How To Clean a Pee Stained Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for How To Clean a Pee Stained Mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or discovering an older stain. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, which household ingredients can help, and how to handle both fresh and dried pee stains without damaging your mattress.

What Happens When Pee Gets on a Mattress?

Urine can soak deep into mattress layers, leading to:

  • Visible stains on the surface
  • Lingering odors, especially if the spot wasn’t cleaned quickly
  • Possible discoloration over time

Mattresses aren’t easy to wash like sheets, so knowing How To Clean a Pee Stained Mattress safely is important to protect the materials and keep your bed fresh.

How To Clean a Fresh Pee Stained Mattress

The faster you act, the easier it is to remove both the stain and smell.

Step 1: Blot, Don’t Rub

  • Strip the bedding right away.
  • Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible.
  • Press firmly; avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

Step 2: Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution

You can use a simple mild detergent and water mix:

  • Mix a small amount of gentle liquid soap with cool water.
  • Lightly dab the stain with a cloth dipped in the solution.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress; too much moisture can be hard to dry.

Alternatively, many people choose a water and vinegar mix for odor control, as vinegar is commonly used as a natural deodorizer.

Step 3: Rinse Lightly and Blot Dry

  • Use a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap or vinegar residue.
  • Blot again with dry towels to pull out as much moisture as possible.

Step 4: Deodorize With Baking Soda

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  • Leave it for several hours, or overnight if possible.
  • Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly once it’s dry.

Baking soda is widely used to absorb odors and can help reduce that lingering pee smell.

How To Clean a Dried or Old Pee Stain on a Mattress

Older stains are more stubborn but can still improve with the right approach.

Step 1: Lightly Re-Dampen the Area

  • Use a spray bottle with water (and, if you like, a small amount of vinegar).
  • Lightly mist the stained spot so it becomes damp, not soaked.
  • This can help loosen dried urine salts that cause odor and discoloration.

Step 2: Treat the Stain

  • Gently dab with a mild detergent solution or a commonly used enzyme-based cleaner designed for organic stains.
  • Let it sit according to the product’s directions if using a store-bought cleaner.
  • Avoid harsh bleach or strong chemicals, which can damage mattress fabrics or leave strong odors.

Step 3: Deodorize and Dry

  • Apply baking soda over the treated area.
  • Allow it to sit for several hours.
  • Vacuum thoroughly and repeat if odor remains.

Older stains may not disappear completely on the first try, and multiple light treatments often work better than one heavy, soaking attempt.

Can You Completely Remove the Smell?

Odor removal depends on:

  • How long the pee has been in the mattress
  • How deeply it soaked in
  • What type of mattress you have (thicker foam can hold more liquid)

Using a combination of blotting, gentle cleaner, and baking soda usually reduces the smell significantly. In some cases, faint odor may linger, especially with repeated accidents or very old stains.

Common Questions About Cleaning Pee From a Mattress

Will vinegar alone remove the pee smell?

Vinegar is widely used to neutralize odors, but on its own it may not be enough for older or heavy stains. Combining light cleaning + vinegar + baking soda is often more effective than any single method.

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on a mattress?

Some people use diluted hydrogen peroxide mixtures for tough stains, but it can:

  • Lighten or discolor fabrics
  • Be too harsh for some mattress materials

If you try it, always spot-test in an inconspicuous area first, use a low concentration, and apply sparingly.

What if the mattress still smells after cleaning?

If odor persists:

  • Repeat the cleaning and baking soda steps.
  • Air out the mattress in a well-ventilated space.
  • Consider a mattress protector going forward to prevent future stains from soaking in.

How To Prevent Future Pee Stains on a Mattress

Prevention is often easier than deep cleaning:

  • Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector.
  • Clean accidents immediately whenever possible.
  • Air out your mattress regularly by removing bedding and letting it breathe.

These small habits can make any future clean-up far more manageable.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about How To Clean a Pee Stained Mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot fresh pee right away—don’t rub or scrub.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild detergent, water, and commonly used household deodorizers are usually enough for most stains.
  • Avoid over-soaking: Too much liquid can be hard to dry and may cause lingering smells.
  • Old stains need patience: Lightly re-dampen, treat, deodorize, and repeat as needed.
  • Baking soda helps with odor: Let it sit for hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
  • Protect your mattress: A waterproof cover can greatly reduce future damage from accidents.

Knowing How To Clean a Pee Stained Mattress gives you a straightforward way to deal with accidents calmly and keep your sleep surface fresher, longer.