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

If you’re searching for “How To Clean Mattress Urine”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an older stain that just won’t go away. This guide explains, in clear steps, how to handle both fresh and dried urine on a mattress, reduce smells, and protect your bed in the future.

What Happens When Urine Gets on a Mattress?

Urine can soak deep into a mattress because most mattresses are made of absorbent materials like foam or fabric layers.

If it isn’t cleaned properly, you may notice:

  • Visible yellowish staining
  • Lingering odor, especially in warm or humid rooms
  • A general feeling that the mattress isn’t truly clean

Understanding how to clean mattress urine quickly and carefully helps minimize staining and smells and can extend the usable life of your mattress.

How To Clean Mattress Urine: Fresh Stains

Step-by-step for a new accident

For fresh urine stains, acting quickly makes a big difference:

  1. Remove bedding immediately
    Strip off sheets, mattress protectors, and blankets and set them aside for washing.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, absorbent towels or paper towels to press firmly into the wet area.

    • Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.
    • Keep blotting with fresh sections until the area feels only slightly damp.

  3. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    Mix a simple solution such as:

    • Cool or lukewarm water
    • A small amount of gentle liquid soap or a mild household cleaner suited for fabrics

    Lightly mist or dab the solution onto the stained area. Avoid soaking the mattress completely, as too much moisture can be hard to dry.

  4. Blot again to lift residue
    Use fresh towels to remove as much liquid as possible. This helps pull urine and cleaner out of the mattress surface.

  5. Use baking soda for odor control
    Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the damp area.

    • Let it sit for several hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb moisture and odors.

  6. Vacuum thoroughly
    Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up using a clean upholstery attachment.

If any smell remains, you can repeat the baking soda step once more.

How To Clean Mattress Urine: Dried or Old Stains

Older urine stains can be more challenging, but many people still see improvement with careful cleaning.

Steps for dried urine stains

  1. Lightly dampen the stained area
    Use a spray bottle with cool or lukewarm water to slightly re-moisten the stain. This can help loosen dried residue.

  2. Apply a targeted cleaning solution
    A gentle fabric-safe cleaner or a solution made with water and a small amount of mild detergent can be dabbed onto the spot.

    • Avoid harsh chemicals that may discolor or damage mattress materials.

  3. Let it sit briefly
    Allow the cleaner to rest on the stain for about 10–15 minutes (unless product instructions say otherwise). This contact time helps break up dried deposits.

  4. Blot thoroughly
    Press with clean, dry towels to lift as much liquid as possible, rotating towels as they become damp.

  5. Deodorize with baking soda
    As with fresh stains, cover the area with baking soda and leave it for several hours before vacuuming.

Very old or deeply set stains may not disappear completely, but this process often reduces both the visibility of the stain and the strength of the odor.

Is It Safe to Use Strong Cleaners on a Mattress?

Many people wonder if they should use very strong chemical cleaners when figuring out how to clean mattress urine. It’s generally best to:

  • Test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first
  • Avoid saturating the mattress with liquid
  • Follow any care instructions from your mattress manufacturer, if available

Some strong products may cause discoloration or affect certain foams and fabrics, so a cautious approach is usually wise.

How Can I Dry the Mattress Properly?

Thorough drying is just as important as cleaning:

  • Open windows or use a fan to improve air circulation.
  • If possible, stand the mattress on its side to allow more airflow around the cleaned area.
  • Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on, to avoid musty odors.

Drying time varies depending on room temperature, humidity, and how much liquid was used in cleaning.

How Do I Prevent Future Urine Stains?

Accidents can happen, especially in homes with children or pets. To reduce stress next time:

  • Use a water-resistant or washable mattress protector
  • Wash bedding regularly
  • Blot and clean any new accident as soon as you notice it

These habits make it much easier to manage future spills and keep your sleeping surface feeling fresher.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points on how to clean mattress urine effectively:

  • Act fast on fresh stains: Blot immediately, don’t rub.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild solutions help avoid fabric or foam damage.
  • Baking soda is your friend: It helps absorb both moisture and odor.
  • Avoid over-soaking: Too much liquid can be hard to dry and may lead to lingering smells.
  • Old stains need patience: Re-moisten, treat, blot, and deodorize; results may be gradual.
  • Dry completely: Good airflow and time are essential before remaking the bed.
  • Protect the mattress: Barriers like mattress protectors can make future cleanup much easier.

With these practical steps, how to clean mattress urine becomes a manageable process rather than a permanent problem, helping you restore comfort and confidence in your bed.