How to wash blood from a mattress - 20 ways to clean it at home

Blood stains are very quickly absorbed by the soft lining of the mattress, so it is better to remove them immediately. Fresh marks can be removed with baking soda, salt, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing liquid, and even wiped with a damp cloth. Dried stains can be treated with ammonia, meat tenderizer, boric acid, laundry soap and professional stain removers.

It is difficult to clean blood from a mattress due to the rapid absorption, drying and intense color of such stains. But the sooner you start working, the greater the chance of removing it completely, without smearing or damaging the material.

Rules for removing blood from a mattress

When removing blood stains from a mattress, it is important to follow several rules:

Use only white napkins during the cleaning process, which will prevent the appearance of colored stains when applying the working product to them.
When handling toxic household chemicals, wear gloves and a mask.
Test the selected cleaning agent on a hidden area of the mattress before starting work.
To remove traces of blood, use only stain removers that contain protein components.
When applying chemicals to a contaminated surface, strictly follow the proportions recommended in the instructions.
Dry the surface of the mattress thoroughly after cleaning. To do this, you can use a hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, or take the product out into the fresh air.

What not to do and why?

When cleaning the surface of a mattress from blood stains, the following is unacceptable:

Simultaneous use of ammonia and bleach. When these substances come into contact with each other, they release chemical vapors that can cause serious harm to the human body.
Treating the problem area with hot water. Exposure to high temperatures causes blood protein to clot, after which its removal becomes impossible or difficult.
Excessive moisture. Excess moisture causes the appearance of fungal microorganisms (mold).
The use of aggressive chemicals, bending the mattress in half, drying near an open fire. All these manipulations lead to damage to the product.
Using brushes with hard bristles, which can significantly damage the fiber structure of the fabric.
Movements during processing from the center to the edge, facilitating the exit of the stain from the boundaries.
Insufficient removal of chemical cleaners from the treated surface, which over time penetrate deep into the fabric and destroy its structure.

Features of removing old stains

The most difficult things to remove from fabric and filling are old, dried and deeply ingrained stains. For this reason, dirt must be removed as soon as it appears.

If blood has penetrated deeply into the material, then to eliminate it it is necessary:

Pre-soak the stain. It is important to use a damp towel rather than pouring on the dirt.
Use products only at room temperature.
Repeat the procedures many times.

The use of aggressive chemicals will not solve the problem, but will only damage the material of the product. It is better to use gentle means, but repeat the manipulations many times. Patience and perseverance here will become the main assistants in caring for the mattress.

Preparatory stage

Preparation for removing blood stains from the surface of the mattress includes several manipulations:

Wet the stain with cold water - soaked blood protein components are removed much easier.
Remove excess liquid with a dry towel, rag or napkin.
Repeat the procedure several times.

As a result, fresh blood stains will disappear completely, and to get rid of old stains you will need to use household chemicals.

Advice! Treating stains should be done from the edge to the middle, avoiding strong pressure, otherwise the stain will increase in size and streaks will appear.

Have you ever removed blood stains from a mattress?
Not really

How to remove a fresh stain?

If a fresh blood stain is discovered, it is necessary to immediately begin its removal in order to prevent deep penetration of ferrous and protein fractions into the textile. Some available remedies will help you get an effective result from cleansing.

Salt

Sodium chloride, which is part of the salt, promotes the destruction of protein compounds in the blood and prevents the oxidation of hemoglobin. Sequence for removing blood stains with salt:

Wet a brush or wet a clean sponge with cold water and scrub the dirty area in a circular motion. To remove small stains, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush. In this way, it will be possible to avoid the occurrence of divorces and expansion of boundaries.
Apply salt to the moistened surface and gently rub its particles.
Cover the treated area with film and leave for 30-40 minutes.
Wash with cold water and dry the cleaned surface, first removing any remaining salt.

Advice! You can remove fresh blood stains with saline solution. To do this, dissolve 35 g of table salt in cold water and apply to the problem area.

Not only the wet, but also the dry method of cleaning using salt helps to get rid of traces of blood:

A completely fresh stain is repeatedly soaked with a dry white cloth until the liquid is completely removed from the surface.
Salt is combined with starch in a ratio of 1:4 and evenly distributed over the contaminated area. The mixture that has absorbed the remaining blood is removed using a brush with soft bristles.

Baking soda

The inorganic chemical compound sodium bicarbonate is a leader in removing contaminants of various origins. To get rid of traces of blood, it is recommended to use a soda solution.

To prepare it, 1 tbsp. l. soda mixed with 1 tsp. cold water. The resulting slurry is applied to the site of contamination and left for 2-3 hours. At the end of cleaning, remove the remaining soda mass with a brush or vacuum cleaner. If necessary, repeat the procedure 1-2 more times.

Important! To clean white material, soda is mixed with lemon juice in a 1:2 ratio; this method allows you to eliminate yellow stains.

Baking soda is also useful when cleaning carpet.

Sea salt

Sea salt will help remove blood stains from the mattress. To do this, you need to perform a number of manipulations:

Gently scrub the stain with a toothbrush soaked in cold water.
Spread sea salt over the contaminated surface and leave for approximately 1 hour.
Remove the salt mass and wipe the treated area with a cloth soaked in cold water.
Soak with a dry towel.
Clean with a vacuum cleaner.

To achieve maximum effect, the procedure is repeated.

Dishwashing liquid

Gel-like dishwashing detergents remove blood stains perfectly. The cleaning process is carried out according to the following algorithm:

To prepare the working composition, 200 ml of cold water is mixed with 1 tbsp. l. product, then beat until foam forms.
Apply the composition to the contaminated area using a brush, cotton pad or sponge and wipe gently.
Wash off any remaining gel and dirt with cold water.
Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Dry the surface by placing the mattress in direct sunlight or using a hairdryer.

Alternatively, cold water can be replaced with ice cubes, wiping the problem area with it before applying the gel.

Important! Dishwashing detergents are ideal for cleaning satin or silk fabrics that have a fine fiber weave.

Hydrogen peroxide

Colorless hydrogen peroxide dissolves well in alcohol tincture, aqueous media and ether. The substance effectively removes blood stains and stains, and also has bleaching properties.

The algorithm for cleaning the surface of a mattress with hydrogen peroxide is as follows:

Soak a fragment of a white napkin or a cotton pad in a peroxide solution (3%).
Wipe the contaminated area in a circular motion.
Repeat the procedure, changing discs/wipes, until the scarlet tint of the foam completely disappears.
Wipe the stain with the solution again and leave for about 10 minutes.

Repeat all manipulations until the treated area is completely whitened.

Potato starch

Cleaning using this substance is carried out as follows:

Dilute 3 bags of potato starch in clean water and rub the mixture into the pre-moistened stain.
After 30 minutes, remove any remaining product using a toothbrush.

If necessary, the manipulations are repeated, but cold lemon juice is used instead of water. At the last stage of cleaning, the stain is blotted with a paper napkin or a dry towel, which eliminates any remaining moisture.

Baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide

A mixture of these three substances helps quickly remove fresh blood stains from the surface. Procedure algorithm:

Mix the components in equal parts and then pour into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the stain, thoroughly saturating its surface.
Leave for 40 minutes to allow the stain to dry.
Apply baking soda to the stain and leave for 2-3 hours to allow the substance to absorb odors.
Remove any remaining baking soda with a brush or vacuum cleaner.

Chalk, ammonia and glycerin

Cleaning using these substances is carried out in the following sequence:

The bottle of glycerin is opened and left in the refrigerator for a few minutes, after which it is applied to the blood stain.
After 30 minutes, brush with a toothbrush and remove remaining moisture with a dry towel or napkin.
The manipulations are repeated 1-2 times.
Apply ammonia to a cotton pad and wipe the problem area with it.
Then sprinkle with crushed chalk and place a napkin on top.
After 30 minutes, all components are removed, and the surface of the mattress is wiped with a slightly damp sponge.

Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide

A mixture made from hydrogen peroxide, corn starch and salt will help remove blood stains from the mattress. Algorithm of actions:

Combine ¼ tbsp. peroxide with 2 tbsp. l. starch and 1 tbsp. l. table salt.
Mix the ingredients until smooth.
Apply to the contaminated area with a sponge and leave for 10 minutes.
Rub lightly, then remove the remaining mass with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Rinse the treated area with cold water and dry thoroughly.

Important! Using a mixture of cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide on mottled surfaces may cause color loss.

The easiest cleaning methods

If you follow this step-by-step guide, you can achieve amazing results in no time. Procedure:

Blot the area of contamination with a thick towel soaked in ice water. Do the procedure several times to soak the blood. Everyone knows that warm or hot water cannot be used.
Read also: Take care of your health by making a kneeling chair with your own hands according to a drawing with dimensions
When the stain becomes lighter, the area needs to be wiped dry to remove any remaining biomaterial. Do not rub vigorously, as the stain will spread too much. The movements should be driving in.
Then wet the towel again with cool water and repeat the manipulations until the dry cloth is clean.

It is important to remember that the presented method is effective for fresh blood traces. For old stains that have already dried out , it will be useless.

How to remove dried dirt?

Old traces of blood are especially problematic to remove. Their particles are absorbed into the weaves of fibers as deeply as possible, simultaneously damaging them. In addition, ferrous and protein compounds are transformed into difficult-to-remove rust.

In this case, compounds with strong bleaching properties will help get rid of dried blood stains.

Aspirin

This drug has the ability to break down the protein structure of the blood. Cleaning using it is carried out as follows:

First, 2-3 tablets are crushed to a powder and dissolved in a glass of water.
The composition is thoroughly mixed and applied to blood marks.
Cover the treated area with a dry, clean cloth or towel.
After 1 hour, the stain is washed with a soap solution, and then with clean water.
At the final stage, the surface of the mattress is thoroughly dried.

Boric acid

This white, colorless substance can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of a solution or powder. Boric acid is characterized by a gentle bleaching effect, as well as the ability to break down proteins into small particles.

The procedure for removing stains using this substance is carried out in stages:

Acid in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. dissolve in a glass of hot water and cool to room temperature.
A cotton pad, napkin or towel is moistened in the resulting product, after which the contaminated fragment of the mattress is covered and lightly pressed.
After complete drying, remove acid residues with a sponge.

Boric acid can be used regardless of the type of fabric: smooth or textured.

Important! Thanks to the effectiveness of boric acid, just one treatment is enough to completely get rid of a blood stain.

Glass cleaning liquid and ammonia

Cleaning the surface of the mattress from blood stains using these products is carried out according to the following algorithm:

The problem area is moistened with glass cleaner, and then carefully treated with a toothbrush.
Soak a cotton pad in ammonia and wipe the surface to be treated with it.
After 10-15 minutes, remove any remaining substances using a slightly moistened sponge.

Lemon acid

A natural bleach such as citric acid will help get rid of blood stains even on snow-white textiles. To do this, you need to perform several steps:

Prepare a working solution:
mix the components until the crystals are completely dissolved in water.
Soak a cloth or cotton pad in the solution, then thoroughly treat the contaminated area.
Cover the problem area with the cloth you are using and leave for 2 hours.
Moisten the material with the solution as it dries.
Repeat the procedure several times until the remaining blood completely disappears.

Important! Citric acid or juice can be fully replaced with table vinegar, which also has a whitening effect.

Read this article to learn how to descale your iron using citric acid.

Chalk, ammonia and glycerin

You can remove a blood stain using these components as follows:

Place an open container with glycerin in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then pour it over the contaminated fragment and leave for 40 minutes.
Clean the surface to be treated with a brush.
Remove excess moisture with a dry towel.
Repeat all manipulations.
Apply ammonia to the stain and sprinkle chalk on top. Press with a napkin and leave for 30 minutes.
Remove any remaining product with a sponge and dry the mattress.

Detergents and bleaches

Household chemicals intended for cleaning woven surfaces from stains and dirt are produced in two versions: for dry and wet use.
Each of the detergent compositions is designed for specific purposes and has a unique formula. To combat blood stains on the surface of the mattress, it is recommended to use oxygen-based bleaches. Such preparations are gentle on the fabric and do not cause discoloration.

Options containing phosphate and chlorine allow you to quickly achieve effective results, but can cause harm to the textile fabric.

Important! After treatment with any detergent, the contaminated surface is rinsed with cold water and dried thoroughly.

Hydrogen peroxide, starch and salt

The product prepared on the basis of these components allows you to obtain an effective result even with severe contamination. Sequence of procedure:

Combine 1 tbsp. l. salt, 50 ml peroxide and 2 tbsp. l. starch.
Gently rub the mixture into the problem area and leave for 30-40 minutes.
Remove dried mass with a brush.

Meat tenderizer

The product is mixed with water in a ratio of 2 tbsp. l./2 tbsp. l. The resulting paste is gently rubbed into the blood stain and left for about 1 hour. Once cleaning is complete, wipe the area of contamination with a damp sponge.

Important! When combined with water, meat tenderizer dissolves blood protein well, making it effective in removing dried-on stains.

Vinegar

To remove old blood stains from a mattress, problem areas are moistened with a 9% solution of vinegar dissolved in water (50 ml per 100 ml). At the final stage, treat the surface with any cleaning agent/detergent.

Vinegar will also help when washing the refrigerator, cleaning the washing machine and microwave.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap is a universal remedy that helps get rid of dirt of various origins on any type of fabric.

Its effectiveness is due to the content of effective natural components:

natural oils,
alkalis,
fatty acids,
salt and glycerin.

To obtain the desired result, use a concentrated soap solution.

Washing from blood stains is performed according to the following algorithm:

Grind a piece of laundry soap on a fine grater.
Add a small amount of warm water to the chips and mix until it becomes a liquid slurry. Then beat the mixture until foam forms.
Using a sponge, apply the mixture to the contaminated area and spread evenly so that the layer thickness is about 2 cm.
The composition is left for 6-7 hours and then washed off with cold water.

Important! If, after cleaning, a yellow stain remains at the site of the blood stain, the procedure should be repeated, and then use one of the household chemicals with a bleaching effect.

Professional cleaners

If traditional recipes do not help, try washing the blood with homemade “chemicals” that contain universal stain removers and bleaches. Measures such as Belly are quite durable, but should be used only in extreme cases, only on white fabrics, taking precautions.

Stain removers that combat dried stains are available under the names:

Beckmann "Expert" Blood and protein stains";
Vanish Gold Oxi Action;
Ecolab StainBlaster Multi Purpose;
Sodasan gel concentrate;
Wide Haiter "Oxygen stain remover".

When choosing a stain remover, make sure that the base consists of protein components that dissolve blood. Always follow the instructions carefully when using stain remover.

Both folk and professional medications should be used with caution. If your bed has an expensive mattress made of natural or orthopedic fillings, it is recommended to use dry cleaning services.

Special preparations

Before you begin removing blood stains, you need to choose the right cleanser.
It should ideally suit the structure of the fabric being treated and not cause harm to it. In addition to self-prepared compositions from improvised means, special chemicals can help you get rid of blood stains. Their use requires compliance with several recommendations:

To remove fresh blood, it is better to use dry cleaning products: powders, pencils, rollers. These products are designed for thick mattresses that are difficult to dry at home.
It is recommended to remove old stains that have become ingrained with gel or liquid formulations. Before using them, moisten the dirt with water.
When using each composition, strictly follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Do not mix different cleaning agents. This technique can provoke a strong chemical reaction and severely damage the tissue structure.
To clean the mattress, use the most gentle chemicals that do not contain toxic components.
Avoid the use of aggressive acids and chlorine.

Modern manufacturers offer several inexpensive drugs that help obtain effective results in the fight against blood stains and stains formed by them.

Dr. beckmann stain remover roller

The oxygen roller has a gentle effect and is suitable for all types of fabric. The product is ideal for removing stubborn stains on dark, light and colored fabrics. Does not contain chlorine and phosphates, intended for treating surfaces made of natural and synthetic fibers.

Sonett spray

This drug contains the following components:

water;
ethanol;
essential oils;
glycerol;
citrate.

Sonett spray is designed to remove stubborn stains. It is acceptable to clean mattresses with a surface made of natural fabrics: satin, silk. When applied to colored fabrics, their color is preserved.

Clean home

The drug is intended for removing and whitening stains of various origins (including blood stains). Thanks to its unique structure, Clean home does not damage textile fibers, perfectly eliminates unpleasant odors and preserves colors. Ideal for use with other cleansing compounds.

Do you trust store-bought stain removers?

Of course not

Folk recipes

Without delay, you can start removing the stain using the products you already have in your home. Since ketchup stains are quite difficult to remove, you will have to work on removing them.

Soap, peroxide and soda

An integrated approach that combines the use of several products at once provides good stain removal efficiency. Restrictions on the use of the recipe - it is suitable for white items, and can discolor the colors of bright fabrics.

Procedure:

moisten the soiled part of the item, squeeze out excess water;
the area with the stain is washed with laundry soap;
leave the thing to lie for a quarter of an hour;
rinse the product in cool water;
pour 1 tbsp into a separate container. l. soda;
pour enough hydrogen peroxide into the soda to form a paste;
Apply soda paste to the affected area using rubbing movements;
leave for half an hour;
washed off.

It is convenient to use an old toothbrush to apply baking soda and peroxide.

Table vinegar and dish gel

The use of table vinegar is effective due to the acid in its composition and can be recommended for white things.

Application procedure:

Moisten the fabric.
Apply dishwashing gel to the ketchup mark.
Leave for a quarter of an hour.
Rinse off the detergent with cool water.
Dilute vinegar with half and half water in a separate container.
Moisten the stained area with vinegar solution.
Leave for 10 minutes to act.
Rinse off with cool water.
Wash the entire product.

Instead of dishwashing gel, bar soap can be used.

Glycerol

The pharmaceutical product can be used undiluted on colored and white items. How to use:

Apply glycerin to the stain, spreading it with a sponge over the entire area affected by ketchup;
wait no more than a minute;
wash the item as usual.

Lemon juice

For things of any color, freshly squeezed lemon juice can be used to remove stains:

Soak the area with ketchup in lemon juice so that the material is moistened on both the front and back sides.
Leave to act for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse the item under running cool water.

If the stain is not completely gone the first time, the procedure can be repeated.

Toothpaste

Any toothpaste that does not contain colored inclusions is selected for processing:

squeeze toothpaste from the tube onto an old toothbrush;
apply the product to the stain, brushing from the edges to the center of the item;
leave for half an hour;
rinse with water;
wash the product.

For items that shed, the toothpaste method is not suitable.

Mattress care and protection methods

Maintaining the good condition of the mattress requires regular care and compliance with a number of simple rules:

turn the product from one side to the other as often as possible;
carry out vacuum cleaning at least once a month;
use the mattress exclusively for sleeping and resting, do not allow food or drinks in bed;
periodically ventilate the product, take it out into fresh air and leave it in the sun;
During operation, use thick covers to protect the surface of the mattress.

Important! To care for your sleeping area, it is recommended to use a steam generator - the device does an excellent job of disinfecting the surface, destroying fungal microorganisms and dust mites.

One of the main advantages of treating a mattress with a steam generator is that there is no need for drying.

Even if all operating recommendations are followed, the surface of the mattress can inadvertently become stained with blood, especially during menstruation. In this case, it is important to choose the right cleaning agent and use it strictly following the instructions. You can find 11 simple recipes for cleaning your mattress from stains and odors at home here.