How To Get Pee Odor Out Of Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Get Pee Odor Out Of Mattress,” you’re probably dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering smell that just won’t go away. This guide explains why urine odors stick, what you can safely use on a mattress, and step‑by‑step methods to remove the smell and help prevent it from coming back.

Why Does Pee Odor Stay In a Mattress?

Mattresses are made of layers of foam and fabric that easily absorb liquid. When urine soaks in, it can:

  • Sink below the surface, making it hard to reach
  • Leave behind uric acid crystals and other residues that cause odor
  • Smell stronger over time if not cleaned thoroughly

This is why simply spraying a freshener or using a light cleaner on top often doesn’t fully solve the problem.

First Steps: What To Do Right After an Accident

How quickly should you act?

The sooner you start, the easier it is to remove both the stain and the smell. Fresh urine is usually much easier to deal with than dried, set-in odor.

Immediate steps for fresh accidents

  1. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press firmly on the area. Blot until you’re removing very little moisture. Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  2. Remove bedding
    Strip sheets, mattress protector, and blankets and wash them according to their care labels.

  3. Prepare a mild cleaning solution
    Many people use a mix of water and gentle dish soap or a water and white vinegar solution. Avoid anything very harsh or heavily perfumed, as it may damage some materials or only mask odors instead of removing them.

How To Get Pee Odor Out Of Mattress: Step‑By‑Step

Step 1: Use a vinegar solution to neutralize odor

A common home approach is:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle.
  • Lightly spray the affected area until it’s damp but not soaked.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot thoroughly with dry towels.

Vinegar is often used because it can help neutralize odors rather than just cover them.

Step 2: Apply baking soda to absorb smells

After blotting:

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda on the damp area.
  • Gently spread it to cover a slightly larger area than the stain.
  • Leave it for at least several hours, or overnight if possible.
  • Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

Baking soda is commonly used because it can absorb lingering moisture and odor from the mattress surface.

What If the Pee Odor Is Old or Set In?

Can you remove dried urine smell?

Old urine smells are more stubborn, but you can still improve them. You may need to repeat the cleaning steps multiple times.

For dried stains:

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area with a vinegar-and-water solution.
  2. Allow it to sit longer (up to 20 minutes), then blot very well.
  3. Apply baking soda and leave it for a longer period, such as overnight.
  4. Vacuum and check the smell. Repeat if needed.

If the odor has deeply penetrated the mattress core, complete removal can be more difficult. At that point, people sometimes consider spot cleaning periodically and using a waterproof protector to prevent new odors from setting in.

Common Questions About Cleaning Pee Odor from Mattresses

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide or strong cleaners?

Some people use solutions that include hydrogen peroxide or stronger cleaning agents on certain mattress types. These can sometimes:

  • Lighten or fade fabrics
  • Affect the feel of foam
  • Leave behind their own odors

If you choose to use anything stronger than mild soap, water, vinegar, or baking soda, it’s wise to test on a small hidden area first and check your mattress care instructions. Many manufacturers give cleaning guidelines for different materials.

Will air fresheners or fabric sprays fix the problem?

Scented sprays may temporarily mask the smell but usually won’t remove the urine residue inside the mattress. For lasting results, the focus should be on absorbing and neutralizing the source of the odor.

How long does it take for the smell to go away?

After using the vinegar + baking soda approach, many people notice an improvement once the mattress is fully dry and the baking soda is vacuumed. Strong or older odors may require:

  • Multiple treatment cycles
  • Extra drying time
  • Better airflow (open windows, fans, or a well-ventilated room)

How To Prevent Pee Odor in Your Mattress Going Forward

Even after you’ve learned How To Get Pee Odor Out Of Mattress, prevention makes day‑to‑day life much easier:

  • Use a waterproof mattress protector to block liquids.
  • Check for accidents quickly, especially with children or pets.
  • Keep simple supplies on hand: clean towels, vinegar, baking soda, and a vacuum.
  • Allow your mattress to fully dry after any cleaning before putting sheets back on.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about How To Get Pee Odor Out Of Mattress

  • Act fast on fresh accidents: Blot thoroughly to stop urine from soaking deeper.
  • Use gentle cleaners first: Water, mild soap, white vinegar, and baking soda are common, mattress-friendly options.
  • Vinegar can help neutralize odor, while baking soda absorbs moisture and smells from the surface.
  • Old stains may need repeated treatments, extra time, and good airflow to improve.
  • Avoid over-saturating the mattress; too much liquid can cause new issues like lingering dampness.
  • Test any strong cleaner on a small area before using it widely.
  • Prevention with a waterproof protector is often the easiest way to avoid future odor problems.

With patience and the right steps, you can usually reduce or significantly improve pee odor in a mattress and keep your sleep surface fresher over time.