How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress

20 Feb How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress

There are a few issues that no one wants to be dealing with when it comes to mattress cleaning and care, and removing blood of any kind is a great example. However, it’s important to realize that it typically is possible to get blood out of your mattress – it just might take a few more steps than certain other kinds of stains (not always, though!). 

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to offer the very best mattress store products and services you’ll find in Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork or nearby areas of Utah, including regular mattress sales for top brands like Tempur-Pedic, Serta and others. Here are some basics on how to get blood out of a mattress, starting with simpler stains and moving to some of the tougher ones you may run into. 

Proper Materials

The materials you’ll require for this job will depend somewhat on the level of stain involved, plus whether it has begun to “set” into the fabric just yet. In cases where the stain is very fresh and has not yet set, you’ll typically only require some baking soda, a spray bottle, some white vinegar, and cold water (more on what to do with these materials in just a bit). 

On the other hand, if you have a more significant blood stain or one that has already set into the fabric, you may require some heavier-duty materials. This could include a store-bought blood cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, or even ammonia – all of which can be useful when it comes to attacking specific areas of the stain. In other cases, you may need some cornstarch and salt as well – again, we’ll go over these and some other methods in just a moment. 

Hand and Eye Cover

Even for what you may believe are smaller stains, it’s important to be prepared with the proper hand and eye cover. While blood-borne pathogens aren’t a major concern within your own home for most people, you should always take precautions when dealing with blood – especially if it isn’t yours.

One option here is latex gloves, which are affordable and easy to obtain at nearly any drug store or big box retailer. These will keep your hands safe from pathogens or other concerns that could arise due to contact with blood. 

Additionally, you may also want to consider safety goggles if the stain is a bit more significant. This isn’t always necessary, but if you’re dealing with a deep red hue on one of your favorite mattresses, it might be worth considering.

Removing Fresh Blood Stains

As we noted above, fresh blood stains are generally easier to deal with than those which have already set in. In these cases, here’s a basic guide you can follow:

• Soak as much of the moisture out of the mattress as possible, using the blotting method (don’t rub, as this will only spread the stain). 

• Spread baking soda over the affected area.

• If desired, you can let it sit for 10-30 minutes – though some stains will come up best immediately.

• Create a solution of 50/50 water and white vinegar, and mix it well. Then spray a generous coating of it on top of the baking soda. Leave this combination to sit for 10-30 minutes. 

• When dry, if visible residue remains within fibers, continue blotting the fabric until any residue is gone.

• If no visible residue remains, vacuum or use a lint roller to remove any remaining baking soda, then let the area dry completely.

Removing Set Blood Stains

For those tougher blood stains that have already set into the mattress fabric, here are some potential methods you can try:

• Hydrogen peroxide: This is an effective way to break down blood stains, and it’s often available in most households. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain using a cloth, then use a drop of cold water to rinse. 

• Ammonia: Another effective blood cleaner, ammonia can be used in the same way as hydrogen peroxide.

• Cornstarch and salt mixture: Similar to baking soda, this combination can be applied directly to stains and allowed to sit before being removed with a vacuum or lint roller. In tougher cases, utilize a cloth or toothbrush to work into the stain and remove it.

• Store-bought blood cleaner: If all else fails, you can always purchase a specific blood cleaner from your local store. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, and test it in an inconspicuous area of the mattress first. 

When it comes to removing blood stains from your mattress, the key is to act quickly and use the right materials. Don’t let a small accident ruin your expensive bedding – follow these tips and get back to a clean, comfortable sleeping experience in no time!

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we take pride in providing our customers with expert advice and high-quality products. Our team is knowledgeable about mattress cleaning and maintenance, so feel free to stop by one of our locations around SLC, Provo, American Fork or nearby areas of Utah for more tips or product recommendations.