If you have a period, chances are you’ve woken up to a blood-stained mattress at some point. It happens. Even with your heaviest pad, thickest PJs or the old towel-under-the-sheets trick—sometimes blood leaks through. If you don’t have a mattress protector (tip for next time!), don’t worry. We’ve got your back with this guide to getting blood stains out of your mattress. Let’s get into it.
1. Strip the Bed
Remove all pillows, duvet covers, sheets—everything. It’s best to tackle the whole mattress rather than just spot-clean the stain, especially if it's spread or left a mark.
2. Get the Vacuum Out
Using the upholstery attachment if you have one, vacuum off any loose dust, debris or crumbs from the mattress surface. Pay extra attention to seams and corners—mattresses aren’t always flat, and blood can settle in creases.
3. Tackle the Stains
Mix a gentle solution of cold water and mild soap or baking soda. Always use cold water—hot water sets blood stains. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot (don’t scrub!) the stained area. Repeat if needed. For more stubborn, dried-in stains, try a mix of cold water and a splash of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide—but do a patch test first, especially on delicate fabrics.
Once the stain lifts, blot the area again with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.
4. Deodorise and Refresh
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the entire mattress. Let it sit for a few hours—overnight if you can. This helps neutralise odours and absorbs any lingering moisture. Then, vacuum it up.
(Note: Not all mattresses respond well to baking soda. Always check your mattress care label before trying this step.)
5. Let It Breathe
Open the windows and let some fresh air in. A few hours of ventilation can help with drying and getting rid of any lingering smells.
6. Flip the Mattress
If your mattress is double-sided, flip it. Regularly rotating or flipping your mattress helps it wear evenly and last longer.
And there you have it—a fresh, stain-free mattress, no shame necessary. Period leaks happen. Next time, consider using a mattress protector (or one of our period pants for extra overnight peace of mind).
Got questions or your own leak survival stories? We’d love to hear them. Drop us a line at customercare@wearemooncup.com.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
