How to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Let’s be real: blood stains on a mattress look bad. Like “crime scene investigator” bad. But before you start pricing out new mattresses or panicking about what your guests might think, relax. It’s totally fixable.

With the right tools and a little patience, you can get those stubborn stains out and save your mattress. And no—you don’t need to be a cleaning wizard. You just need to follow the right steps (and avoid the classic mistakes).

Here’s everything you need to know about banishing blood stains from your mattress.

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1. Act Fast (Seriously, Don’t Wait)

Fresh blood is way easier to remove than dried blood. Think of it like spilled coffee—wipe it up right away, and it’s fine. Ignore it for a day, and it’s a permanent tattoo.

  • Grab a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Blot the stain gently. Don’t scrub—you’ll just push the blood deeper.
  • Use cold water only. Hot water will basically cook the proteins in blood, setting the stain permanently. (Yeah, it’s gross science, but it’s true.)

If you’re catching it early, this step alone can work miracles.

2. Cold Water + Mild Soap

For fresh stains, cold water and a little dish soap are often enough.

  • Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with cold water.
  • Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently blot the stain.
  • Rinse the cloth with clean cold water and blot again to remove soap residue.

Pro tip: Don’t drench the mattress. Remember—it’s not a sponge bath. Too much water = mildew = a whole new problem you don’t want.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide = Stain Assassin

For stains that didn’t get your immediate attention (oops), hydrogen peroxide is a lifesaver.

  • Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
  • Let it fizz for about 5–10 minutes (it’s literally breaking down the blood).
  • Blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.

It might take a couple rounds, but it works. Just be aware: peroxide can slightly bleach fabric. On a mattress, it’s usually fine—but maybe don’t dump it on your designer sheets.

4. Baking Soda + Vinegar Combo

This is the dynamic duo of stain removal. Baking soda lifts, vinegar neutralizes, and together they kick that stain out.

  • Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the blood stain.
  • Spray or dab lightly with white vinegar.
  • Watch it fizz like a science fair volcano.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Blot with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

FYI, this trick is especially good for dried stains that seem glued in place.

5. Salt Paste Hack

Old-school, but effective. Salt helps draw moisture (and the stain) out of fabric.

  • Mix 2 parts salt with 1 part cold water to make a paste.
  • Apply it directly to the stain.
  • Let it sit for about 20–30 minutes.
  • Wipe away with a damp cloth.

Is it messy? Yep. Does it work? Also yep.

6. Enzyme Cleaners (Pet Owners Know What’s Up)

If you’ve ever cleaned up after a pet accident, you probably already have enzyme cleaner. These cleaners literally eat away organic matter—like blood.

  • Spray the cleaner directly on the stain.
  • Let it sit as long as the instructions say (usually 10–15 minutes).
  • Blot gently until the stain lifts.

Enzyme cleaners are a little pricier, but IMO they’re worth every penny if you’ve got pets, kids, or just bad luck with spills.

7. Cornstarch Trick

Here’s one you might not expect: cornstarch. It absorbs and lifts stains surprisingly well.

  • Mix cornstarch with a little cold water until it’s a thick paste.
  • Spread it on the stain and let it dry completely (yep, it’ll look weird).
  • Brush off the dried paste, then vacuum.

This one takes longer, but it’s low-effort and works great for older stains.

8. Drying It Out Properly

Once you’ve treated the stain, don’t skip this step. A damp mattress = bacteria, mildew, and yes, smells.

  • Blot up as much moisture as possible with a dry towel.
  • Point a fan at the spot to speed drying.
  • If possible, open windows and let fresh air do its thing.

Sunlight is even better—UV rays naturally disinfect. But unless you feel like dragging your mattress outside (good luck with that), a fan will do the job.

9. Prevention is Your Best Friend

Want to avoid dealing with this whole headache again? (Yeah, me too.)

  • Get a waterproof mattress protector. They’re cheap, comfy, and save you from stains.
  • Wash your bedding regularly—because guess what? Sheets also like to trap stains and smells.
  • Keep some hydrogen peroxide or enzyme cleaner on hand for quick cleanups.

Trust me, once you’ve cleaned a blood stain out of a mattress at 2 a.m., you’ll never want to do it again.

Quick Recap

  • Blot fresh stains with cold water—never hot.
  • Soap + water works on fresh spills.
  • Hydrogen peroxide destroys tougher stains.
  • Baking soda + vinegar is a powerhouse combo.
  • Salt and cornstarch hacks work in a pinch.
  • Enzyme cleaners are worth it for stubborn cases.
  • Dry thoroughly or risk funky smells.
  • Protect your mattress so you don’t go through this again.

Final Thoughts

Blood stains on a mattress aren’t the end of the world (though they look dramatic). With the right tools, you can get rid of them without calling in a CSI team.

The real secret? Act fast. Cold water and blotting will handle most fresh stains. If you’re late to the party, peroxide, baking soda, or enzyme cleaners will finish the job. And once it’s clean, do yourself a favor—get a mattress protector.

Because let’s be honest: no one wants to explain that mysterious stain to overnight guests. 😉

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