How To Clean Mattress Pee: Simple Steps to Remove Stains and Odors

If you’re searching for “How To Clean Mattress Pee,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old stain and want to know what actually works without damaging your mattress. This guide walks you through safe, practical methods to remove both fresh and dried urine from a mattress, plus answers to common questions about smell, stains, and what to avoid.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Fresh Pee From a Mattress?

When it’s fresh, acting quickly makes a big difference.

Step-by-step: How To Clean Mattress Pee (fresh accident)

  1. Strip the bed immediately
    Remove sheets, protectors, and bedding so the urine doesn’t soak deeper.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot up as much liquid as possible.

    • Press firmly.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can spread the stain and push moisture into the foam.

  3. Apply a gentle cleaning solution
    A common option is a mix of mild dish soap and cool water in a spray bottle.

    • Lightly spray the stained area (do not soak the mattress).
    • Let it sit for a few minutes.

  4. Blot again
    Use a clean cloth to blot out the solution and remaining urine.

  5. Use baking soda for odor
    Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the area to help absorb moisture and smell.

    • Leave it for several hours, ideally overnight.

  6. Vacuum thoroughly
    Vacuum up all the baking soda once the spot has fully dried.

If the odor lingers, you may need to repeat the process, especially with deeper mattresses or thicker comfort layers.

How Do I Clean Dried Pee or Old Urine Stains?

Dried stains are more stubborn but can often be improved significantly.

How To Clean Mattress Pee when it’s already dried:

  1. Lightly dampen the area
    Use a small amount of cool water to moisten the stain. This helps loosen dried residue. Avoid soaking.

  2. Use an enzymatic cleaner (optional)
    Some people use enzyme-based cleaners designed for organic stains. These are made to break down urine components.

    • Always test on a small, hidden area first.
    • Apply lightly and follow the product instructions.

  3. Let it sit
    Give the cleaner time to work, often 10–15 minutes or as directed.

  4. Blot and absorb
    Blot out as much moisture as possible with clean, absorbent towels.

  5. Apply baking soda
    As with fresh stains, cover the area in baking soda and let it sit for several hours or longer.

  6. Vacuum and assess
    Once dry, vacuum and check the stain and smell.

    • Older stains may fade rather than disappear completely, but odor often improves with repeated treatments.

Can I Use Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide on My Mattress?

These common household ingredients are often mentioned in discussions about how to clean mattress pee, but they come with some considerations.

Vinegar:

  • Can help with odor, but:
    • The vinegar smell can linger.
    • Some mattress fabrics or foams may not react well to strong acidity.

Hydrogen peroxide:

  • Sometimes used in stain-removal mixes, but:
    • It can bleach or discolor some mattress covers.
    • It may be too harsh for certain materials.

If you choose to use either:

  • Spot-test on a hidden area first.
  • Use diluted solutions and apply sparingly.
  • Never saturate the mattress, as trapped moisture can cause long drying times and potential damage.

How Do I Get Rid of Urine Smell Completely?

Lingering odor is one of the biggest concerns when learning how to clean mattress pee.

Tips to reduce and control odor:

  • Use baking soda generously 🧂
    Leave it on for at least 8–10 hours, not just a few minutes.
  • Repeat treatments
    Multiple rounds of cleaning and deodorizing are often needed for strong smells.
  • Air out the mattress
    If possible, let the mattress sit in a well-ventilated room. Some people place it near an open window during dry weather.
  • Wash all bedding thoroughly
    Even clean-looking sheets and protectors can hold odors, so wash them with a normal detergent cycle.

Odor can sometimes fade gradually over several days after deep cleaning, as the mattress fully dries and airs out.

Will Cleaning Pee Ruin My Mattress?

Most mattresses can handle light spot-cleaning when done carefully:

  • Use minimal liquid so the inner layers don’t stay wet.
  • Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the cover fabric.
  • Don’t use steam cleaners directly on a mattress, as excess heat and moisture can be problematic for some materials.

If accidents are frequent, some sleepers turn to washable protectors or covers to reduce direct contact between urine and the mattress itself.

How Can I Prevent Future Pee Stains?

While this doesn’t change how to clean mattress pee right now, prevention makes future cleanups much easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to stop liquids from soaking in.
  • Choose washable mattress pads or toppers for an extra barrier.
  • Act quickly when accidents happen so they don’t become deep-set stains.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Clean Mattress Pee

  • Act fast on fresh accidents: Blot, gently clean, and use baking soda to absorb moisture and odor.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress: Too much liquid can cause deeper problems than the stain itself.
  • For dried stains: Lightly re-dampen, use an appropriate cleaner, blot thoroughly, and repeat if needed.
  • Test strong ingredients first: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide may help but can discolor or damage some materials.
  • Odor removal takes time: Several cleaning rounds, baking soda, and airflow often work better than a single treatment.
  • Protection helps long term: Mattress protectors and quick responses reduce the chance of lasting stains and smells.

Handled patiently and carefully, how to clean mattress pee becomes a manageable task, and in many cases, you can restore your mattress to a clean, comfortable state for sleep.