Enzyme cleaner
Digests dried blood proteins without soaking the mattress.
View on AmazonHow to Get Blood Out of a Mattress (Fresh or Dried)
A mattress cannot be washed, so you have to lift the blood out with as little liquid as possible. The rule is always the same: cold water only, and blot instead of rubbing.
Difficulty:
Medium
Quick Facts
Time Needed30-60 minutes
Success Rate90% on fresh stains
Key TipCold water only
Stain TypeProtein
Quick Answer
In short: Blot with a cold damp cloth, apply a paste of baking soda, salt and cold water (or hydrogen peroxide on a white mattress), leave it 30 minutes, blot, then let the mattress dry completely.
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
1
Blot with cold water
Dampen a cloth with cold water and dab the stain from the outside in. Switch to a clean part of the cloth each time. Use as little water as possible: water that reaches the foam will spread the stain.
Important: Hot water and steam set blood permanently. Keep everything cold.
2
Apply a paste
Mix 1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons baking soda and a little cold water into a paste. Spread it over the stain and leave it 30 minutes.
3
Hydrogen peroxide on white mattresses
Spray or dab 3% hydrogen peroxide on the stain. It foams as it lifts the blood. Blot after 5 minutes. Test it on a hidden corner first.
4
Enzyme cleaner for dried stains
For an old stain, spray an enzyme cleaner, leave it for the time on the label, then blot. Repeat if needed.
Tip: Scrape dried blood gently with a spoon or blunt knife before treating to remove the crust.
5
Rinse lightly and dry
Dab with a cloth dampened with cold water to remove any residue, then press a dry towel on the spot. Let the mattress dry fully with a fan before remaking the bed.
Recommended Products
What actually works for this stain
3% hydrogen peroxide
Fast treatment for fresh blood on white mattresses.
View on AmazonWaterproof mattress protector
Keeps future stains off the mattress entirely.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Home Remedy
Meat Tenderizer Paste (for old stains)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned meat tenderizer
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Method:
- Mix into a paste
- Spread it on the dried stain
- Leave 30-60 minutes
- Scrape off and blot with a cold damp cloth
- Let dry completely
Why it works: Unseasoned meat tenderizer contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins such as blood. It is a good backup when you have no enzyme cleaner.
Not sure what stain it is?
Snap a photo with the free Stain Solutions app and get the right treatment in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get old dried blood out of a mattress?
Scrape off the crust, then use an enzyme cleaner or the meat tenderizer paste, followed by hydrogen peroxide on white fabric. Repeat until the mark stops fading.
Will hydrogen peroxide bleach my mattress?
It can lighten colored covers. On a white cover it is generally safe. Always test on a hidden spot and blot the excess.
How do I get period blood out of a mattress?
Blot with cold water right away, then use the salt and baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide. Use an enzyme cleaner for older stains.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
Yes, a portable extractor used with cold water works well. It removes the liquid instead of leaving it in the foam.
How do I stop the stain from coming back after drying?
A brown ring after drying means blood is still in the foam. Treat again with the enzyme cleaner and use less water on each pass.
