How to get period blood out of your mattress
We’ve all been there: frantically Googling ‘how to get blood out of a mattress’ after a night of heavy flow and failed period care products (before discovering Modibodi, of course!). But besides changing the sheets at lightning speed, how can you actually get rid of it?
We’ve scoured the web to bring you our top tips for getting your mattress looking brand new after period leaks.
The method: how to remove blood stains from your mattress
Sometimes an oldie but a goodie is exactly what you need. In this case, it seems the ‘old wives’ tales’ knew their stuff.
A gentle first step, especially if your stain is fresh, is to use everyday pantry items like baking soda and vinegar.
BAKING SODA
Ingredients:
- One part baking soda
- 2 parts cold water
Method:
Mix the water and baking soda in a bowl, then dab onto the stain (don’t rub) with a clean cloth.
Let it sit for half an hour, then dampen the cloth and dab again. Vacuum any excess residue and allow your mattress to air dry. Done.
VINEGAR
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 50% cold water
- 50% white vinegar
Method:
Dab stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any surface fluid. Fill a clean spray bottle with a mix of 50% water and 50% white vinegar. Sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of baking soda over the stain, then spray the vinegar and water mix onto the area. Again, let it sit for half an hour, vacuum any surface residue, then dab again with a damp clean cloth and allow it to air dry.
The method: how to remove dried blood stains
Okay, if you’re already wearing your period undies but have a dried blood stain to deal with, things can be a bit trickier. Give this recipe a go for tough-to-remove stains:
PEROXIDE, STARCH & SALT
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (buy this at the chemist)
- ½ cup of cornstarch
- One tablespoon of salt
Method:
Mix hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch and salt into a paste in a mixing bowl and apply to the stain. Leave to sit for half an hour. Grab an old soft toothbrush and brush gently over the mixture. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the mixture to remove excess liquid, then allow the mattress to air dry.
MEAT TENDERISER (yes, really)
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon of meat tenderiser
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
Method:
Combine meat tenderiser and water in a mixing bowl, then apply the mixture to the stain and leave it to sit until it’s dry (the enzymes in the meat tenderiser break down the proteins in the dried blood).
Once it’s totally dry, vacuum the powder residue from the stain.
How to avoid leaks on your period
There you have it! Not all is lost when you wake up and find a blood stain – simply follow one of these methods for how to get period blood out of your bed.
And before your next period, stock up on our range of leak-proof Modibodi underwear to help avoid another accident. For the ultimate peace of mind, try our Heavy-Overnight or Maxi absorbency styles to protect your sheets and keep you feeling secure, dry and leak-proof on your period.
Our Heavy-Overnight style has a lining that extends to the back waistband, which is perfect for back sleepers. While our most absorbent Maxi styles (which hold up to 50ml) have a lining from the front to back waistband, so you can comfortably sleep on your front, back, tummy or side without leaking.