How To Clean Urine Off Of Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for how to clean urine off of mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old stain that just won’t go away. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, why speed matters, and how to handle both fresh and dried urine without damaging your mattress.

Why Urine Is So Tricky To Remove From a Mattress

Urine is a problem for mattresses because:

  • It soaks deep into the foam and fabric, not just the surface
  • It can leave stains, lingering odor, and discoloration
  • Mattresses can’t be tossed into a washing machine

That’s why knowing how to clean urine off of mattress surfaces correctly can help you keep your bed fresh for longer and avoid permanent smells or marks.

Step-by-Step: How To Clean Fresh Urine Off Of Mattress

1. Act Fast and Blot (Don’t Rub)

  1. Remove bedding immediately and set it aside for washing.
  2. Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot the wet spot.
    • Press down firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible.
    • Avoid rubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

2. Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution

Many people use a simple household mixture:

  • Mix cool water with a small amount of mild liquid soap or a gentle cleaning agent.
  • Lightly spray or dab the solution on the stained area.
  • Do not oversaturate the mattress—too much liquid can be hard to dry and may cause other issues.

Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, then blot again with a dry towel to remove extra moisture.

3. Deodorize With a Drying Agent

To help reduce odor and draw out remaining moisture:

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  • Gently spread it so it covers slightly beyond the stain.
  • Allow it to sit for at least several hours, ideally overnight.

Once dry, vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

How To Clean Dried or Old Urine Stains on a Mattress

Dried urine can leave noticeable stains and stronger smells. The process is similar, but may take longer and more than one round.

1. Lightly Re-Dampen the Stain

  • Use a spray bottle with cool water to slightly dampen the stained area.
  • This can help loosen the dried residue so cleaning agents can work more effectively.

2. Use a Targeted Cleaning Mixture

A common approach involves combining water with a mild cleaner that is suitable for fabrics. Always test any solution on a small, hidden section of the mattress first to check for discoloration.

  • Apply the solution sparingly.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  • Blot thoroughly to lift both the moisture and residue.

3. Repeat and Deodorize

  • You may need to repeat the cleaning and blotting process a few times for older stains.
  • Finish by applying baking soda over the area, letting it dry completely, and then vacuuming.

For some long-standing or severe stains, a faint mark may remain even after odor has reduced, which is common for older mattress spills.

How Long Does It Take a Mattress To Dry After Cleaning?

Drying time depends on how much liquid was used and the room conditions.

To help your mattress dry:

  • Open windows or use a fan for airflow
  • If possible, stand the mattress upright to allow air to reach more surfaces
  • Avoid putting sheets back on until the mattress feels fully dry to the touch

In many cases, this can take several hours. When learning how to clean urine off of mattress surfaces effectively, proper drying is just as important as cleaning to avoid lingering odors.

Can You Use Household Products To Remove Urine Smell?

Many people rely on simple household items:

  • Mild soap and water for general cleaning
  • Baking soda for odor absorption and drying
  • Plain cool water to dilute and lift fresh urine

These options are commonly used because they are gentle and widely available. Always avoid anything overly harsh, especially products that might damage fabric or foam.

Preventing Future Urine Accidents on Your Mattress

You can’t always prevent accidents, but you can protect your mattress:

  • Consider using a water-resistant mattress protector
  • Add a washable mattress pad on top of your mattress
  • Clean up accidents as soon as they happen to minimize stains and smell

These steps won’t stop spills from happening, but they can make cleanup faster and help keep your mattress in better condition.

❗ Common Mistakes To Avoid

When figuring out how to clean urine off of mattress materials, try not to:

  • Soak the mattress with too much water or cleaner
  • Scrub aggressively, which pushes liquid deeper
  • Use very hot water, which may set some stains
  • Ignore the spill and wait, which often makes odor worse

Gentle, patient cleaning usually gives better results than aggressive scrubbing.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about how to clean urine off of mattress surfaces:

  • Act quickly: Blot fresh urine right away to limit how far it spreads.
  • Blot, don’t rub: Press with clean towels to absorb, instead of scrubbing.
  • Use mild cleaners: Gentle soap-and-water solutions are commonly used.
  • Deodorize with baking soda: It helps absorb lingering moisture and smell.
  • Let it fully dry: Good airflow and time are essential before making the bed.
  • Old stains need patience: Dried urine may require repeated cleaning.
  • Protect your mattress: A protector or pad can make future cleanup easier.

Handled promptly and carefully, many urine accidents can be cleaned without permanently affecting your mattress.