How To Clean a Mattress That Has Been Urinated On: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re searching for how to clean a mattress that has been urinated on, you’re usually dealing with an accident that feels urgent, embarrassing, and a bit overwhelming. The good news: with the right steps, you can often remove the smell, stain, and moisture without damaging your mattress.

This FAQ-style guide walks you through what to do right away, how to deep clean, and how to handle lingering odor or old stains.

What Should I Do First When Urine Gets on a Mattress?

Acting quickly makes a big difference.

1. Strip the bed
   Remove sheets, mattress protector, and blankets immediately and wash them according to their care labels.

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

3. Ventilate the room
   Open windows or turn on a fan. Fresh air helps reduce odor and speeds up drying.

At this stage, your goal is to remove surface moisture so the deeper cleaning can work better.

How To Clean a Mattress That Has Been Urinated On (Fresh Stains)

Here’s a simple method for fresh accidents using common household items.

Step 1: Prepare a gentle cleaning solution

Mix in a spray bottle:

• About 1 part mild liquid detergent or gentle dish soap
• 4–5 parts lukewarm water

Shake gently to combine. Avoid harsh cleaners or anything with strong dyes, as they can damage fabrics or leave marks.

Step 2: Lightly treat the stained area

• Spray the solution lightly over the affected area. The mattress should feel damp, not soaked.
• Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to help break down residues.

Step 3: Blot again

• Use a clean, dry cloth to blot out the moisture, working from the outside of the stain toward the center.
• Repeat until the cloth is no longer picking up much moisture.

Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda

• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot.
• Gently spread it with your hand to cover slightly beyond the stained area.

Let it sit for at least several hours, and ideally overnight. Baking soda helps absorb both moisture and odor.

Step 5: Vacuum thoroughly

Once the baking soda is completely dry:

• Vacuum slowly using an upholstery or brush attachment.
• Go over the area more than once to remove as much powder as possible.

If any faint odor remains, you can repeat the baking soda and vacuum step.

How Do I Clean Dried or Old Urine Stains on a Mattress?

Older stains are more stubborn, but you can still improve them.

1. Re-dampen the stain area
   Lightly mist the stained area with clean water. This helps loosen dried residue so cleaning solutions can work more effectively.

2. Use the same gentle detergent solution
   Follow the steps above: spray lightly, let sit, and blot carefully.

3. Repeat as needed
   Older stains may require several gentle cycles rather than one aggressive treatment. Being patient is often better than over-wetting the mattress.

4. Deodorize thoroughly
   Apply baking soda and let it sit for a long stretch (overnight works well) before vacuuming. In some cases, repeating this deodorizing step more than once is helpful.

Will the Urine Smell Go Away Completely?

In many cases, proper cleaning and thorough drying greatly reduce or remove the smell. However, a few factors affect results:

• How long the urine was on the mattress before cleaning
• How deeply it soaked in, depending on the mattress materials
• How much airflow and drying time the mattress gets

To help minimize lingering odors:

• Ensure the mattress dries fully before making the bed.
• Provide good ventilation while it dries.
• Consider repeating the deodorizing step with baking soda if any scent remains.

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

Dry time varies based on room temperature, humidity, and mattress thickness, but several hours to a full day is common.

To speed things up:

• Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room.
• Use fans to keep air moving across the surface.
• Avoid sleeping directly on the mattress until it is completely dry to the touch to prevent trapped moisture and odor.

Can I Use Strong Cleaners or Steam on Urine Stains?

Many people wonder if strong chemicals or steam cleaning will work faster. There are a few points to consider:

• Strong chemical cleaners can sometimes discolor fabrics or break down mattress materials.
• Steam cleaning introduces a lot of heat and moisture, which might push liquid deeper into the mattress layers and extend drying time.
• A gentle, low‑moisture approach is usually safer for most mattresses.

If you are unsure about any cleaning method, test it on a small, hidden area of the mattress first.

How Can I Prevent Future Urine Stains on a Mattress?

Once you’ve learned how to clean a mattress that has been urinated on, prevention becomes the next priority:

• Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector.
• Keep extra bedding on hand for quick changes.
• Address spills or accidents as soon as possible to avoid deeper staining and odor.

These simple steps can make any future cleanups much easier and help extend the life of your mattress surface.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about how to clean a mattress that has been urinated on:

• Act fast: Blot up fresh urine immediately to limit how deeply it soaks in.
• Be gentle: Use a mild soap-and-water solution, avoid soaking, and always blot instead of scrub.
• Deodorize: Baking soda is a simple way to help absorb lingering moisture and odor.
• Dry thoroughly: Good airflow and enough drying time are essential before remaking the bed.
• Repeat if needed: Older or heavier stains may need multiple light treatments rather than one intense cleaning.
• Protect going forward: A waterproof, removable barrier helps prevent urine from reaching the mattress in the first place.

With these steps, most people can manage both fresh and old urine accidents and keep their mattress cleaner, drier, and more comfortable over time.