Blood contains a large amount of protein and, for this reason, the stains it creates are particularly difficult to remove. To eliminate them from a mattress, it is necessary to absorb the excess part and proceed with a thorough cleaning of the area. It is also important to let the mattress dry completely, as if it remains damp it can quickly mold.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Absorbing the Excess Blood
Step 1. Free the bed
To remove the stains, you need to access the mattress directly. Then, remove the pillows, comforters, duvets, sheets, and whatever else is on the bed. Move the cheek pads and ornaments so they don't get in your way as you clean.
In case of blood, pre-treat the sheets, pillows, quilt, and other washable linens with an enzymatic cleaner or stain remover. Let the product sit for about 15 minutes, then wash everything in the washing machine
Step 2. Blot the affected area with a damp cloth
Wet a clean cloth with cold water. Squeeze it out so it doesn't drain and is just wet. Press it on the blood patch and swab the area to soak it. Do not rub, otherwise you risk getting blood into the mattress fibers.
Use only cold water, as hot water can set the stain and complicate the removal process
Step 3. Blot with a dry cloth
Once you have moistened the stained area, use another rag to blot and absorb the excess blood. Continue until the area is dry and the cloth no longer catches blood. Do not scrub or the stain may go deeper.
Step 4. Repeat the two operations
Wet the cloth with cold water. Squeeze it so it doesn't dripping. Dab it again on the stained area to moisten it. Then, wipe it with a dry rag and pat it to absorb as much water and blood as possible until the area is dry.
Keep alternating between a damp and dry cloth until the latter no longer absorbs traces of blood
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Stain
Step 1. Create a cleaning solution
You can try various cleaning solutions to remove blood stains from a mattress. Hydrogen peroxide bleach or an enzymatic cleaner are the best choices, because they are products specifically designed to break down proteins of organic origin, such as those found in the blood. Among other cleaning solutions to try consider:
- 118 ml of liquid detergent diluted with 30 ml of water. Shake until foamy.
- One part of baking soda diluted with two parts of cold water.
- 55 g of corn starch combined with 20 g of salt and 60 ml of hydrogen peroxide. Stir until you get a paste.
- 15 ml of ammonia diluted with 240 ml of cold water.
- 13 g of meat tenderizer diluted with 10 ml of cold water. Stir to create a paste.
Step 2. Moisten the stained area with the cleaner
If it's liquid, apply it to a clean cloth and wring out the excess. Blot the stain until it becomes impregnated. If you are using a paste, use a knife or finger to apply it to the soiled area in sufficient quantities to completely cover it.
- If you have a memory foam mattress, it shouldn't get wet, so only apply the cleanser as much as you need to moisten the affected area.
- Do not spray the liquid cleaner directly on the mattress. Mattresses are made of very absorbent materials, so if the liquid doesn't dry properly, it could ruin the fibers or cause mold problems.
Step 3. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes
This will give her time to soak into the stain and break down the proteins, making it easier to clean.
Step 4. Rub the area to weaken the stain
After half an hour, scrub the cleaner into the soiled area with a clean toothbrush. You can also use a cloth to blot the area several times. The stain should begin to disintegrate and disappear as you scrub or tampon.
Step 5. Absorb excess blood and cleanser
Wet a cloth with cold water. Squeeze it so it doesn't dripping. Dab it on the area you just cleaned to remove any blood and product residue that may still be on the mattress.
Keep blotting until all traces of paste, cleanser and blood are gone
Step 6. Blot the area with a clean rag
With a cool, dry cloth, blot the area one last time to remove moisture. Place it on the spot you treated and press with both hands to exert some pressure and absorb moisture.
Part 3 of 3: Protect the Mattress
Step 1. Allow the mattress to air dry
Once the stain is gone, leave the mattress uncovered for several hours to allow it to dry. The ideal would be to expose it to the air all night. In this way, you will make sure that no traces of humidity remain inside and you will prevent it from becoming moldy. To speed up drying times, you can:
- Point a fan in the direction of the mattress and turn it on at maximum speed.
- Open the curtains to dry in the sunlight.
- Open a window to encourage air circulation in the bedroom.
- Take it outside for a few hours to dry in the sun and fresh air.
- Use a wet vacuum cleaner to extract the water.
Step 2. Vacuum the bed
When the mattress is completely dry, vacuum the entire surface to remove excess dust and other debris. With regular cleaning you will be able to keep it looking like new for longer. Mount the upholstery brush and vacuum along the top, bottom, sides and seams.
Step 3. Put on a mattress cover
It is a waterproof coating that protects the bed in case of spills, stains and other accidents. For example, if something spills, the cover acts as a barrier preventing the mattress from getting wet.
It is not difficult to clean the mattress cover. If it gets dirty or stained, follow the washing instructions. Some are machine washable, while others can be cleaned with a damp cloth
Step 4. Make the bed
Once the mattress is dry, clean and lined, put on the sheets, blankets and pillows you normally use. The bedding will also help protect it from sweat, dust, and skin residue.
