All it takes is a bad injury or you’re on your period for blood to end up on the mattress. And there it is, disaster! We tell ourselves that the mattress is ruined even if the blood stain is small. Indeed, blood is one of the most complicated stains to remove and by using the wrong method, you risk increasing the size. Plus, we don’t always know how to deal well with stains on a mattress in general, so it’s even worse here. Fortunately, there are tips for cleaning a blood stain on a mattress.
Good to know: did you know that you don’t need to never put hot water on blood so as not to set the stain ? Here is a grandmother’s technique to get rid of this unwanted stain.
What you need to prevent blood on a mattress:
- 50 g baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of cold water
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
- Brush & vacuum cleaner
The steps to perform the trick:
1) First, mix the three ingredients. This makes a paste. If necessary, add a few drops of water.
2) Then apply this paste to stubborn stains. Leave it on for around thirty minutes so that it dries.
3) Brush the mattress at the stain level by going inwards and not outwards. As explained earlier, this will avoid stretching the stain and forming an unsightly halo.
4) Following this, vacuum up the paste with your vacuum cleaner.
5) If the stain is still visible, repeat the same steps, rubbing the stain when applying the paste.
Sodium bicarbonate will help clean blood while neutralizing potential odors. Indeed, it is an excellent natural deodorizer. Salt helps to break down blood proteins and absorb them. Warning: do not use it to remove wine stains, as it will instead fix them…
Other tips for removing a blood stain from a mattress?
First of all, we must act quickly. Indeed, the fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove. Furthermore, you should always test each method on a small, invisible area of the mattress to avoid damaging the fabric. Also avoid saturating the mattress with water. Instead, use slightly damp cloths to avoid soaking the mattress, as this can lead to mold. Finally, after cleaning, let the mattress dry well to avoid any mold formation. All you need to do is air it out! Wait to put the sheets back on and leave the window open if possible to encourage drying. If necessary, a blow with a hairdryer will finish the job.
In the future, use a mattress protector (a sheet) to prevent future stains and extend the life of your mattress.
Other ingredients to remove a blood stain from a mattress
Cold water and soap: if the stain is recent and not very extensive, soak a clean cloth in cold water and dab the stain without rubbing so as not to spread the blood. Next, apply mild soap or dishwashing liquid to the area and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse by dabbing with a damp cloth.
White vinegar: Vinegar is a good natural stain remover. Mix equal parts white vinegar with cold water and blot the stain with a cloth. Then rinse with cold water.
Hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water): for an older or stubborn stain, hydrogen peroxide is very effective. Pour a little directly onto the stain and let it lather. Then, dab with a clean, damp cloth. Be careful, hydrogen peroxide can discolor certain fabrics, so do a test first on a small area.
Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a little water. Apply this paste on the stain and let it dry. Then, gently rub and remove the powder with a clean cloth.
Ammonia: If the previous methods are not enough, you can try chemicals! Dilute a tablespoon of ammonia in a glass of cold water. Dab the stain with a cloth soaked in this solution, then rinse with cold water. Be careful to ventilate the room well, as ammonia has a strong odor, and not to use this method on delicate fabrics like wool or silk.
These tips will help you remove stains without damaging your mattress and keep it clean for longer. The stain is not on a mattress, but on linen? The tips presented here can work, but we advise you to refer to our dedicated article for more targeted stain removal tips for difficult bloody marks.