How To Clean Urine From Memory Foam Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

Accidents happen, and memory foam can make them feel especially stressful because it absorbs liquid so easily. If you’re searching for “How To Clean Urine From Memory Foam Mattress”, this guide walks you through what to do right away, how to handle dried stains, and how to reduce lingering odours without damaging your mattress.

What’s the Best First Step When Urine Gets on a Memory Foam Mattress?

Act fast. Memory foam is porous, so the sooner you respond, the better the result.

  1. Remove bedding
    Strip sheets, protectors, and covers and wash them according to their care labels.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press firmly and soak up as much urine as possible.

    • Avoid scrubbing: this pushes liquid deeper into the foam.

  3. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution
    A common home approach is to mix:

    • Cool water
    • A small amount of mild liquid detergent or gentle dish soap

    Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down foam or leave strong residues.

How To Clean Urine From Memory Foam Mattress (Fresh Stains)

Once you’ve blotted up the excess, you can start deep cleaning.

  1. Lightly apply your cleaning solution

    • Use a spray bottle if possible.
    • Lightly mist the stained area instead of soaking it.
    • Memory foam should be damp, not dripping.

  2. Gently blot again

    • Use a clean cloth to blot the area and lift out urine and cleaner.
    • Repeat misting and blotting as needed until the stain looks lighter.

  3. Deodorize with baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot.
    • Let it sit for at least several hours, or overnight if possible.
    • Baking soda helps absorb moisture and reduce odour.

  4. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up with an upholstery attachment.
    • Go over the area slowly to remove all residue.

  5. Let the mattress dry completely

    • Allow plenty of air circulation.
    • If possible, stand the mattress on its side in a well-ventilated room.
    • Only put sheets back on when the foam is fully dry to the touch.

How Do You Clean Dried or Old Urine Stains from Memory Foam?

Dried urine can leave visible stains and stronger odours, but you can often improve them with a slightly more targeted approach.

  1. Rehydrate the area lightly

    • Mist the stained area with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
    • This helps loosen the dried residue.

  2. Use a gentle blot-and-rest cycle

    • Blot with a clean cloth.
    • Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes.
    • Blot again. Repeat if needed.

  3. Deodorize more than once if necessary

    • Apply baking soda, leave for several hours, and vacuum.
    • For stubborn smells, you may repeat the baking soda step another time.

Some very old stains may never disappear completely, but consistent, gentle cleaning usually reduces both appearance and odour significantly.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Urine from Memory Foam?

Using the wrong methods can damage the foam or trap odours.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Soaking the mattress with large amounts of water or cleaner
  • Bleach or very strong chemicals, which can break down foam and irritate skin
  • Steam cleaning, which forces moisture deep into the core
  • High heat (hair dryers on hot, heaters directly against the foam)

Memory foam takes time to dry. Deep moisture = risk of lingering smells and potential mould growth, so focus on light applications and thorough air-drying.

How Long Does It Take a Memory Foam Mattress to Dry After Cleaning?

Drying time depends on room temperature, airflow, and how damp the mattress became, but a few key tips help:

  • Keep the room well-ventilated (open windows if possible).
  • Use a fan pointed across the mattress, not directly pressed against it.
  • Avoid putting on bedding until you’re sure the area is completely dry.

Rushing this step can trap odours and moisture inside the foam.

Can You Prevent Urine Stains on a Memory Foam Mattress in the Future?

The most effective approach is to create a barrier between the sleeper and the foam:

  • Use a removable, washable mattress protector.
  • Wash bedding regularly to catch small accidents or spills early.
  • Check underneath the sheets whenever you notice odours or dampness.

While no setup is perfect, these steps often turn a serious cleanup into a quick wash load instead.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean Urine From Memory Foam Mattress

  • Act quickly: Blot up fresh urine right away to minimize staining and odour.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild detergent with cool water is usually enough for most spots.
  • Never soak memory foam: Lightly mist and blot; too much liquid can cause long-term issues.
  • Deodorize with baking soda: Let it sit for hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
  • Allow full drying time: Ensure the mattress is completely dry before making the bed again.
  • Avoid harsh methods: Skip bleach, steam cleaners, and high heat on memory foam.
  • Protect for next time: A removable protector greatly reduces future cleaning stress.

Handled calmly and methodically, even a major accident on a memory foam mattress can usually be cleaned well enough for comfortable, worry-free sleep.