Get Tough Blood Stains Out Of Your Mattress With An Easy Hydrogen Peroxide Hack

Stains invariably end up on your mattress, especially if you have kids or wily pets, or someone gets sick. Sometimes the stain might originate from a tilted plate of nachos during a particularly exciting video game, but other times, it may be a less savory source, such as blood. Whatever the reason for the blood-stained mattress, one thing is for sure: You likely want it gone lest your mattress look like something from your favorite true crime series. It's time to turn to your medicine cabinet or laundry room, because one popular household agent, hydrogen peroxide, provides an easy way to get tough blood stains out of your mattress.

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic which consists of water combined with an extra molecule of oxygen. Upon exposure to blood, hydrogen peroxide has a chemical reaction spurred by oxidation, breaking down into its core molecules of oxygen and water. The reaction comes from catalase, an enzyme present in blood's hemoglobin. As the hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen, it makes it easy to lift the stain. If a bright red stain mars your mattress, don't fret, as this surprising way to use hydrogen peroxide will help you get it clean once again. 

Hydrogen peroxide is available in a 3% solution at most grocery and drug stores. You can purchase other strengths, but this is one of the most common varieties and is medical-grade. If it's good enough to sanitize surgical tools, it's good enough to fight blood stains. Before you start, prepare the room: Open the windows or ensure there's good ventilation. Next, remove all of your bedding from the stained mattress, then apply a few teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide directly to the blood stain. As it breaks down, you can blot up the bubbles, then let the solution sit for 15 minutes.

After the 15 minutes is up, rinse the stain with a clean microfiber towel treated with cold water. Blot, don't rub, the excess water as much as possible, then let it air dry. You may be tempted to speed up the process with a hair dryer, but avoid doing so, as heat can set in the stain. If you must dry the mattress faster, use a fan to direct cool air on it. Avoid making the bed until the fabric is completely dry as you may trap water in the mattress, which increases the chance of mold. If the stain is particularly tough, you may have to repeat the process. You can also combine 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part dish soap, then follow the same steps. Removing blood from your mattress isn't just about aesthetics and making things look clean — it's also a health consideration.

Leaving blood stains on your mattress can be a health risk if the moisture leads to bacterial and fungal growth. Knowing this, you may think you can skip the hydrogen peroxide and jump right to a stronger fighter — bleach. However, you should avoid using bleach on your mattress at all times, no matter how deep the stain. Bleach can damage the mattress fibers, plus may irritate your lungs if you inhale too much. Using hydrogen peroxide to fight stubborn stains on your mattress is the better, safer choice over risking your health and mattress quality. 

After cleaning the blood stain from your mattress, you can ensure fewer stains in the future plus guard against bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites when you use a mattress protector. With your mattress covered and protected, you can quickly get rid of accumulated stains with a trip to the washing machine.