How To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress: Simple Steps That Work

If you’re searching for “How To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress,” you probably need something that works right now—without ruining your bed. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to handle both fresh and dried urine stains and smells.

What’s the Best Way To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress?

The basics: you need to blot, treat, and fully dry the area. Here’s a step‑by‑step method many people use at home with common supplies.

You’ll need:

  • Clean, absorbent towels or paper towels
  • Mild liquid dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Spray bottle (helpful but not required)

Step 1: Act Fast and Blot, Don’t Rub

If the stain is fresh:

  1. Strip all bedding immediately.
  2. Use towels to blot up as much liquid as possible. Press firmly to absorb; do not scrub, as rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.
  3. Keep blotting with fresh, dry sections of the towel until the surface feels only slightly damp.

Step 2: Apply a Vinegar-Based Cleaning Solution

A simple solution can help lift the stain and neutralize odor:

  1. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle or bowl.
  2. Optional: Add a small drop of mild dish soap (not necessary, but can help with residue).
  3. Lightly saturate the stained area with the mixture. The mattress should feel damp, not soaked all the way through.
  4. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Then, blot again with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda To Deodorize

  1. While the area is still damp, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stain.
  2. Gently spread it so it covers the affected area completely.
  3. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least several hours, and ideally overnight. This gives it time to absorb moisture and odor.

Step 4: Vacuum and Check

  1. Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up thoroughly.
  2. Check the mattress:
    • If the stain is lighter or gone but still slightly visible, you can repeat the process once or twice.
    • If the odor lingers, focus on another baking soda application and longer drying time.

How To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress That’s Already Dried

Dried stains can be more stubborn, but you can still improve or remove them.

  1. Lightly dampen the stained area with water. This helps loosen the dried urine.
  2. Apply the vinegar-and-water solution as above, letting it sit a bit longer (15–30 minutes).
  3. Blot thoroughly.
  4. Cover with baking soda and leave for several hours or overnight.
  5. Vacuum and reassess.

For very old or deep stains, you may not get the mattress back to a like-new appearance, but odor and discoloration can usually be reduced significantly with repeated treatments.

Will Vinegar and Baking Soda Damage My Mattress?

For most mattresses, small amounts of diluted vinegar and dry baking soda are generally considered safe when:

  • You avoid soaking the mattress completely
  • You blot up excess liquid
  • You allow the mattress to dry fully before making the bed again

If your mattress has specific cleaning instructions or materials (such as certain foams or covers), it’s wise to check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance before using any solution.

How Do I Get Rid of the Urine Smell Completely?

Urine odor often lingers longer than the stain itself. To help with smell:

  • Use enough vinegar solution to reach the full depth of the odor, without drenching.
  • Let baking soda sit longer—overnight is often more effective than just an hour.
  • Increase airflow with a fan or open window to speed drying.
  • Allow the mattress to air out uncovered for several hours after cleaning.

If the smell is still noticeable after one treatment, repeat the vinegar and baking soda steps. Odors usually fade more with each round.

What Should I Avoid When Cleaning a Pee Stain?

To protect your mattress:

  • Don’t use steam cleaners. Heat can set urine stains and odors into foam and fabrics.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach unless you know your mattress materials can tolerate them; they may damage fabric or discolor it.
  • Don’t oversaturate the mattress. Too much liquid can soak deep inside and take a long time to dry.
  • Don’t skip the drying step. A damp mattress can develop musty smells over time.

How Can I Prevent Future Pee Stains?

While accidents happen, a few simple steps can make future cleanups easier:

  • Use a water-resistant or waterproof mattress protector to keep liquids from soaking into the mattress.
  • Clean small accidents as soon as you notice them to prevent stains from setting.
  • Keep extra sheets and protectors on hand so you can change bedding quickly and let the mattress dry uncovered when needed.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress

  • Blot first, never rub – remove as much liquid as possible before cleaning.
  • A mix of white vinegar and water can help lift stains and neutralize odor.
  • Baking soda is useful for absorbing remaining moisture and smell.
  • Let treatments sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum well.
  • Avoid soaking or steaming the mattress to prevent setting stains and odors.
  • Stubborn, dried stains may need more than one cleaning cycle.
  • A protective mattress cover makes future cleanups faster and easier.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, How To Get a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress becomes manageable, and you can usually restore your bed to a clean, comfortable state without specialized tools.