How To Get Pee Off Of Mattress: Simple Steps To Clean It Up

If you’re searching for “How To Get Pee Off Of Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an older, lingering stain. This guide walks you through clear, practical steps to remove urine, reduce odors, and protect your mattress, without harsh chemicals or complicated routines.

What’s the Best Way To Get Pee Off a Mattress Fast?

For fresh urine, acting quickly makes a big difference. Here’s a straightforward process:

  1. Blot, don’t rub

    • Use clean, dry towels or paper towels.
    • Press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.
  2. Apply a gentle cleaning solution
    A simple mix that many people use at home is:

    • 1 part mild liquid dish soap
    • 2–3 parts cool water
      Lightly dampen (don’t soak) a cloth with this solution and blot the affected area, working from the outside in.
  3. Rinse with plain water

    • Use a clean cloth dampened with cool water to remove soapy residue.
    • Continue blotting until the surface feels cleaner and less slippery.
  4. Dry thoroughly

    • Press dry towels onto the area to remove moisture.
    • Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting bedding back on. Using a fan or opening windows can help.

Key idea: The less liquid you add and the more moisture you remove, the better your chances of preventing a deep stain or musty odor.

How Do I Remove Urine Odor From a Mattress?

Even after you get pee off the surface of a mattress, odors can remain. To tackle smell, many people rely on baking soda:

  1. Sprinkle baking soda generously

    • Cover the cleaned, damp area with a thick layer of baking soda.
    • Gently press it so it contacts the surface of the mattress.
  2. Let it sit for several hours

    • Ideally, leave it for at least 8 hours or overnight.
    • Baking soda can help absorb moisture and neutralize odors on the surface.
  3. Vacuum it up

    • Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove all baking soda.
    • Go slowly to pull powder out of the fabric and stitching.

If a mild odor remains, you can repeat this baking soda step. Persistent, strong smells that don’t improve with cleaning may indicate the urine soaked deeply or has been there for a long time.

How To Get Pee Off Of Mattress When It’s Already Dried?

Dried urine can be more stubborn because it has had time to set into the fabric and foam.

Step-by-step approach for dried stains

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area

    • Use a cloth lightly dampened with cool water to moisten the stain.
    • This can help loosen dried residue so it’s easier to clean.
  2. Use a gentle cleaning solution again

    • Apply your mild soap-and-water mix or another upholstery-safe cleaner.
    • Blot (do not rub) to lift out the stain.
  3. Deodorize with baking soda

    • After blotting away excess moisture, apply baking soda as described earlier.
    • Leave it on for several hours, then vacuum.
  4. Repeat if necessary
    Some older stains may need more than one cleaning cycle. If the fabric is delicate or you’re unsure, testing a small hidden area first is a good idea.

Can I Use Vinegar or Other Home Remedies?

Many people wonder about vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or strong cleaners when learning how to get pee off of mattress surfaces.

  • Vinegar is commonly used as a mild deodorizer in home cleaning. However, its strong smell can linger and not everyone likes it on bedding.
  • Hydrogen peroxide can have a light bleaching effect on some fabrics and materials, so it’s often used with caution, especially on colored fabrics.
  • Strong chemical cleaners or products with heavy fragrances may be too harsh for some mattress covers and can leave a smell that’s hard to remove.

If you use any cleaner beyond mild soap and water, it’s generally safer to:

  • Test on a small, hidden area first
  • Use minimal liquid
  • Blot thoroughly and dry completely

How Can I Protect My Mattress From Future Accidents?

Once you’ve dealt with getting pee off a mattress, it’s natural to wonder how to prevent it from happening again.

Common protective steps include:

  • Water-resistant or waterproof mattress protectors
    These are barrier layers that sit between the mattress and your sheets, designed to help shield against spills and accidents.
  • Washable mattress covers or encasements
    Some covers zip around the mattress and can be removed and washed, which can make cleanup easier.
  • Regular surface cleaning and airing out
    Lightly vacuuming the mattress surface and letting it air out occasionally can help keep it fresher overall.

When Should I Consider Professional Cleaning?

Professional upholstery or mattress cleaning services may be worth considering if:

  • The urine stain is very large or deeply soaked
  • There is a strong, persistent odor that does not improve with home cleaning
  • The mattress materials are delicate or labeled with care instructions you’re unsure about

Professional equipment can sometimes extract more moisture and residue than home methods, but availability and results can vary.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Get Pee Off Of Mattress:

  • Act quickly on fresh accidents: Blot thoroughly, avoid rubbing, and use a mild cleaning solution with cool water.
  • Less is more with liquid: Use only enough cleaner to dampen, not soak, the mattress.
  • Odor control matters: Baking soda is a commonly used, simple option to help neutralize surface smells.
  • Dried stains need patience: Lightly re-dampen, clean gently, then deodorize; repeat if needed.
  • Be cautious with strong cleaners: Test in a small area first and avoid harsh or heavily scented products if possible.
  • Protection helps long term: Mattress protectors and washable covers can make future cleanup much easier.
  • Seek help if needed: Persistent stains or odors may call for professional cleaning or further evaluation.

With these steps, you have a clear plan for how to get pee off of mattress surfaces, handle odors, and better protect your bed for the future.