How To Get Dried Urine Out Of Mattress: Practical Steps That Work

If you’re searching for “How To Get Dried Urine Out Of Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with an old stain, a lingering odor, or both. The good news is that dried urine can often be removed with patience, the right cleaning mix, and careful technique.

Below you’ll find a clear, step-by-step approach, plus answers to common questions about odor, stains, and when it might be time to replace a mattress.

What Happens When Urine Dries in a Mattress?

When urine dries, it leaves behind:

  • Salts and residues that can create visible stains
  • Odor-causing compounds that sink into foam and fabric
  • Moisture that may have spread deeper into the mattress layers

This is why simply spraying fabric freshener or using a light cleaner on the surface often isn’t enough. To really address how to get dried urine out of mattress materials, you need a method that tackles both stain and smell.

Step-by-Step: How To Get Dried Urine Out Of Mattress

1. Gather simple cleaning supplies

Most people can use items they already have at home:

  • Mild liquid detergent
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Clean spray bottle
  • Clean towels or cloths
  • Vacuum with upholstery attachment

Always check the care tag on your mattress before using any liquid solution.

2. Blot, don’t soak

Even if the urine is already dry:

  1. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with plain water.
  2. Gently blot the stained area to rehydrate the surface slightly.
  3. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain deeper into the fabric and foam.

The goal is to loosen the dried residue without pushing it further into the mattress.

3. Use a vinegar-based solution for odor and stain

A common at-home method:

  1. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Lightly spray the affected area until it’s damp but not soaked.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down residues.
  4. Blot thoroughly with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.

Vinegar has a naturally strong smell at first, but it usually fades as it dries and can help neutralize urine odor.

4. Apply baking soda and let it sit

Baking soda is often used because it can:

  • Absorb moisture
  • Help reduce lingering odors
  • Loosen discoloration on the surface

Steps:

  1. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  2. Gently press it in with your hand (wear gloves if you prefer).
  3. Leave it for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
  4. Once completely dry, vacuum thoroughly to remove all the powder.

For stubborn smells or older stains, some people repeat this vinegar + baking soda cycle more than once.

5. Consider a mild detergent spot clean

If a faint stain remains:

  1. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water until slightly sudsy.
  2. Dip a cloth into the solution and gently dab only the stained area.
  3. Follow with a clean, damp cloth to rinse out soap residue.
  4. Blot dry with towels, then let the mattress air-dry completely before making the bed again.

Avoid heavy soaking, which can trap moisture deep in the mattress and extend drying time.

Common Questions About Dried Urine in Mattresses

Will the urine smell ever fully go away?

In many cases, yes—especially if the stain is treated thoroughly and early enough. Deep, older stains may take:

  • More than one cleaning session
  • Extra time for ventilation and drying
  • Periodic baking soda treatments for lingering odor

If the odor remains strong after several careful cleanings, it may be embedded in deeper layers that are hard to reach from the surface.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress after cleaning urine?

Most people wait until:

  • The mattress is completely dry to the touch
  • There is no dampness when you press into the foam
  • Odor is reduced to a comfortable level

Sleeping on a damp mattress can be uncomfortable and may slow the drying process.

When is a mattress too far gone?

A mattress might be hard to salvage if:

  • The urine has reached multiple layers and spread widely
  • There are multiple old stains with strong odors
  • The structure is already sagging or worn out

In those cases, some sleepers decide that replacement is the simpler option, especially if cleaning isn’t improving odor after several attempts.

🚩 How To Prevent Future Urine Stains

Once you’ve learned how to get dried urine out of mattress materials, it often makes sense to protect your bed going forward:

  • Use a water-resistant or waterproof mattress protector
  • Clean small accidents quickly before they dry
  • Let your mattress air out regularly by pulling back bedding

Prevention usually requires less effort than deep cleaning dried stains.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Get Dried Urine Out Of Mattress

  • Act even on old stains: Dried urine can often be improved with a vinegar and baking soda routine plus patient blotting.
  • Avoid oversoaking: Use light sprays and thorough blotting to keep moisture from sinking deeply into the mattress.
  • Target both stain and odor: Vinegar solution helps break down residues, while baking soda helps absorb odor and moisture.
  • Repeat if needed: Stubborn or older stains may need more than one cleaning cycle.
  • Dry time matters: Always let the mattress dry fully before putting sheets back on or sleeping on it.
  • Protection helps long term: A washable mattress protector can minimize future cleanup and protect the mattress core.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, how to get dried urine out of mattress surfaces becomes much more manageable, and many mattresses can be returned to a comfortable, neutral-smelling condition.