How To Clean Cat Pee From a Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for how to clean cat pee from a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering smell you can’t get rid of. This guide walks you through what to do right away, how to deep clean, and how to handle stains or odors that keep coming back.

Why Cat Pee on a Mattress Is So Stubborn

Cat urine can be strong-smelling and persistent. When it soaks into a mattress, it can:

  • Leave visible yellow stains
  • Cause a sharp, ammonia-like odor
  • Be harder to remove once it dries and sets in the foam or padding

A mattress can’t be tossed in the washing machine, so knowing how to clean cat pee from a mattress safely and thoroughly is important to protect your sleep surface.

What Should I Do First When My Cat Pees on the Mattress?

Step 1: Act Fast and Blot, Don’t Rub

If the spot is fresh:

  1. Remove bedding right away so the urine doesn’t spread.
  2. Use clean, absorbent towels or paper towels to blot the area.
  3. Press firmly to pull as much liquid out as possible, replacing towels as they become damp.
  4. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

Step 2: Use an Appropriate Cleaning Solution

Common, mattress-safe approaches include:

  • Mild dish soap and cool water for surface cleaning
  • Vinegar and water solution (often half and half) to help neutralize odor
  • Specialized enzymatic cleaners designed for pet urine (follow product directions carefully)

Always test a small, hidden area first to make sure the fabric and materials tolerate the solution.

How To Clean Cat Pee From a Mattress: Step-by-Step

Here’s a general process many sleepers use to handle both stains and odor:

  1. Blot up excess urine until towels come away mostly dry.
  2. Apply your cleaning solution lightly to the stained area.
    • Do not soak the mattress; too much liquid can be hard to dry.
  3. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes (or as directed if using a pet-specific cleaner).
  4. Blot again with clean towels to remove moisture and residue.
  5. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area to help absorb odor and moisture.
  6. Leave the baking soda on for several hours, ideally overnight.
  7. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda once the spot feels dry.

If odor or discoloration remains, you can repeat the process. Set-in stains sometimes need more than one round.

Can I Remove Dried or Old Cat Pee Stains from a Mattress?

Dried cat urine can be more stubborn, but you can still improve it:

Step 1: Rehydrate the Stain Lightly

Lightly mist the stained area with your cleaning solution (not plain water). This helps:

  • Loosen dried residue
  • Make it easier to blot and lift from the mattress

Avoid saturating, as deep moisture can linger inside the mattress core.

Step 2: Follow the Same Clean–Blot–Baking Soda Process

Use the same steps as above:

  1. Apply solution
  2. Let it sit
  3. Blot thoroughly
  4. Cover with baking soda
  5. Allow extended drying time
  6. Vacuum

For very old or strong odors, multiple treatments may gradually reduce the smell, even if it doesn’t disappear immediately.

Is It Safe to Use Strong Cleaners on a Mattress?

Many people wonder if they can use bleach or harsh chemicals when figuring out how to clean cat pee from a mattress.

  • Strong bleach solutions can damage fabrics, discolor materials, and leave their own lingering odor.
  • Highly perfumed products may only mask smells temporarily rather than addressing the source.
  • Over-wetting with any liquid can lead to prolonged dampness, which is not ideal for a mattress.

A more cautious approach is to use gentle, fabric-safe cleaners and pet-specific products that are clearly labeled safe for soft furnishings.

How Do I Dry the Mattress After Cleaning?

Drying is as important as cleaning:

  • Increase airflow with fans or open windows.
  • If possible, position the mattress so air can reach both sides.
  • Ensure the area is fully dry before making the bed again; trapped moisture can cause ongoing odor and may affect the feel of the mattress.

Patience here helps protect the internal materials of the mattress over time.

How Can I Prevent Future Cat Pee Accidents on My Mattress?

While prevention is partly about cat behavior, you can still protect the mattress itself:

  • Use a waterproof mattress protector that can be removed and washed.
  • Keep extra bedding on hand so you can strip the bed quickly if needed.
  • Address repeated accidents by checking litter box placement, cleanliness, or other environmental factors that might be affecting your cat’s habits.

A protector is often the simplest way to keep future cleanups on the surface, not inside the mattress.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about how to clean cat pee from a mattress

  • Act quickly: Blot fresh urine immediately to prevent deep soaking.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild soap, diluted vinegar, or pet-safe enzymatic cleaners are commonly used; avoid harsh, highly concentrated chemicals.
  • Don’t over-saturate: Lightly treat the area and blot thoroughly to avoid trapping moisture inside the mattress.
  • Baking soda helps: It’s widely used to absorb odor and leftover moisture before vacuuming.
  • Old stains may need repeats: Dried cat pee often requires multiple treatments to noticeably reduce odor and discoloration.
  • Dry completely: Good airflow and enough drying time help keep the mattress fresh and comfortable.
  • Protect for next time: A waterproof protector can make any future accidents much easier to manage.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, how to clean cat pee from a mattress becomes manageable, and you can get back to a cleaner, more comfortable sleep surface.