How Do You Get Pee Out Of a Mattress? Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching “How Do You Get Pee Out Of a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or discovering a dried stain and smell. The good news: most urine stains can be treated at home with simple household products and a bit of patience.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what to do right away, how to handle dried urine, and how to deal with odor that won’t go away.

What’s the First Thing To Do When Pee Gets on a Mattress?

Speed matters. The sooner you act, the easier it is to remove both stain and smell.

  1. Remove bedding
    Strip sheets, mattress protectors, and blankets and wash them separately.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press into the wet area.
    Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  3. Avoid heat at this stage
    Don’t use a hairdryer or heater on fresh urine. Heat can set the stain and odor.

How Do You Get Pee Out Of a Mattress Using Household Items?

Most people want to know how to clean urine without special products. A common approach uses white vinegar and baking soda.

Step-by-step method for fresh or recent stains

  1. Blot up excess urine
    Keep pressing with absorbent towels until they come away mostly dry.

  2. Mix a gentle cleaning solution

    • 1 part white vinegar
    • 1–2 parts cool or lukewarm water
      (Optional: a small amount of mild dish soap can help, but use sparingly.)

  3. Lightly apply the solution

    • Put the mixture in a spray bottle if possible.
    • Spray or dab onto the stained area until it’s damp, not soaked.
      Vinegar helps neutralize urine odor and break down the stain.

  4. Let it sit
    Allow the solution to work for about 10–15 minutes.

  5. Blot again
    Use fresh, dry towels to remove as much moisture as you can.

  6. Apply baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot.
    • Gently spread it out to cover a slightly larger area than the stain.
      Baking soda helps absorb remaining moisture and neutralize odor.

  7. Let the mattress dry completely

    • Leave the baking soda on for several hours, ideally overnight.
    • Open windows or use a fan to improve airflow.

  8. Vacuum up the baking soda
    Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove all residue.

If the stain or smell remains, you can repeat this process once more.

What If the Pee Stain Is Old or Already Dried?

Dried urine can be more stubborn because it has had time to set into the foam and fibers.

Adjusting the method for dried stains

  • Re-dampen the area with the vinegar and water solution described above.
  • Let it sit a bit longer, around 15–30 minutes, to help loosen dried residue.
  • Blot thoroughly and follow with baking soda as in the fresh-stain method.

For older stains, it’s common to need more than one round of cleaning.

How Do You Remove the Urine Smell From a Mattress?

Even when the visible stain fades, odor can linger inside the mattress.

To target smell specifically:

  • Make sure the mattress is fully dry between cleanings. Trapped moisture can cause a persistent odor.
  • Repeat the vinegar + baking soda steps; these ingredients are frequently used to neutralize smells.
  • Use good ventilation: open windows, use fans, or move the mattress to a well-aired room while it dries.

If a strong smell remains after several attempts, some people choose to consult a professional upholstery or mattress cleaner who can use deeper-cleaning methods.

Can This Method Be Used for Both Child and Pet Urine?

The general approach for “How Do You Get Pee Out Of a Mattress” is similar for accidents from children and pets:

  • Blot up moisture as quickly as possible.
  • Use a mild cleaning solution rather than harsh chemicals that might damage the mattress fabric or irritate skin.
  • Be prepared to repeat cleaning for stronger odors, which can be more common with pet urine.

Always check your mattress care tag for any specific cleaning warnings.

Will Cleaning Urine Damage My Mattress?

Gentle cleaning, done correctly, is unlikely to harm most mattresses. To help protect your mattress:

  • Avoid over-soaking. Excess liquid can seep deep into foam or layers, making drying harder.
  • Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot water, which can set some stains.
  • Don’t use bleach or very strong chemicals directly on most mattress fabrics, as they can cause discoloration or weakening of materials.

Whenever possible, test a small, hidden area first with any cleaning solution.

How Long Does a Mattress Take to Dry After Cleaning?

Drying time varies with room temperature, airflow, and how much liquid was used, but it usually takes several hours to overnight.

To speed up drying:

  • Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room.
  • Use fans to keep air moving.
  • If the mattress has two usable sides and the care instructions allow it, you can carefully flip it once the top feels mostly dry, then let the other side air out.

Avoid putting sheets back on until the mattress is completely dry to the touch.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about “How Do You Get Pee Out Of a Mattress”

  • Act quickly: Blot fresh urine right away to limit staining and odor.
  • Use gentle cleaners: A mix of white vinegar and water, followed by baking soda, is a common home method.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Press with towels to pull moisture out instead of pushing it deeper.
  • Let it dry fully: Good airflow and enough drying time are essential to prevent lingering smells.
  • Repeat if needed: Older or strong stains often need more than one cleaning round.
  • Protect for next time: Once fully dry, many sleepers choose to use a mattress protector to make any future cleanup easier.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, getting pee out of a mattress is manageable, and most stains and odors can be significantly reduced or removed at home.