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

Finding urine on your mattress can feel stressful, but it’s usually fixable if you act quickly and use the right method. This guide explains how to clean pee from a mattress—including fresh accidents, dried stains, and lingering odors—using common household products.

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

When the accident is recent, fast action makes a big difference.

Step-by-step: How To Clean Pee From a Mattress (Fresh Stain)

  1. Blot, don’t rub

    • Use clean, dry towels or paper towels.
    • Press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  2. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    A simple option many people use:

    • Mix 1 part mild liquid soap with 4–5 parts cool water, or
    • Use a gentle, non-bleach fabric-safe cleaner diluted with water.
    • Lightly spray or dab the area—do not soak the mattress.

  3. Blot again

    • Use a fresh cloth to remove the cleaning solution and any lifted urine.
    • Keep blotting until the area feels only slightly damp.

  4. Neutralize odor with baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot.
    • Gently press it into the surface so it reaches the upper foam or padding.

  5. Let it dry completely

    • Leave the baking soda on for at least 8–10 hours, or overnight if possible.
    • Increase airflow with a fan or open window.

  6. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Once dry, vacuum up the baking soda slowly to remove powder and any trapped odor.

If there’s still a smell, you can repeat the baking soda step.

How Do I Remove Old or Dried Pee Stains?

Dried urine can leave yellowish stains and a lingering smell. It can take more than one cleaning round.

How To Clean Pee From a Mattress (Dried Stain Focus)

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area

    • Use a spray bottle with cool water to moisten (not soak) the stained area.
    • This helps loosen dried residue.

  2. Use a gentle cleaner again

    • Apply a mild, fabric-safe cleaning solution as above.
    • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so it can work on the stain.

  3. Blot thoroughly

    • Press with clean towels to draw out moisture and dissolved urine.

  4. Treat odor and discoloration

    • Cover the area with baking soda.
    • Leave it on for several hours or overnight to absorb odor and help reduce staining.

  5. Vacuum and reassess

    • Vacuum the baking soda.
    • If the stain or smell is still noticeable, another round of cleaning is often helpful.

Deep, long-standing stains may not disappear completely, but they can usually be significantly reduced.

What Cleaners Are Safe to Use on a Mattress?

Mattresses are absorbent and not designed for heavy soaking, so gentle and minimal is best.

Generally safe approaches:

  • Cool water and mild liquid soap
  • Baking soda for odor absorption
  • Light use of non-bleach, fabric-safe cleaners diluted with water

⚠️ Use with caution or avoid:

  • Bleach or harsh chemicals: can discolor fabric and damage materials.
  • Very hot water: may set some stains.
  • Heavy soaking: excess moisture can be hard to dry and may cause odors.

If your mattress has a care label, check it for any specific warnings.

How Can I Get Rid of the Smell Completely?

Even after cleaning, a faint odor can linger. To tackle this:

  • Use extra baking soda
    • After cleaning, add a thicker layer and leave it for a full day if you can.
  • Repeat treatments
    • Odors sometimes need more than one cycle of cleaning and baking soda.
  • Air out your mattress
    • If possible, lean the mattress against a wall in a well-ventilated room.
    • Fresh air movement often helps reduce residual smells over time.

Can I Clean a Memory Foam Mattress the Same Way?

The basic principles for how to clean pee from a mattress still apply, but foam needs a bit more care:

  • Do not soak foam. It absorbs liquid deeply and dries slowly.
  • Use only light sprays of cleaner and water.
  • Allow extra drying time, with fans or open windows.
  • Always blot gently, never wring or twist the foam.

How Do I Prevent Pee From Soaking Into My Mattress Next Time?

After cleaning, many people look for ways to protect their mattress from future accidents. Practical steps include:

  • Using a water-resistant mattress protector
  • Adding a washable mattress pad on top
  • Cleaning small accidents as soon as you notice them to avoid deep soak-in

These habits make any future cleanup much easier.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean Pee From a Mattress

  • Act fast: Blot fresh pee immediately to prevent deep penetration.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Rubbing spreads urine and can push it deeper.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild soap and cool water are often enough for fresh stains.
  • Baking soda is your friend: It helps absorb both moisture and odor.
  • Let it fully dry: Good airflow and time are essential to avoid lingering smells.
  • Old stains may need repeats: Dried pee usually improves with multiple light treatments.
  • Don’t soak the mattress: Too much liquid is harder to remove than the original stain.
  • Foam needs extra care: Use minimal moisture and extra drying time for foam mattresses.

With patience and the right steps, most urine stains and odors can be managed effectively, helping your mattress stay fresher and more comfortable for longer.