How To Clean Urine Out Of Memory Foam Mattress: Step‑By‑Step FAQ
If you’re searching for “How To Clean Urine Out Of Memory Foam Mattress,” you likely need a clear plan right now. Memory foam can be tricky because it absorbs liquid deeply, but with the right steps you can usually remove smell, stains, and residue without damaging the mattress.
Below are the most common questions people have about cleaning urine from a memory foam mattress, answered in a practical, easy-to-follow way.
Why is urine harder to clean from a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is designed to be highly absorbent and contouring, which is great for comfort but challenging for spills.
Urine can:
- Soak deep into the foam, not just sit on the surface
- Leave behind odors and yellowish stains
- Be harder to rinse out fully, since you can’t just put the mattress in a washer
That’s why fast action and gentle, effective cleaners are important.
What should I do immediately after urine gets on the mattress?
Act as quickly as you can. The sooner you respond, the less urine will soak in.
Remove all bedding
Take off sheets, mattress protector, and blankets so you can see the affected area.Blot, don’t rub
Use a clean, dry towel or paper towels to press firmly on the wet area.- Do not scrub, as that can push urine deeper into the foam.
- Keep blotting with fresh sections until no more moisture lifts off.
Avoid soaking with plain water
Pouring water directly on memory foam can spread the urine further and make drying harder.
How To Clean Urine Out Of Memory Foam Mattress (Fresh Stains)
Once you’ve blotted up as much as possible, you can start cleaning the area.
Step 1: Apply a gentle cleaning solution
A common approach is a mild solution with household ingredients:
- Cool or lukewarm water
- A small amount of gentle liquid soap or a light mix of water and white vinegar
Lightly spray or dab the solution onto the stained area. The goal is to dampen, not soak, so the mattress can dry thoroughly later.
Step 2: Blot again
Use a clean cloth to:
- Press and lift the solution and dissolved urine
- Repeat until the cloth no longer picks up much residue
This helps pull urine out of the foam along with the cleaner.
Step 3: Deodorize with baking soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of dry baking soda over the cleaned area.
- Let it sit for several hours, or overnight if possible
- Baking soda helps absorb remaining moisture and odor
Once it’s dry, vacuum the baking soda up slowly to avoid blowing dust around.
How do I remove dried or old urine stains from memory foam?
Dried urine is more stubborn, but you can usually improve the stain and smell.
Step 1: Lightly rehydrate the stain
Use a light mist of cleaning solution (water with a little gentle soap or vinegar) to re-dampen the stained area.
- Avoid soaking, especially on older spots, to prevent spreading the stain.
Step 2: Let it sit briefly
Allow the solution to sit for 10–15 minutes so it can loosen dried residue.
Step 3: Blot deeply
Press firmly with clean towels to pull as much moisture and dissolved urine from the foam as possible.
Step 4: Use baking soda again
Cover the area thickly with baking soda, let it sit for hours (or longer if odor is strong), then vacuum.
You may need to repeat the process for tough, old stains.
How can I get rid of lingering urine smell?
If there’s still a smell after cleaning:
- Repeat the cleaning and baking soda step
- Ensure the mattress dries completely, as damp foam can hold odors
- Let the mattress air out in a well-ventilated room
- Flip or rotate the mattress (if the design allows) to help all sides breathe
Avoid heavy perfumes or sprays that only mask odor without removing the source.
Is it safe to use harsh chemicals or steam cleaners on memory foam?
In many cases, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals and high heat on memory foam.
- Strong cleaners may damage the foam or leave residues close to where you sleep
- Steam or very hot water can affect the foam’s structure and feel
- Excess moisture from steam can also lead to slow drying and trapped dampness
If you choose any chemical cleaner, use it sparingly, spot-test it in an inconspicuous area first, and make sure the mattress dries thoroughly.
How long will it take my memory foam mattress to dry?
Drying time depends on:
- How much liquid got into the foam
- Room temperature and airflow
To help it dry faster:
- Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room
- Use a fan pointed at the spot
- Open windows if weather allows
Avoid covering the cleaned area with bedding until it feels fully dry to the touch. This helps prevent trapped moisture and lingering smells.
Can I prevent future urine stains on a memory foam mattress?
You can’t avoid every accident, but you can limit the damage.
- Use a water-resistant mattress protector
- Check bedding regularly if you’re concerned about nighttime accidents
- Clean small accidents quickly before they soak in
A barrier between the sleeper and the foam makes “How To Clean Urine Out Of Memory Foam Mattress” a less urgent problem in the future.
✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points on How To Clean Urine Out Of Memory Foam Mattress:
- Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately; don’t rub or scrub.
- Use gentle cleaners: Lightly apply a mild soap or vinegar solution; avoid soaking the foam.
- Blot, then deodorize: Blot out excess moisture, then apply baking soda and vacuum after it dries.
- Old stains take patience: Re-dampen, blot repeatedly, and repeat baking soda treatment if needed.
- Dry thoroughly: Good airflow and time are essential to prevent trapped odors and moisture.
- Protect going forward: A water-resistant mattress protector greatly reduces future cleanup stress.
Handled promptly and carefully, most urine incidents on memory foam can be cleaned well enough for the mattress to remain comfortable and usable.

