Cleaning a Memory Foam Mattress After Blood Spills

2023-01-08 00:10:53 - Patrick Gruce Patrick Gruce is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the tech and media industries, offering unique insights on the intersection of technology, media, and legal/regulatory issues through his background in journalism and law.

Last Modified: 21 December 2022

Almost a third of your life is spent in bed, which is a fact you probably already know. Consider what your mattress endures over that long period of time. Quite a lot And, let's face it, mishaps are possible.

Learning how to get rid of blood stains on a mattress is useful whether you got a cut or scab, your kid hopped on the bed with a bloody nose, or Aunt Flo showed up when you least expected her to.

In this article, we will discuss easy methods for removing blood stains from mattresses, as well as suggestions for routine mattress maintenance to avoid future mishaps.

An Outline For Cleaning Up The Blood On Your Memory Foam Mattress

  • Hold your nerve Blood stains should be removed with cold water, as hot water can permanently set the stain.
  • Use a dab rather than a rub Scrubbing can make the stain worse because it spreads.
  • If you need a more powerful cleaner, grab it. You can remove blood stains from your mattress by using either an enzymatic cleaner or ammonia.
  • It's best to prevent stains before they happen. There are many reasons to invest in a mattress protector.
Woman pressing down on a clean memory foam mattress

Let's take a look at some helpful hints before we dive into all the cleaning supplies you'll need to remove blood stains from your mattress.

The primary consideration is to Use only cold water. Hot or warm water can permanently set the stain, making the situation worse. The use of cold water will aid in the removal of the stain.

Consequentially, always Instead of rubbing, try dabbing For the most part, this is the case when attempting to remove stains from a mattress, such as those caused by dirt, sweat, or urine. Rubbishing a stain only makes matters worse by spreading it.

Remove the sheets and pillows from the bed so they can be washed separately. When your bed is free of all bedding, you can begin the process of removing a blood stain from the mattress.

Baking soda for removing blood stains from mattress

We advise taking it easy at first if the stain can be treated immediately. As a first resort, you can use cold water, as blood is soluble in it. Use a cloth dampened in cold water to dab at the stain until it disappears; just be careful not to soak the mattress.

The use of baking soda can help remove stubborn stains. Here's how to get rid of blood stains on a mattress with baking soda:

  • As we mentioned above, you should first dab the stain with cold water. The key is to remove as much moisture from the stain as you can before cleaning it.
  • Then, after waiting for at least 30 minutes, sprinkle a lot of baking soda on the stain and let it sit. Baking soda is an excellent all-natural dehumidifier.
  • Finally, remove the baking soda by scrubbing it with a (cold) damp cloth.
  • If the stain persists, repeat the process as many times as necessary.

Mattresses stained with dried blood may be more difficult to clean than you think. We advise using a combination of salt and hydrogen peroxide on particularly difficult blood stains.

Hydrogen peroxide in its full strength can be used, but if poured directly onto a memory foam mattress, it will simply soak through all of the layers and take forever to dry. Make a paste that can be used to remove the stain instead. How? Read on!

  • Make a paste out of a half cup of corn starch, half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a tablespoon of salt. It's up to you to get the right consistency, but it shouldn't be much thicker than toothpaste.
  • Be sure to dampen the blood stain with cold water before applying the paste.
  • Use a spoon, spatula, or a soft-bristled toothbrush to spread the paste over the entire stain.
  • Leave it alone for about 30 minutes. As the paste dries, the hydrogen peroxide will begin to fizz.
  • Repeat blotting with a clean, damp cloth to remove the stain and the hydrogen peroxide solution once the bubbling stops.
  • Don't put any bedding back on the mattress until it has had a chance to air out completely.

One of the most common causes of mattress stains is menstrual blood, but there's no need to feel shame about it. Fortunately, it can be easily cleaned up if you act quickly enough. Make a paste of half a cup of cornstarch, half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a tablespoon of salt to remove a period stain. Use cold water to dampen the stain, and then apply the paste. Wait about 30 minutes for the bubbling to begin. Dabbing the stain with a clean, damp cloth after the hydrogen peroxide bubbles have stopped will remove the stain and the solution.

Bucket and cleaning supplies for a memory foam mattress

While the do-it-yourself methods we discussed are useful in a pinch, nothing beats having a commercial cleaner on hand. Additional mattress stain removal options, as well as one to avoid, are provided below.

Biodegradable Cleaners

There is a good chance that the fabric cleaners you find in the supermarket's laundry section are enzymatic cleaners. The stain can be broken down by using these common solutions, making removal simpler. Seek out an enzymatic cleaner labeled for use on upholstery, fabrics, or mattresses. So you can rest assured it won't cause any additional harm. Don't spray or pour directly onto your mattress; rather, blot the area with a towel or rag. Afterwards, use a vacuum to get rid of any dust or debris that may have settled after letting it air dry.

Ammonia

Another potent cleaner that can be useful for tough stains is ammonia. In this method, you'll combine one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of cold water (a little goes a long way). ) Use a towel dipped in the ammonia solution to blot the spill. It should be done again and again until the stain disappears.

If you're going to try this at home, make sure to protect your hands and open a window.

Tenderizer, or Meat

Meat tenderizer, yes, the same seasoning blend you use to make your steaks more delicious, can be used to break down the proteins in blood. Make a paste from the meat tenderizer and cold water, then pat it onto the stain to see if it helps. Leave covered for an hour. After that, wipe it off with a dry towel.

Cola

Many people claim to have had success using Coca-Cola or another carbonated cola on blood stains, but this is not necessarily the case. Strange as it sounds, does it actually work? It is believed that cola's carbonation and phosphoric acid can effectively remove stains. While we haven't put it to the test, we have heard from many sources that it effectively removes blood stains from linens and clothing. However, since you can't give a memory foam mattress a thorough cleaning afterward, we don't advise trying this method.

Marc's Tip

Never, ever, ever put new bedding on a damp mattress without first letting it air out for several days. If you need some fresh air, crack a window or set up a fan. If you can take the mattress outside, sunlight can also be used.

However, there are measures you can take to safeguard your mattress and extend its life span between cleanings.

First things first, you should get a good mattress protector. An additional barrier against accidents, stains, and spills, a mattress protector is a must. Our GhostProtector mattress protector is made with a durable waterproof layer beneath a cozy knit top that allows for silent, comfortable ventilation.

Another layer you can add to your mattress is a topper, which is what you might want to consider. Because of their porous nature, traditional mattress toppers aren't as protective as mattress protectors, but the two can work together for maximum protection. Comfortable gel memory foam and a watertight cover are both included in the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper, making it a convenient one-stop shop.

Now that you know how to clean a mattress and get rid of even the most stubborn blood stains, let us help you put together a GhostBed bedroom set. Read on for some of our most recommended items to keep your mattress clean and give you a better night's rest.

Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Dr. Marc Werner

GhostBed's Founder

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Marc, who had three operations on his neck, understood what it was like to suffer from chronic pain. After exhausting his options for a properly supportive pillow and mattress in 2001, he decided to try something new. Learn More

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