How To Get Pee Out Of a Memory Foam Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ
If you’re searching for “How To Get Pee Out Of a Memory Foam Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering smell. This guide walks you through what to do right now, how to handle older stains, and how to protect your mattress going forward.
Why Is Pee So Hard To Remove From a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam is highly absorbent. Instead of sitting on top of the surface, liquid seeps down into the foam’s tiny air pockets. That’s why:
- Stains can spread below the surface
- Odors may linger even after the top looks clean
- Cleaning usually takes more than one round
Acting quickly and using the right method is the key to getting pee out effectively without damaging the foam.
How To Get Pee Out Of a Memory Foam Mattress (Fresh Stains)
What should I do immediately after an accident?
For fresh pee, speed matters. Here’s a simple step‑by‑step process:
Remove bedding right away
Take off sheets, protectors, and covers so the liquid doesn’t spread.Blot, don’t rub
Use dry, absorbent towels or paper towels.- Press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible
- Avoid scrubbing, which pushes moisture deeper into the foam
Apply a mild cleaning solution
Many people use a light mixture of water and gentle detergent or water and vinegar.- Lightly spray or dab the area—do not soak
- Memory foam should be damp, not dripping
Blot again to remove excess moisture
Use clean, dry towels to pull out the solution and remaining urine.Deodorize with baking soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of dry baking soda over the damp spot.- Leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight
- Baking soda helps absorb both moisture and odor
Vacuum thoroughly
Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up using an upholstery attachment.
If the smell or stain remains, repeating this process once or twice is common, especially for thicker mattresses.
How Do I Remove Dried or Old Pee Stains From Memory Foam?
Is it possible to clean old pee stains?
Older stains can be more stubborn, but they are often improvable with extra patience.
For dried stains:
- Lightly re‑dampen the area with a small amount of cleaning solution
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so it can loosen the dried residue
- Blot thoroughly to lift out as much as possible
- Use baking soda again and leave it longer—up to 24 hours can be helpful
- Vacuum once the baking soda is fully dry
You may not always get the stain completely invisible, but odor and hygiene can usually be significantly improved.
Can I Use Strong Cleaners On Memory Foam?
Are bleach or harsh chemicals safe?
Using harsh or highly concentrated cleaners can:
- Break down the foam structure
- Cause discoloration or stiff patches
- Leave strong chemical smells
In general, mild, diluted cleaners are safer for memory foam. Test any solution on a small, hidden area first to check for reactions.
Can I use a steam cleaner?
High heat and excess moisture are not ideal for memory foam. Steam can:
- Force moisture deeper into the mattress
- Make drying much harder
- Potentially weaken the foam over time
Most mattress care guidelines discourage steam cleaning memory foam.
How Do I Remove the Smell of Pee From a Memory Foam Mattress?
Even after cleaning, odor can linger because of how deeply liquid penetrates. To handle smell:
- Repeat the cleaning and baking soda process if needed
- Allow maximum air circulation: open windows, use a fan, and if possible, stand the mattress on its side in a well‑ventilated room
- Give the mattress plenty of drying time; residual dampness can hold on to odor
If the smell is still strong after multiple attempts, the urine may have soaked very deeply. In those cases, some people accept a mild lingering scent or choose to focus mainly on cleanliness and surface freshness.
How Long Will It Take the Mattress To Dry?
Drying time depends on:
- Room temperature
- Airflow
- Humidity
- How much liquid was absorbed
As a general guideline:
- Expect at least 24 hours for thorough drying
- In cooler or more humid spaces, it may take longer
Sleeping on the mattress before it’s fully dry can trap moisture and may contribute to odors.
How Can I Prevent Future Pee Stains on Memory Foam?
Once you’ve learned How To Get Pee Out Of a Memory Foam Mattress, prevention often becomes a priority.
Common protective steps include:
- Using a waterproof mattress protector to block liquid from reaching the foam
- Layering absorbent pads under the fitted sheet in situations where accidents are more likely
- Addressing spills quickly whenever they happen to limit absorption
While no setup is completely accident‑proof, a good protective barrier can make cleaning much easier next time.
✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points consumers should understand about How To Get Pee Out Of a Memory Foam Mattress
- Act fast: Blot immediately; don’t rub or scrub the stain into the foam.
- Use gentle solutions: Lightly apply a mild, diluted cleaner rather than harsh chemicals or heavy soaking.
- Deodorize with baking soda: Let it sit for hours, then vacuum thoroughly to help with both moisture and odor.
- Avoid excess water and heat: Soaking, steam, or strong chemicals can damage memory foam or trap smells.
- Be patient with old stains: Multiple cleaning rounds may be needed, and some discoloration can remain.
- Let it dry completely: Good airflow and enough time are essential before putting bedding back on.
- Protect for the future: A waterproof barrier can make any future cleanup far simpler.
With a calm, step‑by‑step approach, most people can significantly improve both the appearance and odor of a memory foam mattress after a pee accident.

