Accidents happen, and when they involve period blood on a mattress, it’s important to act quickly. To remove period blood from a mattress, first remove any excess blood with a cold, damp cloth, then apply a mixture of half water, half hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean cloth. Alternatively, you can create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and once it’s dry, vacuum it up. For stubborn stains, a commercial enzyme cleaner or laundry detergent can be effective, following the instructions on the product. Always finish by blotting the area dry and airing out the mattress to prevent mold and mildew.
Initial Steps to Take
React Quickly to the Stain
The quicker you are to address the blood stain, the better the chances are for complete removal. Fresh blood stains are always easier to deal with than dried ones. Gently scoop or blot up any excess blood from the mattress surface without spreading it further.
Use Cold Water
Always use cold water when dealing with blood stains. Warm or hot water can cause the proteins in the blood to bind to the fabric, setting the stain more permanently into the mattress.
Household Remedies for Removing Blood from a Mattress
Hydrogen Peroxide Method
For a homemade solution, hydrogen peroxide is a go-to remedy. It acts as a natural bleaching agent that breaks down the blood’s structure. Mix it with water in equal parts and apply to the stain. However, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your mattress first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or fade the color.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Baking Soda and Salt
A paste made from baking soda and salt can lift blood stains from your mattress. Mix one part baking soda with two parts cold water and add a sprinkle of salt. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit until it dries, then scrape off the residue and vacuum the area.
Meat Tenderizer Powder
Another unlikely but effective method is meat tenderizer powder, which breaks down proteins. Make a paste with cold water and apply it to the blood stain. Leave it for an hour before wiping away with a damp cloth.
Enzymatic Cleaners
For a commercial solution, enzymatic cleaners can tackle blood stains effectively. They work by breaking down the blood’s protein and structure, making it easy to wipe away.
Dish Soap and Ammonia
A mix of dish soap and ammonia can also be used cautiously. Mix one tablespoon each in two cups of cold water and dab it onto the stain. After a few minutes, blot it up carefully.
Additional Tips for Removing Blood Stains
Do Not Rub the Stain
Always blot or dab at a blood stain instead of rubbing at it, which can push the blood deeper into the mattress materials.
Protect Your Mattress Afterward
Once you’ve successfully cleaned the blood stain, consider protecting your mattress with a washable mattress cover to make future accidents less problematic.
Avoid Heat
Do not use a hairdryer or throw the mattress into direct sunlight to dry it as heat can set any blood that was not completely removed.
Preventing Stains in the First Place
Use a Mattress Protector
A good mattress protector can help prevent blood and other bodily fluids from reaching your mattress. These are often waterproof and machine washable.
Regularly Wash Bedding
Washing your bedding regularly minimizes the chance of transferring stains to the mattress.
Be Prepared
If you’re prone to accidents, especially during your period, be proactive. Have cleaning supplies on hand and consider using dark-colored sheets to help mask stains.
Finishing Thoughts
Removing period blood from a mattress might seem daunting, but with the right materials and techniques, it’s certainly doable. Remember to act quickly, use cold water, and blot instead of rubbing to prevent the stain from settling further into the mattress material. For stubborn stains, don’t hesitate to try a few different methods; sometimes a combination of treatments is necessary to fully remove the blood. Regular maintenance, such as using a protective cover and washing bed sheets often, can help to keep your mattress in top condition and free of stains.
