How to Remove Blood from a Mattress

The Logic Verdict

My Take: The cleaner shows a two-stage process: first flood the stain with 6% hydrogen peroxide, scoop the foam until fizzing stops, then mist peroxide plus a touch of household ammonia, cover with a white towel, and press a steam iron on low to transfer the dissolved blood. He proves patience in step 1 and gentle steam in step 2 lift even dark, set-in stains without soaking the foam core.

The Science

Blood stains are mostly protein and iron-rich hemoglobin. Six percent hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the heme ring so the pigment becomes colorless and water-soluble. A splash of ammonia temporarily raises pH, helping peroxide break down organic matter faster. Steam heat drives the loosened residue into an absorbent towel, and because peroxide and ammonia both evaporate cleanly, they leave no crunchy residue behind—so long as you keep temperatures below roughly 140 °F to avoid “cooking” the proteins.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Set the scene. Strip bedding, slide a trash bag or plastic sheeting under the spot, and open a window or run a fan for ventilation. Patch-test peroxide on a hidden seam so you know the fabric won’t lighten.
2. Step 1 – Peroxide dwell. Apply a few drops or light sprays of 6% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. It will foam; scoop away the foam with a spoon or blot with a white towel, then add more peroxide. Reapply every 10–15 minutes until the fizzing stops and the stain looks dramatically lighter (set stains may take 60–90 minutes).
3. Step 2 – Peroxide + ammonia + steam. Mist the stain with peroxide, follow with a light mist of household ammonia, lay a clean white towel on top, then press a steam iron set to low/medium for 20–30 seconds. Lift, move to a clean section of towel, and repeat until the discoloration transfers completely.
4. Erase halos. If a faint ring remains, lightly mist around the perimeter with peroxide, add a touch of ammonia, and repeat the towel/iron press until the edge blends with the rest of the mattress ticking.
5. Rinse & blot. Mist with plain water to dilute leftover chemistry and blot with a dry towel. Continue until the fabric feels barely damp.
6. Dry thoroughly. Aim a fan at the area or prop the mattress upright so air moves through the foam. Finish by vacuuming the dried spot to re-fluff the surface and add a waterproof protector before remaking the bed.

What NOT To Do

• Skip boiling water or high-heat irons—heat sets protein stains permanently.
• Don’t drench the mattress core; trapped moisture leads to mildew.
• Never combine ammonia with chlorine bleach (toxic chloramine gas).
• Avoid colored towels or microfiber pads that could bleed dye or melt under steam.

Resources

• 6% Hydrogen Peroxide (Amazon)
• Household Ammonia (Amazon)
• Fine-Mist Spray Bottles (Amazon)
• White Cotton Towels (Amazon)
• Steam Clothing Iron (Amazon)
• Waterproof Mattress Protector (Amazon)