How To Clean Urine From Mattress With a Pillow Top: Step‑by‑Step FAQ

If you’re searching for “How To Clean Urine From Mattress With a Pillow Top,” you likely need a fast, safe way to remove moisture, odor, and stains without ruining the plush surface. This guide walks through what to do right away, what to avoid, and how to handle both fresh and dried urine on a pillow-top mattress.

What’s different about cleaning a pillow-top mattress?

A pillow-top has an extra padded layer stitched to the top of the mattress. This layer is:

  • More absorbent than a flat, tightly woven cover
  • Harder to fully dry, because liquid can soak into the padding
  • More delicate, so harsh scrubbing can damage the surface

Because of that, the key is quick, gentle, and thorough moisture removal, followed by targeted odor treatment.

How To Clean Urine From Mattress With a Pillow Top (Fresh Accident)

Step 1: Blot up as much urine as possible

  1. Remove all bedding immediately.
  2. Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press (not rub) the area.
  3. Work from the outside of the spot toward the center to avoid spreading.

Rubbing can push urine deeper into the pillow-top and make the stain larger.

Step 2: Apply a gentle cleaning solution

For most pillow-top fabrics, a simple solution is enough:

  • Mix 1 part mild liquid dish soap with 4–5 parts cool water, or
  • Use a white vinegar and water mix (about equal parts) if the fabric care tag allows.

Lightly spray or dab the solution onto the stained area—do not soak the mattress. The goal is to dampen only the surface, not saturate the padding.

Step 3: Blot again to lift the stain

After applying the cleaner:

  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
  • Blot with a clean, dry cloth to lift out urine and cleaner together.
  • Repeat once or twice if needed.

If your vacuum has a wet/dry or upholstery attachment, you can use it to extract more moisture, but keep suction gentle to protect stitching and fabric.

Step 4: Neutralize odor with baking soda

While the spot is still slightly damp:

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire affected area.
  • Gently press it into the pillow-top surface with your hand.

Baking soda helps absorb moisture and reduce lingering smell. Leave it on for several hours; overnight is often helpful.

Step 5: Vacuum thoroughly and air-dry

Once the baking soda has dried and clumped:

  • Vacuum the mattress slowly and thoroughly.
  • Let the mattress air out in a well-ventilated room until it feels completely dry to the touch.

Avoid putting sheets back on until the pillow-top is fully dry to help prevent odors and mildew.

How do I clean dried or old urine stains on a pillow-top mattress?

Dried urine is more stubborn, but you can still improve stains and odor.

  1. Vacuum first to remove dust and loose debris.
  2. Lightly mist the stain with plain water to rehydrate it (do not soak).
  3. Apply a vinegar–water mixture or mild soap solution to the area.
  4. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot thoroughly.
  5. Use baking soda as above and leave it for several hours.

You may need to repeat the cleaning cycle more than once for older stains. Deep, long-standing stains might not disappear completely, but odor and discoloration can often be reduced significantly.

What should I not do when cleaning a pillow-top mattress?

To protect your pillow-top layer:

  • Do not oversaturate the mattress with water or cleaner.
  • Do not use bleach or very strong chemicals unless the care tag specifically says they’re safe for your fabric.
  • Avoid aggressive scrubbing with stiff brushes that can roughen or tear the surface.
  • Do not use high heat (like a hair dryer on hot) directly on the fabric, as it may damage materials or set stains.

Gentle methods may take a little longer but are generally safer for the padding and fabric.

How can I get rid of lingering odor in a pillow-top?

If you still notice odor after cleaning:

  • Repeat the baking soda treatment, leaving it for a longer period.
  • Make sure the mattress is fully dry, as dampness can trap smells.
  • Air out the room and, if possible, move the mattress where air can circulate around it.

Sometimes, combining light cleaning with multiple baking soda treatments works better than one heavy cleaning attempt.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a pillow-top mattress?

Many pillow-top mattresses do not respond well to steam cleaning because:

  • Steam adds a lot of heat and moisture, which can penetrate deeply.
  • It may be difficult to fully dry the thick pillow-top layer, increasing the chance of odor and material breakdown.

If you consider steam cleaning, check the manufacturer’s care tag first. When in doubt, safer low-moisture methods are usually preferred.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points for “How To Clean Urine From Mattress With a Pillow Top”

  • Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately to prevent deep soaking.
  • Stay gentle: Use mild soap or diluted vinegar solutions and avoid over-wetting.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Press with clean cloths to lift moisture instead of rubbing it in.
  • Use baking soda: It helps absorb moisture and reduce odor from the pillow-top layer.
  • Let it dry fully: Good airflow and time are essential before remaking the bed.
  • Repeat if needed: Old or dried stains may need multiple light treatments.
  • Protect for the future: A waterproof, breathable mattress protector can make any future clean-up much easier.

With patient, careful cleaning, most urine accidents on a pillow-top mattress can be managed effectively without damaging the plush surface.