How To Get a Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress: Simple FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for “How To Get a Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a stubborn old odor. This guide explains why the smell lingers, how to remove it step by step, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can refresh your mattress as much as possible.

Why Does Urine Smell Stay in a Mattress?

Urine can soak deep into the foam and fabric layers of a mattress. As it dries, uric acid crystals and other compounds can leave behind a noticeable odor, especially in warm or humid conditions.

Because a mattress is thick and absorbent, surface cleaning alone often isn’t enough. To really tackle how to get a pee smell out of a mattress, you need methods that both lift the moisture and neutralize the odor-causing residues.

What Should I Do First After a Fresh Accident?

1. Act Quickly

The sooner you start, the easier it is to prevent stains and smells from setting in.

  1. Strip the bed – Remove sheets, mattress protectors, and bedding.
  2. Blot, don’t rub – Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press down and absorb as much liquid as possible.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

2. Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution

A simple DIY cleaner is usually enough:

  • Mix one part mild liquid soap with several parts lukewarm water, or
  • Use a diluted white vinegar solution (commonly equal parts vinegar and water).

Lightly spray or dab the solution onto the affected area, then blot again. The goal is to dampen and lift, not soak the mattress.

How Do I Remove the Pee Smell, Not Just the Stain?

For odor, you need an additional step beyond basic cleaning.

Using Baking Soda to Neutralize Odor

Baking soda is often used because it can help absorb moisture and odors:

  1. After blotting and surface cleaning, sprinkle a generous layer of dry baking soda over the damp area.
  2. Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush.
  3. Leave it on for several hours, or ideally overnight, to give it time to absorb.
  4. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda from the mattress surface.

You can repeat this process if a mild odor remains after the first round.

Can I Get Old or Dried Pee Smells Out of a Mattress?

Older accidents are harder to treat, but you can still improve them.

  1. Lightly rehydrate the area with a small amount of water or a diluted vinegar solution. This can help loosen dried residues.
  2. Blot again with dry towels.
  3. Apply baking soda as described above and let it sit longer if possible.
  4. Vacuum and reassess the smell.

Some set-in odors may never disappear completely, but multiple rounds of cleaning and odor neutralizing can often make them much less noticeable.

Is Vinegar Safe to Use on a Mattress?

Diluted white vinegar is commonly used for odor control because it can help neutralize smells rather than just masking them. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Always dilute it with water.
  • Spot test a small, hidden area first to check for any discoloration.
  • Allow plenty of drying time so the mattress doesn’t stay damp.

Vinegar itself has a strong smell, but this usually fades as it dries and can be followed with baking soda if desired.

How Do I Dry the Mattress Properly?

Drying is just as important as cleaning when focusing on how to get a pee smell out of a mattress.

  • Increase airflow: Open windows, use fans, or point a fan directly at the affected area.
  • Avoid heat tools: Very high heat can sometimes damage certain mattress materials.
  • Make sure it’s fully dry before putting sheets back on. A damp mattress can trap odors and feel uncomfortable to sleep on.

Drying might take many hours, especially for deeper mattresses.

What If the Smell Still Won’t Go Away?

If the odor lingers even after several cleaning attempts:

  • The urine may have soaked deep into the core of the mattress.
  • There could be multiple older accidents that were never fully cleaned.
  • Strong odors sometimes return in humid weather, indicating deeper saturation.

In those cases, further at-home cleaning may only reduce, not completely remove, the smell. Some people choose to use a mattress protector going forward once the smell is reduced, to protect against future accidents.

How Can I Prevent Pee Smells in the Future?

While accidents can’t always be avoided, a few habits can protect your mattress:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to keep liquids from soaking in.
  • Clean up any spills or accidents as soon as you notice them.
  • Let your mattress fully dry after any cleaning before remaking the bed.
  • Regularly refresh with baking soda (sprinkle lightly, let sit, vacuum) to keep general odors down.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about How To Get a Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately to limit how deep it soaks in.
  • Clean gently: Use diluted soap or vinegar; avoid harsh scrubbing and oversoaking.
  • Neutralize odor: Baking soda can help absorb lingering smells after cleaning.
  • Dry completely: Good airflow and patience are essential to prevent trapped odors.
  • Repeat if needed: Old or set-in accidents often need more than one treatment.
  • Protect going forward: A mattress protector and quick cleanup can help prevent future odors.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, many mattresses can be noticeably fresher and more comfortable again after a pee accident.