How Do You Get Dog Pee Out Of a Mattress? Step‑by‑Step Guide & FAQ

If you’re searching “How Do You Get Dog Pee Out Of a Mattress”, you probably just discovered a fresh accident—or a lingering smell that won’t go away. The good news: with the right steps, you can usually remove both the stain and the odor without damaging your mattress.

Below you’ll find a clear, FAQ-style guide to handling fresh and old dog urine stains, plus answers to common questions about drying, smells, and protecting your bed in the future.

What’s the Best First Step When Dog Pee Gets on a Mattress?

Acting quickly makes a big difference. The sooner you respond, the less likely the urine is to soak deep into the mattress.

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove all bedding and washable layers. Wash them separately in warm water with detergent and, if needed, an odor-removing booster.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry cloths or paper towels to blot up as much urine as possible. Press firmly; avoid scrubbing, which can push the liquid deeper into the foam or padding.

  3. Check how far it spread
    Lightly press the mattress around the wet area. If it feels damp beyond the stain, you may need to treat a slightly larger area than it looks.

How Do You Get Dog Pee Out Of a Mattress (Complete Cleaning Method)?

This method works for fresh stains and can help with older stains too.

Step 1: Apply a Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Mix a simple solution:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 1–2 parts cool water
  • A small amount of mild liquid soap (optional)

Lightly spray or pour the solution onto the affected area, just enough to wet the stain but not soak the entire mattress. Vinegar helps neutralize urine odor and break down some of the residues.

  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  • Blot again with dry cloths to remove as much liquid as possible.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Draw Out Moisture and Odor

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda directly over the damp area.

  • Gently pat it so it contacts the surface.
  • Leave it for at least 8 hours, and ideally overnight, so it can absorb moisture and smell.

Step 3: Vacuum Thoroughly

Once the baking soda is completely dry and clumpy:

  • Vacuum it up slowly, using an upholstery attachment if available.
  • Go over the area more than once to remove all residue.

If light odor remains, you can repeat the process. Persistent smells may need more than one treatment, especially if the pee has been there for a while.

How Do You Remove Old or Dried Dog Pee Stains?

Dried stains have already set into the mattress fibers, so they can be more stubborn.

  1. Re-wet the area with the vinegar-and-water solution to help break down dried residues.
  2. Let it sit slightly longer—15–30 minutes—before blotting.
  3. Apply baking soda and leave it overnight.
  4. Vacuum thoroughly.

If an odor still lingers, some people use an additional enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine. These are formulated to help break down urine compounds that cause odor. Always:

  • Test the cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
  • Follow the instructions on the label.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress.

Will the Smell Ever Fully Go Away?

In many cases, yes, especially if you treat the accident quickly and allow the mattress to dry completely.

Lingering odors are often due to:

  • Urine soaking deep into the mattress core
  • Incomplete drying
  • Only cleaning the surface without neutralizing the underlying residue

If you still notice a smell:

  • Repeat the vinegar and baking soda treatment.
  • Place the mattress in a well-ventilated area, preferably with sunlight and airflow, to help smells dissipate.
  • Avoid covering the damp area with sheets or toppers until fully dry.

How Long Does It Take a Mattress to Dry After Cleaning?

Drying time depends on room temperature, airflow, and how much liquid was used.

To speed things up:

  • Use fans to circulate air around the mattress.
  • Open windows if the weather allows.
  • If possible, stand the mattress on its side to improve airflow around it.

A lightly treated area may dry within several hours; a deeply saturated mattress can take a day or more. Always make sure it is fully dry before remaking the bed to prevent musty odors.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Dog Pee From a Mattress?

To protect both your mattress and air quality, avoid:

  • Hot water or steam directly on the stain, which may set odors or damage some mattress materials
  • Bleach or harsh chemicals, which can discolor fabrics and affect certain foams
  • Over‑soaking the mattress, making it hard to dry and increasing the risk of long-lasting odors
  • Strong perfumes or sprays used instead of cleaning; these may only mask the smell temporarily

How Can You Prevent Future Dog Pee Stains on a Mattress?

While accidents happen, a few simple steps can help:

  • Use a waterproof mattress protector to create a barrier between your pet and the mattress core.
  • Consider a washable mattress pad or cover that can be laundered easily.
  • Keep an eye on pets that are newly trained, aging, or unwell, as they may be more prone to accidents at night.
  • Clean any new incident as soon as you notice it, following the same steps.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about “How Do You Get Dog Pee Out Of a Mattress”:

  • Act fast: Blot up fresh urine immediately; don’t rub.
  • Use a simple solution: A mix of vinegar and water helps neutralize urine.
  • Baking soda is essential: It draws out moisture and odor from inside the mattress.
  • Drying matters: Ensure the mattress dries completely to avoid lingering smell.
  • Old stains are tougher, not impossible: Re-wet with cleaner and repeat treatments as needed.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and over-soaking: These can damage materials or trap odors.
  • Protect for the future: A waterproof protector and prompt cleanups reduce long-term damage.

Handled calmly and methodically, even a stubborn dog pee incident does not have to shorten your mattress’s useful life or permanently affect your sleep environment.