How do you get blood out of a mattress? The guide for fresh and old stains

Achaté team

February 9, 2026 4

How do you get blood out of a mattress? The guide for fresh and old stains

A nosebleed, a scratched-open wound or your period: blood in bed is a common little accident. Still, many people panic when they see a red stain on their white mattress. Blood is known as one of the trickiest stains to remove, but that reputation isn't entirely deserved. If you use the right technique and avoid one specific mistake, your mattress can often still be saved.

Are you wondering: how do you get blood out of a mattress without leaving rings behind? In this article we explain the chemistry behind the stain and give you a step-by-step plan for both fresh and dried-in bloodstains.

The golden rule: NEVER use warm water

Before you run to the kitchen for a cloth, you need to know this: for bloodstains, always use cold water.

Blood consists largely of proteins (haemoglobin). When these proteins come into contact with heat (lukewarm or hot water), they start to clot. This process is called coagulation. The blood then bonds permanently to the fibres of your mattress cover. Once you've used warm water, there's a good chance you'll never get the stain out. Cold water keeps the blood liquid, so you can dilute it and blot it up.

Step-by-step plan: removing a fresh bloodstain

Are you on it straight away? Then you're in luck. Fresh blood is relatively easy to remove because it hasn't yet soaked into the deeper layers of the mattress.

Step 1: blot (don't rub)

Immediately grab a clean, dry cloth or kitchen paper. Press firmly on the stain to absorb as much moisture as possible. Don't rub; that smears the stain and pushes the blood deeper into the mattress.

Step 2: cold water

Wet a clean cloth with ice-cold water (or use an ice cube). Gently blot the stain. You'll see the blood dilute and soak into the cloth. Keep using a clean part of the cloth to avoid rubbing the blood back in.

Step 3: salt to the rescue

Is a stain still visible? Make a paste of cold water and a generous amount of table salt. Spread it on the stain and let it soak in. Salt is highly absorbent and draws the moisture (and the pigment) out of the fabric. Once it's dry, you can vacuum up the salt.

How do you get old blood out of a mattress?

A dried-in stain is trickier. The blood has oxidised and bonded to the fabric. Still, there are products that can loosen the stain.

Method 1: baking soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a safe product that can lighten stains and neutralise odours.

Lightly dampen the stain with cold water.
Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda on the stain.
Leave it for a few hours (or overnight).
Brush or vacuum away the powder.

Method 2: shampoo or ox gall soap

A mild shampoo or ox gall soap can work wonders. These products are designed to break down proteins without damaging the fabric. Massage it in with a damp cloth, let it soak in for a moment and blot it away again with a clean, wet cloth.

Method 3: enzymes (Biotex)

For really stubborn old blood, you need a cleaner with enzymes, such as Biotex (the green variety). Enzymes are able to break down the protein structure of the blood, which makes the stain dissolve. Make a soapy solution and blot it onto the stain.

Machine cleaning: the hygienic solution

The downside of cleaning by hand is that you often push moisture into the mattress. Because a mattress is thick, it dries slowly, which can lead to mould growing in the filling.

For a truly hygienic result, a spot cleaner (spray extraction machine) such as the Achaté Spot Cleaner is the best choice.

Rinsing and suction: The machine sprays cold water into the stain and immediately sucks it back up powerfully. This way you actually rinse the blood out of the fibres instead of just diluting it.
Drier result: Because most of the moisture is sucked away immediately, the mattress dries much faster and you prevent rings.

Tip: For blood, always use cold water in the spot cleaner, possibly with a little special cleaning agent.

What you should absolutely not do

To avoid damaging your mattress, steer clear of these products and actions:

Chlorine or bleach: This is too aggressive for your mattress cover and can damage the fibres or leave yellow stains.
Heat: No warm water, but also don't use a hairdryer to dry the spot. The heat of the hairdryer can still set the last traces of blood into the fabric.

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