How To Get Pee Off Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for “How To Get Pee Off Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering stain and smell. The good news: with the right approach, you can usually clean it effectively and protect your mattress.

This FAQ-style guide walks you through what to do step by step, plus answers common questions about urine stains and odor on mattresses.

What’s the first thing I should do when pee gets on a mattress?

Act as quickly as possible. Fresh urine is much easier to remove than dried stains.

  1. Remove bedding
    Take off sheets, mattress protectors, and blankets so you can reach the mattress surface.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, absorbent towels or paper towels to press firmly on the wet area.

    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the foam or padding.
    • Continue blotting until the area feels just slightly damp.

  3. Ventilate the room
    Open windows or turn on a fan to help the mattress dry later.

How To Get Pee Off Mattress: What cleaning solution should I use?

For most mattresses, a simple household mix works well. Always check your mattress care tag first.

A common approach uses:

  • Cool or lukewarm water
  • Mild liquid soap or gentle detergent
  • White vinegar (for odor)
  • Baking soda (for extra odor and moisture absorption)

Step-by-step: Basic cleaning method

  1. Mix a gentle cleaning solution

    • Combine water with a small amount of mild soap.
    • Optionally add a little white vinegar to help neutralize odor.

  2. Lightly apply to the stained area

    • Use a spray bottle or damp cloth.
    • The mattress should be damp, not soaked. Too much liquid can be hard to dry and may damage some materials.

  3. Blot again

    • Press with a dry towel to pull out moisture and diluted urine.

  4. Deodorize with baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of dry baking soda over the cleaned area.
    • Let it sit for several hours, or ideally overnight.

  5. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up slowly to remove powder and trapped odor.

How do I remove dried or old urine stains from a mattress?

Dried pee can leave visible yellow stains and a persistent smell. You’ll often need a stronger odor-fighting approach and more patience.

For dried stains:

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area

    • Use a small amount of water with mild soap or a vinegar-water mix.
    • This helps loosen dried residue.

  2. Gently blot and repeat

    • Apply solution, blot, and reapply as needed. Several rounds are sometimes required.

  3. Use baking soda for lingering odor

    • After you’ve treated the stain, cover it with baking soda and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming.

If a stain remains faint but the smell is gone, many people choose to stop once the odor is under control, since complete color removal is not always possible without risking damage.

Will pee on a mattress cause a permanent smell?

It can, but quick action greatly reduces the chance of a long-term odor.

Urine can soak into deeper mattress layers, especially in foam or pillow-top designs. If not treated:

  • Odor may return when the room is warm or humid.
  • Smell can become harder to remove over time.

To help prevent this:

  • Blot thoroughly right away.
  • Use an odor-neutralizing step (such as vinegar or baking soda).
  • Allow full drying before putting sheets back on.

Is it safe to use strong cleaners or disinfectants on a mattress?

Not all cleaning products are suitable for mattresses. Some can:

  • Damage foam or fabrics
  • Leave strong chemical smells
  • Cause discoloration

Before using any stronger cleaner:

  • Test a small hidden spot first.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when available.

If you’re unsure, stick to mild soap, water, and baking soda, which are generally tolerated by most mattress types.

How can I dry the mattress quickly and thoroughly?

Drying is just as important as cleaning when you’re figuring out how to get pee off mattress without causing other issues.

Helpful drying tips:

  • Keep the room well-ventilated (open windows, use fans).
  • If possible, stand the mattress up or lean it against a wall to expose more surface area.
  • Avoid direct high heat from hair dryers or heaters pointed at one spot, which might damage some materials.

The mattress should feel completely dry to the touch before you put sheets back on.

How can I prevent future pee stains on my mattress?

While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can protect the mattress itself:

  • Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector.
  • Add an extra absorbent layer (like a washable pad) in situations where accidents are more likely.
  • Wash bedding soon after an accident so odors don’t linger in your sleep environment.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to get pee off mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately to limit soaking and staining.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Press with towels to absorb moisture instead of rubbing it in.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild soap, water, vinegar, and baking soda are commonly used and generally mattress-friendly.
  • Fight odor thoroughly: Baking soda and good airflow help reduce lingering smells.
  • Avoid oversoaking: Too much liquid can be hard to dry and may harm the mattress.
  • Be patient with old stains: Dried pee may need multiple treatments and may not fully disappear visually.
  • Protect for the future: A waterproof barrier makes cleanup faster and helps the mattress last longer.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, how to get pee off mattress becomes manageable, and most accidents can be cleaned without permanently affecting your bed.