Remove Period Blood Stains From Mattress

Blood, painful cramps and a general unwell feeling are all awful period symptoms. Blood stains in the bed can be a real nuisance when you are already feeling sick. It is very common for these to appear, so you should know how to remove them. It can be a real pain if they get to a valuable piece of furniture, such as – your mattress.

No need to worry! Period stains can be easily cleaned up.

These tips will not only help with period blood but also any other type of blood. You can use these tips for nose bleeds, or even a nasty cut.

Here are some general tips to remember before we begin:

• You may think that hot water will help remove the blood stain. This will actually set the stain.
• The sooner you take action, the better. Fresh-period blood stains are easier to remove, but if they’re left to set, they can become more difficult to remove.
• Do not overwet the mattress or soak it in water. This can cause mould and mildew.
• Some of the methods below will require harsh chemicals. It’s best to wear rubber gloves and keep the area well-ventilated.
• After the stain has been removed, dab the area with water to remove any remaining chemical residue. After that, make sure the area is completely dry.
• While it is easy to remove blood stains, there is no guarantee that any one method will work. It may be necessary to test out multiple techniques before you find the one that works best for you.

  How to Remove Period Blood from a Mattress

  Remove all bedding and sheets from your mattress before you try any of these methods. Put any sheets stained with blood in the washing machine and use an enzyme-based soap to wash them. Use the following methods to remove any remaining stains after washing.

  Initial Preparations:

  Use paper towels and rubber gloves to absorb as much blood as possible. Rubbing will spread the stain, making it worse.

  Try blotting the blood with cold water. It can be used for lighter or smaller stains. Remove any excess water with a paper towel. You can try these methods if this does not work. These chemicals are more powerful and have a proven track record for removing even the toughest stains.

  Safety is the most important thing. Wearing chemical-proof gloves is a great idea, as well as opening all windows. Some of the chemicals below, such as ammonia and bleach, are corrosive and can cause skin irritation. Be careful and deliberate when using the following methods.

  Option 1: Ammonia + Water

  Materials needed:
  • Ammonia or glass cleaner
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Paper towel/cloth
  • Gloves
  • Vacuum
  • Fan

  Ammonia mixed with water seems to be the best method for removing blood stains on mattresses. Ammonia is readily available in hardware stores or can be purchased 99% pure. Glass cleaners also contain ammonia. If you have only glass cleaner, feel free to substitute it in the mixture. Mixing ammonia and bleach can create a toxic gas that is deadly or harmful to breathe.

  Add equal parts of ammonia and water to a container or bowl. It’s important to use less ammonia than you might think. You might end up with a ring in your mattress if you use too much ammonia.

  Step 1: Dip a paper towel or cloth in the mixture, and dab the blood stain. Dabbing or blotting helps to break down the stain and transfer the blood stain on the towel or cloth.

  Step 2: After you’ve removed the stain or lightened it, use pure ammonia. The circle may have formed due to ammonia spreading on the mattress surface. You will want to remove the outer edges. You should soon see the stain lift.

  Step 3: Dab as much liquid off the mattress, and let it dry out in the open with a fan pointing towards it. Use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac that has attachments to remove the liquid from the mattress. Voila!

  

  Option 2: Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) + Baking Soda + Dish Soap + Spray Bottle

  Materials needed:

  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • Baking soda
  • Dish soap
  • Spray bottle
  • Gloves
  • Paper towel/cloth
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Fan
  • Vacuum

  They are even more effective when mixed together. When combined, hydrogen peroxide and soda create an exothermic chemical reaction. This reaction produces a mixture that bubbles and is able to cut through minerals and tough grease. It will only be needed for the blood from the period, so you won’t need much to remove it.

  Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons baking soda, 8 oz/cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 drop of liquid soap to a spray bottle. Stir it to make sure it’s evenly mixed, and then spray it on the mattress. Less is more, just like the other methods.

  Step 2: Apply the mixture only directly on top of any period blood stain. Wait 30 minutes to allow the mixture time to penetrate the stain. Add 1 tsp lemon juice if you need a stronger solution. Lemon can bleach coloured mattresses.

  Step 3: Use a paper towel or cloth after about 30 minutes to remove as much stain as you can. The stain may need to be removed in several rounds. Spray, wait, then dab. You can also dab the area with cold water as a final step to remove any excess chemicals. Then, let the mattress air dry.

  Option 3: Combine 2 parts cold water with 1 part bleach and 2 tbsp of white vinegar.

  Materials needed:

  • Small bowl
  • Cold water
  • Bleach
  • White vinegar
  • Brush
  • Paper towel/cloth
  • Gloves

  The mixture also contains powerful ingredients that remove stains. If you have a coloured mattress, avoid bleach because it can discolour the fabric.

  Step 1: To prepare your mixture, mix together 2 parts of cold water, one part bleach and two tablespoons of white vinegar in a small bowl. Then, make sure it’s completely mixed. Inhaling ammonia or bleach can be dangerous. Open all windows and run a fan.

  Step 2: Apply the mixture to the area and dab the stain up after 5 minutes. Use a brush or a sponge to make sure the mixture is evenly absorbed and reaches every stain particle.

  Option 4: Use equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide to iron the area.

  Materials needed:

  • Water
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Iron
  • Paper towel/cloth just in case

  Step 1: Pour a small amount of cold water on the stain, and allow it to soak. Drop some hydrogen peroxide on the stain, and then rub it in. Allow this to sit for about 5 minutes.

  Step 2: Heat up your iron, and quickly go over the affected area. Avoid ironing the area too long, as excessive heat can damage either the mattress cover or worse, the core. Repeat this process as necessary.

  It is possible that this method will need to be combined together with the methods above. This method has the advantage that iron can help turn water into steam, which evaporates quickly. The drying time will be reduced.

  

  Option 5: Ice

  Materials needed:

  • Ice cubes
  • A paper towel or cloth

  The use of ice is a simple, non-chemical way to remove fresh or light bloodstains from the mattress. The ice can remove the majority of the stain, but may not be able to remove any residue. If you use ice, the stain may spread and create a ring on your mattress as the blood mixes and spreads. Use as little ice and water as possible. Wipe away excess water often.

  Be Prepared

  Mattresses are costly, so it is worth protecting them and having them last as long as it can. A quality waterproof mattress protector will ensure that you never have to worry about stains. Our guide on the best mattress protectors will help you find one that is a good shield against spills.

  Now, go and conquer even the most stubborn bloodstains!