How to Get Blood Out of A Mattress
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Bloodstain on mattresses can be a real challenge to remove. Not if you know an easy way, though. In this write-up, I will show you the best ways on how to get blood out of a mattress. You will learn how to remove blood from a mattress using everyday objects in your home.
As a precaution, the best way to remove blood stains from a memory foam mattress is using the enzyme cleaner or the baking soda method.
Knowing how to remove blood stains from a mattress is one everybody should have, as anyone can find themselves in a situation that involves getting rid of fresh or dried blood from mattresses.
Key takeaways
- The easiest way is to use a wet white napkin/paper towel/towel to soak up excess bloodstain moisture as much as possible.
- Blood can also be removed from mattress by applying meat tenderizer paste to the stain, leave until dry and remove the dried paste with a brush or a vacuum cleaner designed for soft surfaces.
How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress - Preparations
Some things are worthy of note before we delve into the step-by-step guide on ways to remove blood from a mattress. Some of the things to note are:
- The Earlier, the Better
The trick on how to remove blood stains from a mattress is to attend to the stain as early as possible. As tough as bloodstain is to remove from beds, dried blood is more demanding. While the most common source of blood on a mattress is menstruation, knowing how to get period blood out of a mattress on time will save you from additional stress.
- In No Case Should Hot Water Be Used
It is natural to want to use hot water to get bloodstain out of a mattress. This scenario is different, though, because of the nature of the stain we wish to be removed. Blood contains hemoglobin and iron. These constituents coagulate easily, and heat only helps achieve that faster (2).
- Do Not Rub On The Stain.
I know it is also natural that we always want to start rubbing at bloodstains to get them out of a mattress quickly. Rubbing the stained area of a mattress should be avoided as the stain will spread quickly. Instead, gently jab at the color. Dabbing at the stain will ensure that the color is still focused on that particular spot on the mattress.
- Get Your Cleaning Supplies
You will need any number of these supplies, depending on how tough the bloodstain is.
- Cleaning Gloves (Not compulsory)
- White cloth/towel/paper towels
- Coldwater
- Baking Soda + White vinegar
- Corn Starch + Salt + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Meat Tenderizer Powder
- Talcum Powder
- Enzyme Cleaner
- Ammonia
The toughness of the bloodstain on your mattress will determine whether you will use separately or combine some of the supplies or use the same method over and over until desirable results are achieved.
Ways To Remove Blood Stains From A Mattress
Cold Water
Coming first on “how to get blood out of a mattress” is the cold water method. You can use this method to get blood stain out of a mattress when it is still relatively fresh. Make sure you don’t wet the bed too much with this method to prevent mold growth. Just follow the steps below:
- Use a white napkin/paper towel/towel to soak up excess bloodstain moisture as much as possible.
- Put the napkin in water and gently jab repeatedly at the stain.
- Repeat step 2 over and over until the desired result is achieved.
Baking Soda
- Mix white vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio.
- Sprinkle Baking soda over the affected area.
- Spray the mixture in step 1 generously over the affected area.
- Leave for thirty minutes, then gently blot away the residue.
- Note that vinegar has a potent smell, so do well to rinse and dry well.
- You can repeat step 2, 3, and 4 as much as necessary to achieve results.
CornStarch + Salt + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix ½ cup of cornstarch with ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of salt to form a thick mixture.
- Apply to the stained area and leave for 30 minutes.
- Now use a toothbrush to remove the stain.
- You can now remove the paste with a cloth dipped in cold water and dab gently at the mattress until the stain is removed.
- Remove any remaining wetness with a dry towel/cloth.
Note however that hydrogen peroxide can cause skin and eye irritation, eczema, and phototoxic reactions in some people. So I advise that you wear household gloves before handling hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of salt with one tablespoon of liquid detergent to make a paste.
- Add the mixture to the affected area and leave for 30 minutes.
- Remove the paste with a spoon or a spatula.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide to a towel and ab gently at the affected area until the stain is removed.
Meat Tenderizer Powder
The enzymes in the meat tenderizer – bromelain and papain – work together to break down the proteins (cause of the stains)(1) at a molecular level. You can use it following these procedures:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of meat tenderizer with two tablespoons of water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and leave until it is dry.
- Remove the dried paste with a brush or a vacuum cleaner designed for soft surfaces.
Some people use alcohol at 70°, which is composed of ethanol. However, this can release flammable vapors which can cause severe eye irritation which is why I didn't include it in the list. But if you have to make use of it, fine! However, use in the absence of children, with household gloves and the windows wide open.
Talcum Powder
- Mix talcum powder with water until a thick paste is formed.
- Apply the mixture to the stained area and leave it to dry.
- Brush away the leftover solution or use a vacuum cleaner.
Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are a potent stain removal agent. They might not be readily available in your kitchen, but you can get them at the nearest grocery store. Enzyme cleaners remove stains at the molecular level. I'll advise that you read the instructions on the product well before use. Not all are made for upholstery and furniture use. You can use this method to clean blood-stained area on your mattress:
- Apply enzyme cleaner to a towel and use it to dab the stained area.
Also read: Top-rated Mattresses for Back Pain in Canada
Ammonia
This is also used for the toughest of stains. It is advisable to be used as a last resort. The reason for this being, ammonia is quite harmful and poisonous. Also, it can easily damage wool and silk. In no circumstance should ammonia be mixed with chlorine bleach because the mixture releases a toxic substance called Chloramine. One method to remove blood stain using ammonia is:
- Mix a tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of cold water.
- Dip a white towel in the mixture gotten from step 1 and use it to dab on the stain till the blood removes.
- Use can now use a clean damp cloth to remove the rest of the mixture in step 1.
How To Get Blood Out Of A Memory Foam Mattress
When trying to get blood stain out of a mattress, you must consider which type of mattress it is. Mattresses that contain memory foam are easily damaged by water. It is a type of mattress designed to conform to the shape of your body when you rest on it. This design is why it gets wet quickly.
No worries though, the important thing is that when making your mattress clean, try to avoid the mattress soaking wet. As a precaution, the best way to remove blood stains from a memory foam mattress is using the enzyme cleaner or the baking soda method.
To avoid damaging your mattresses, I advise you to choose a mattress that has a removable and washable cover. This protects your mattress from stains and other dirt.
Also read: Top 5 Best Mattresses in Canada.
FAQs
What is the most common source of bloodstain on a mattress?
The most common source of bloodstain on a mattress is through period blood, and learning how to get period blood out of a mattress is vital in keeping oneself from embarrassment.
What is the best way to remove blood stains from your mattress?
Each method has its peculiarities, and most of the time, it is the ingredient we readily have at our disposal that we use to get rid of the bloodstain.
Conclusion
Removing Blood Stains from mattresses is a tough nut to crack, especially one that is dried. However, comfort comes in knowing that you can remove any bloodstain, no matter how long. Learning how to get blood out of a mattress with the help of simple procedures and household items is a vital housekeeping skill.
Still have questions about how to get blood out of a mattress? Alex Savy, the Co-Founder and Chief Editor at Comfynorth has reviewed countless sleep products with over 4 years in the industry and can help you find what you’re looking for. Reach out through email at [email protected]. When emailing Alex, include your full name and phone number or email address.
References:
- Marisia Fikiet, Igor Lednev. (June 2018). Blood in your veins is not blue - here is why it’s always red. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/blood-in-your-veins-is-not-blue-heres-why-its-always-red-97064
- C.k. Pager. (December 2000). Streptokinase versus alteplase and other treatments for acute and delayed thrombolysis of bloodstains in clothing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27558/