How To Clean a Peed On Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for How To Clean a Peed On Mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or discovering an older stain. This guide walks you through what to do right away, how to handle dried urine, and how to reduce lingering odours and stains without damaging your mattress.

What Should I Do First When Someone Pees on the Mattress?

Speed matters. The sooner you treat the urine, the easier it is to remove.

  1. Strip the bed immediately
    Remove sheets, mattress protector, and any blankets. Wash them separately 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 down firmly, but avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  3. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution
    A common approach is:

    • Cool water
    • A small amount of mild liquid soap or laundry detergent
      Mix gently to avoid excess suds.

  4. Spot clean the area
    Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution and dab the stained area. Do not soak the mattress; too much moisture can lead to odour or long drying times.

  5. Blot again with plain water
    Use another cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue, then blot dry with a towel.

How Do I Remove Urine Odour from a Mattress?

Even after cleaning, some mattresses hold onto smell. To tackle odour:

  1. Use baking soda
    Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the cleaned, still slightly damp area. Baking soda is often used to absorb lingering smells from fabrics and surfaces.

  2. Let it sit
    Leave the baking soda on the mattress for several hours, ideally overnight, so it can absorb moisture and odour.

  3. Vacuum thoroughly
    When the baking soda is dry, vacuum it up slowly using a clean upholstery attachment. This helps lift powder from the surface and upper layers of the mattress.

If the odour is still noticeable, the process can sometimes be repeated.

How To Clean a Peed On Mattress That Has Already Dried?

Older, dried urine stains can be more stubborn. The approach is similar, but may need more time.

Step-by-step for dried stains

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area
    Use a spray bottle with cool water to lightly mist the stained area. The goal is to loosen the dried residue, not soak the mattress.

  2. Apply a cleaning solution
    You can use:

    • Water with a small amount of mild detergent, or
    • A simple mix of water and a small amount of white vinegar (vinegar is often used as a household deodorizer).

    Test a small hidden spot first if you’re concerned about fabric discolouration.

  3. Let it sit briefly
    Allow the solution to rest on the surface for about 10–15 minutes so it can work on the stain.

  4. Blot thoroughly
    Press with clean, dry towels to absorb as much liquid as possible.

  5. Use baking soda for odour
    As with fresh stains, cover the area with baking soda, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum.

Multiple treatments are sometimes needed for deeper or older stains.

Is It Safe to Use Strong Chemicals or Steam Cleaners?

Many people wonder whether heavy-duty cleaners will work better. Stronger isn’t always better for a mattress.

  • Harsh chemicals: Strong bleaches and high-concentration cleaners can discolor fabrics and may leave residues you don’t want near your sleep surface.
  • Steam cleaners: These introduce a lot of heat and moisture. On some mattresses, especially foam, this can trap moisture inside and may affect the materials over time.

When in doubt, mild cleaners, light moisture, and thorough drying are safer options.

How Do I Make Sure the Mattress Dries Properly?

Drying is an important part of How To Clean a Peed On Mattress because trapped moisture can lead to odours.

  • Increase airflow: Open windows, run a fan, or place the mattress in a well-ventilated area.
  • Avoid making the bed too soon: Wait until the mattress feels completely dry before putting sheets back on.
  • Flip or rotate if possible: If your mattress design allows, lifting and rotating it can help air reach more surfaces.

Drying time can vary based on room temperature, airflow, and how much liquid was used during cleaning.

Can All Mattress Types Be Cleaned the Same Way?

Most standard mattresses (innerspring, foam, hybrid) can be surface-cleaned with similar gentle methods, but there are differences:

  • Memory foam and other foams: Absorb water easily, so it’s important to use minimal liquid and focus on blotting rather than soaking.
  • Pillow-top or quilted covers: Stains may be more visible, and seams can hold liquid. Spend extra time blotting around stitching.
  • Mattresses with removable covers: If the cover is removable and washable, follow the care tag closely. Avoid assuming it can go in a hot wash or dryer without checking instructions.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean a Peed On Mattress

  • Act fast: The quicker you blot and clean, the less likely stains and odours will linger.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Scrubbing pushes urine deeper; gentle blotting lifts it out.
  • Use mild solutions: Cool water, a small amount of gentle detergent, and household baking soda are common go-tos.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress: Too much liquid can make drying difficult and may lead to odours.
  • Let it dry completely: Good airflow and patience are important before remaking the bed.
  • Repeat if needed: Older or larger accidents may need more than one cleaning round.

Handled calmly and methodically, even a noticeable accident usually doesn’t mean the end of your mattress. With simple tools and a bit of time, you can often clean a peed on mattress effectively and keep your sleep surface fresh.