?

To protect your mattress, avoid:

  • Hot water: Can set the stain permanently.
  • Bleach or harsh chemicals: May damage materials, fade fabric, and leave strong odors.
  • Soaking the mattress: Excess liquid can lead to lingering dampness.
  • Aggressive scrubbing: Can push the stain deeper and damage the surface.

How Do I Dry the Mattress After Cleaning?

Proper drying helps prevent musty smells and moisture issues:

  • Press a clean, dry towel firmly over the area to absorb excess moisture.
  • Allow the mattress to air-dry completely before putting sheets back on.
  • If possible, improve airflow with an open window or a fan on a low, indirect setting.

Avoid direct heat sources, as they can affect both the fabric and any remaining stain.

How Can I Prevent Future Blood Stains?

While accidents can’t always be avoided, a few simple steps help protect your mattress:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector as a washable barrier.
  • Keep extra sheets and protectors on hand for quick changes.
  • Address any spills or stains immediately with cold water and blotting.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to remove blood stains on a mattress:

  • Act fast: Fresh stains respond best to cleaning.
  • Always use cold water: Heat can set blood stains.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Gentle dabbing helps lift stains without spreading them.
  • Start mild: Try soap and cold water before stronger methods.
  • Baking soda can help: Useful for gentle stain lifting and odor control.
  • Test before using peroxide: It may lighten fabric, especially on darker materials.
  • Keep it dry: Avoid soaking the mattress and let it air-dry fully.
  • Protection helps: A protective cover can make future clean-ups much easier.

With patience and the right approach, how to remove blood stains on a mattress becomes much more manageable, and many stains can be significantly reduced or nearly erased using everyday household items.