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

If you’re asking “How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress?”, you’re not alone. Accidents happen with kids, pets, and even adults, and that lingering urine odor can be frustrating. The good news is that you can usually remove both the smell and most of the stain with a few common household ingredients and the right process.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress in the future.

Why Does Pee Smell Linger in a Mattress?

Mattresses are thick and absorbent, so urine can soak deep into the foam and fabric layers. As it dries, it can leave behind:

  • Odor-causing compounds that are hard to neutralize with just soap
  • Stains on the surface and sometimes deeper inside

That’s why spraying a quick deodorizer on top often doesn’t fully solve the problem. To truly address How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress, you need to absorb, break down, and neutralize the urine, not just cover up the scent.

What Should You Do First When Pee Gets on a Mattress?

Step 1: Act Quickly and Blot, Don’t Rub

If the accident is fresh:

  1. Remove bedding immediately and put it aside to wash.
  2. Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot up as much liquid as possible.
  3. Press firmly; avoid rubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

The faster you act, the less urine soaks in, and the easier it is to remove both odor and discoloration.

How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress Using Common Household Ingredients?

A widely used method relies on baking soda and a mild cleaning solution to address both the stain and the smell.

Step 2: Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution

You can make a simple solution with:

  • Cool or lukewarm water
  • A small amount of mild liquid soapor plain white vinegar

Lightly spray or dab the solution onto the affected area. The goal is to dampen the stain, not soak the entire mattress. Too much liquid can cause moisture to stay trapped inside.

Blot again with clean towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda to Neutralize Odor

Baking soda is commonly used to help absorb moisture and neutralize smells.

  1. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  2. Gently spread it so it covers slightly beyond the stain.
  3. Leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight, so it can absorb odor and moisture.
  4. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using a soft brush attachment if available.

Many people find this step significantly reduces or removes the pee smell.

What If the Pee Smell Is Old or Very Strong?

Step 4: Repeat and Be Patient

For older accidents or stronger odors, one round may not be enough. You can:

  • Repeat the cleaning solution + baking soda process
  • Allow even more time for the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room

If an odor has been sitting for a long time, it may take multiple attempts to noticeably improve.

Step 5: Let the Mattress Dry Completely

After cleaning, it’s important that the mattress dries all the way through:

  • Open windows or use a fan to increase air circulation
  • Avoid putting sheets back on until the mattress feels completely dry to the touch

Trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant smells and a damp feel, even if the original urine odor is reduced.

Are There Things You Should Avoid When Cleaning Pee From a Mattress?

Yes. When figuring out How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress, a few common mistakes can make things worse:

  • Don’t oversaturate the mattress with water or solution
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals that may damage fabric, foam, or protective coatings
  • Don’t rely only on strong fragrances to “mask” the smell
  • Don’t skip the drying step

A gentle, gradual approach is usually more effective than aggressive scrubbing or heavy soaking.

How Can You Prevent Future Pee Smells in a Mattress?

Once you’ve put in the work to remove a urine odor, it makes sense to protect your mattress as much as possible.

Helpful habits include:

  • Using a removable, washable mattress protector
  • Washing bedding promptly after accidents
  • Keeping absorbent towels handy for quick blotting when needed

These steps don’t guarantee you’ll never deal with accidents again, but they can make cleanup faster and help keep odors from soaking into the mattress core.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress:

  • Blot immediately: The sooner you absorb fresh urine, the less it sinks in.
  • Use mild cleaners: Lightly apply a gentle soap-and-water or diluted vinegar solution; avoid soaking the mattress.
  • Baking soda helps with odor: A thick layer left for several hours can absorb both moisture and smell.
  • Repeat as needed: Old or strong odors may require multiple cleaning rounds.
  • Dry thoroughly: Good airflow and time are essential to prevent lingering dampness and odor.
  • Protect going forward: A washable protector and quick response to spills make future cleanups easier.

When you understand How Do You Get Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress, the process becomes more manageable: act quickly, clean gently, neutralize odor, and let the mattress dry fully before using it again.