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If you’re changing your bed sheets for the first time and have discovered a blood stain or spot on your brand-new mattress, don’t panic! With a little know-how and the right ingredients, it is possible to get rid of the stain.
How to get blood stains out of your mattress
Note: It is important that you never use warm or hot water when removing blood from a mattress, as this will cause the stain to set into the fibres of the mattress, making it virtually impossible to remove.
1. Get the vacuum cleaner out
Start by getting all loose dust and fibres off the surface of the mattress. A hand-held vacuum attachment or ‘dust buster’ small vacuum will do this for you quickly and easily. Don’t rub hard with the vacuum as this could lock the stain into the surface.
2. Mix up a paste
Mix together hydrogen peroxide, salt and cornflour. It should be a thick paste that will sit on the surface of the fabric without spreading beyond the stain. These ingredients work to break down the stain.
You’ll need 60g of cornflour, 60ml of hydrogen peroxide and a tablespoon of salt. You should aim for a paste that has the same consistency as toothpaste.
3. Apply that paste
Use a plastic spatula to apply a layer of paste to the mattress, covering the stain. Let it dry completely to allow the salt and hydrogen peroxide to work on the stain.
4. Scrape off the paste
Once it’s completely dry, scrape off the paste and then vacuum to remove any paste powder that’s left. You may have to repeat the process several times for really stubborn stains.
How can you remove blood from a memory foam mattress?
Just like any other mattress, it’s possible to remove blood stains from a foam mattress. In fact, we’ve got tips on how to clean a memory foam mattress.
If your child has a nosebleed, for instance, gently blot up as much of the blood as you can with a tissue before you try to get the stain out. Don’t press too hard, as this will push the blood deeper into the foam.
1. Use cold water
Apply cold water to fresh bloodstains on memory foam mattresses. The trick is to gently blot the area with a damp cloth. Avoid over-soaking the mattress.
2. Dry the mattress
Switching to a dry cloth or tissue, keep blotting gently until the stain disappears. Allow the mattress to dry before putting your bottom sheet back on.
3. If that doesn't work...
Sometimes, water will not be enough to get the stain out. If that’s the case, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain. Leave it for 30 minutes to allow the baking soda to absorb the stain.
4. Remove the baking soda with a damp cloth
Once the baking soda has had a chance to work, dab it off gently with a damp cloth. You may have to repeat this several times to get rid of really stubborn stains.
How to remove blood from bedding
There are several ways to get blood out of bedding:
1. Cold water
Don’t use hot water, as this will ‘fix’ the stain into the material. If you have bloodstains on your sheets, remove them straight away and put them through a cold wash setting.
2. Break out the shampoo
You can combine a cold water wash with a pre-soak of regular shampoo. Use a cloth to dab any liquid from the stain. Rub the shampoo into the stain, and then put it through a cold wash.
3. Window cleaner
Window cleaner? Really? Yes! Window cleaner contains ammonia, which will remove fresh blood from a sheet quickly and easily. Simply spritz it onto the stain and leave it to work and then cold wash thoroughly.
4. Stain removal products
There are a number of specialist stain removal products on the market that will tackle blood. Do check that they are suitable for use on cotton. If you’re not sure, test it on a corner first to make sure it won’t bleach out the colour.
5. White vinegar
White vinegar will also get blood out of fabric. Simply pour it onto the stain, allow it to soak for a while, and then put the bedding through a cold wash.
Should I replace my mattress?
It really depends on how badly stained your mattress is. Bear in mind that heavy soiling or staining could invalidate your warranty. So the best way to avoid that situation is to add a mattress topper to your bed to protect your mattress.
Small stains, if properly dealt with, won’t do any harm to your mattress. Larger stains also won’t do any actual damage, but they are unsightly. At that point, it may be time to think about replacing your mattress. If that isn’t an option or the mattress is relatively new then again, a mattress topper will prolong its lifespan.
To find out more on how often you should replace your mattress and how to clean a mattress, check out our Advice Hub.
