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

If you’re urgently searching “How To Get Pee Out Of a Mattress”, you’re not alone. Accidents happen with kids, pets, and even adults, and mattresses are not easy to toss in the wash. The good news: with the right steps, you can usually remove smell, stains, and moisture effectively at home.

Below you’ll find clear, practical answers to the most common questions about cleaning pee from a mattress and preventing long‑term damage.

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

Act quickly. The faster you respond, the easier it is to remove odor and staining.

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove all sheets, mattress protectors, and blankets for separate washing.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot up as much liquid as possible. Press firmly to draw moisture out of the mattress.

    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the foam or padding.

  3. Keep pressure on the spot
    You can place a folded towel over the area and press down or briefly stand on it (with clean socks) to absorb more moisture.

How do I clean fresh pee out of a mattress?

For fresh accidents, a simple homemade solution often works well.

Step-by-step: Fresh urine cleanup

  1. Mix a gentle cleaning solution
    In a spray bottle, combine:

    • About 1 part mild liquid soap to 4–5 parts warm water, or
    • Water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent

  2. Lightly apply to the stain

    • Lightly mist the affected area.
    • Avoid soaking the mattress; too much liquid can be hard to dry.

  3. Blot again

    • Use clean towels to blot up loosened urine and cleaning solution.

  4. Use baking soda for odor

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
    • Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush.

  5. Let it sit

    • Leave the baking soda on for several hours, ideally until completely dry.
    • It helps absorb moisture and neutralize odor.

  6. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Once dry, vacuum up all of the baking soda.
    • Check for any remaining dampness or smell and repeat if necessary.

How To Get Pee Out Of a Mattress when it’s dried or old?

Dried pee can leave yellow stains and lingering odor. It usually takes a bit more effort, but you can still improve it.

  1. Re-dampen the area slightly

    • Lightly mist the stain with plain water to help loosen dried residue (do not soak).

  2. Apply a gentle cleaner

    • Use a mild detergent-and-water mix or a commonly used household solution designed for odor removal (for example, one with ingredients that help break down organic residues).

  3. Allow some dwell time

    • Let the cleaner sit for 10–15 minutes so it can work into the stain.

  4. Blot and absorb

    • Blot thoroughly with clean towels to remove moisture.

  5. Deodorize with baking soda

    • Cover the damp area with baking soda, leave it for several hours or overnight, then vacuum.

For very old, set-in stains, full removal may not be possible, but this method can often reduce discoloration and smell to a much more manageable level.

Is it safe to use vinegar or other strong cleaners?

Many people wonder about adding extra cleaning power.

  • Vinegar: Some people use diluted white vinegar for odor. It can help, but it also has a strong smell of its own and may not be ideal for every mattress material.
  • Harsh chemicals: Strong chemicals, bleaches, or highly perfumed products may damage mattress fabrics or foam or leave strong residual odor.
  • Check care tags: If your mattress has a care label, look for any cleaning warnings before applying liquids.

When in doubt, mild cleaners and baking soda are usually the safest general approach.

How long does it take a mattress to dry after cleaning?

Drying time depends on how wet the mattress got and the room conditions.

To speed drying:

  • Open windows or increase air circulation.
  • Use a fan aimed at the mattress.
  • If safe for your space, use indirect sunlight to help evaporation.

The mattress should feel completely dry before you put bedding back on. This helps prevent musty smells and moisture being trapped inside.

How can I tell if the pee smell is really gone?

After cleaning and drying:

  • Smell the area up close once the mattress is fully dry.
  • If there’s still a noticeable urine odor, repeat the baking soda step, letting it sit longer.
  • Some mattresses may hold a very faint smell after a serious accident; this is common, especially with older or heavily soaked beds.

How do I prevent future pee stains on my mattress?

Prevention makes cleanup much easier the next time.

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier between your sheets and the mattress.
  • Wash bedding promptly after any accident.
  • For small children or pets, consider layering: fitted sheet over a protector, with an extra easily removable cover on top.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Get Pee Out Of a Mattress

  • Act fast: Blot fresh pee immediately to limit soaking and stains.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Scrubbing pushes urine deeper; gentle pressure works better.
  • Use mild cleaners: Gentle soap-and-water plus baking soda are usually enough for most accidents.
  • Let it dry fully: Adequate drying (with airflow and time) helps prevent lingering odor.
  • Old stains need patience: Re-dampen, clean, and deodorize—results may improve over multiple attempts.
  • Protect your mattress: A water-resistant protector greatly reduces future cleaning headaches.

With these steps, How To Get Pee Out Of a Mattress becomes less overwhelming and more of a straightforward cleanup routine. Taking prompt, gentle action goes a long way toward keeping your mattress fresh, comfortable, and usable for years.