How To Get Dog Pee Stains Out Of a Mattress: Practical FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for how to get dog pee stains out of a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old, lingering spot. This guide walks through simple, at-home methods to clean urine from your mattress, reduce odors, and protect it from future accidents.

What’s the Best Way to Start Cleaning Dog Pee From a Mattress?

Acting quickly helps prevent deep staining and odor.

Step-by-step for fresh dog pee stains:

  1. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to gently press on the wet area. Absorb as much liquid as possible before adding any cleaner.

  2. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    A common at-home option is a mix of water and gentle soap or water and white vinegar. Lightly spray or dab it onto the stained area. Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can be hard to dry.

  3. Blot again
    Gently blot to lift both liquid and urine residue from the surface.

  4. Use baking soda for odor
    Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot. This helps absorb moisture and neutralize smells.

  5. Let it sit
    Leave the baking soda on the mattress for several hours (ideally overnight) so it can work on both moisture and odor.

  6. Vacuum thoroughly
    Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it off. A standard vacuum with an upholstery attachment usually works well.

This basic method is often enough for fresh stains and mild odors.

How Do I Get Old or Set-In Dog Pee Stains Out of a Mattress?

Older stains can be more stubborn because the urine has had time to dry, set, and sink deeper into the mattress.

For older stains:

  • Lightly mist or dab the area with a water and vinegar mix to re-moisten the stain without soaking the mattress.
  • Gently blot to lift loosened residue.
  • Apply baking soda and let it sit for several hours, then vacuum.
  • This process may need to be repeated more than once for persistent stains or odors.

If there is a strong smell even after several cleanings, the urine may have penetrated deeper layers. In that case, spot-cleaning the top will help, but it may not remove all odor completely.

Is Vinegar Safe to Use on a Mattress?

Many people use diluted white vinegar as part of their routine for how to get dog pee stains out of a mattress because it helps break down urine and neutralize odors.

A few tips:

  • Use diluted vinegar (mixed with water), not full strength.
  • Avoid over-saturating the mattress; excess liquid can take too long to dry.
  • After using vinegar, follow with baking soda to help with both cleaning and odor.

Always spot-test a small, hidden area first if you’re unsure about how the surface fabric will react.

Can Baking Soda Really Remove Dog Pee Smell?

Baking soda is commonly used because it can:

  • Absorb moisture from the mattress surface
  • Help neutralize odors that come from urine

It usually works best when:

  • Applied generously over the damp, treated area
  • Left to sit for several hours or overnight
  • Vacuumed off once fully dry

While baking soda is effective for many situations, very strong or long-standing odors might require multiple treatments or deeper cleaning approaches.

How Can I Dry My Mattress After Cleaning Dog Urine?

Proper drying helps prevent lingering odors and moisture issues.

Useful drying tips:

  • Open windows or use a fan for good air circulation.
  • If possible, move the mattress to a dry, well-ventilated room.
  • Avoid placing it in direct heat that could damage materials.

A mattress that still feels cool or slightly damp to the touch is not fully dry. Give it extra time before putting on sheets or covers.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Peeing on the Mattress Again?

While behavior and training are separate topics, there are a few mattress-specific steps that can help:

  • Use a waterproof mattress protector to create a barrier against future accidents.
  • Clean accidents quickly so that no strong urine scent remains to attract repeat marking.
  • Keep bedding and covers clean and dry, as odors can cling to fabrics.

These steps help keep your sleep surface fresher and easier to maintain, even if accidents happen again.

📝 ✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to get dog pee stains out of a mattress:

  • Act fast on fresh stains:
    • Blot, apply a mild cleaner, blot again, then use baking soda and vacuum.
  • For old stains:
    • Re-moisten lightly, blot, use baking soda, and repeat as needed.
  • Vinegar and baking soda:
    • Common at-home options to help break down urine and reduce odor.
  • Avoid over-soaking:
    • Too much liquid can be hard to dry and may lead to lingering smells.
  • Dry thoroughly:
    • Use air circulation and time; don’t remake the bed until the mattress is fully dry.
  • Protect for the future:
    • Waterproof protectors and quick cleanup make accidents easier to manage.

With consistent, gentle cleaning and good drying, many dog pee stains and odors can be significantly reduced, helping you keep your mattress fresher and more comfortable over time.