How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee Smell On Mattress: Step‑By‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for “How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee Smell On Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering odor that just won’t go away. This guide walks you through what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress in the future.

Why does dog pee smell stay in a mattress?

Dog urine can soak deep into the foam and fabric layers of a mattress. As it dries, it can leave behind:

  • Odor-causing compounds that cling to fibers
  • Stains that can be harder to remove over time
  • A smell that can return if only the surface is cleaned

Because mattresses are thick and absorbent, surface cleaning alone usually isn’t enough. The goal is to reach the deeper layers without soaking the mattress too much.

What should I do immediately after my dog pees on the mattress?

Step 1: Blot, don’t rub

Use dry, absorbent towels or paper towels to:

  • Press firmly onto the wet area
  • Replace towels as they become soaked
  • Continue until no more moisture comes up

Rubbing can spread the urine and push it deeper into the mattress.

Step 2: Avoid heat and harsh chemicals

To protect your mattress:

  • Do not use hot water or steam
  • Do not use bleach or harsh cleaners
  • Avoid saturating the mattress completely

Heat can set both the stain and the smell, and strong chemicals can damage fabrics and foams.

How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee Smell On Mattress with household ingredients

Here is a common, gentle method many people use with items they already have at home.

1. Use a mild cleaning solution

Mix:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 1 part cool water

Lightly spray or pour enough of this mixture onto the affected area to dampen it, not soak it. Vinegar can help neutralize odor and break down some of the urine components.

2. Blot again thoroughly

After applying the solution:

  • Blot with towels to remove as much liquid as possible
  • Press down to reach slightly deeper layers

The more moisture you remove now, the faster it will dry and the less likely odors are to linger.

3. Apply baking soda for odor absorption

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area. Baking soda is often used to absorb both moisture and odor.

  • Leave it on for several hours, or overnight if possible
  • Keep pets and children away from the area while it sits

4. Vacuum the mattress

Once the baking soda is completely dry:

  • Vacuum it up slowly using an upholstery attachment
  • Make several passes to remove all powder

If a faint smell remains, you can repeat the process once more.

What if the dog pee smell is old or already dried?

Dried urine can be more stubborn because it has had time to set into the mattress layers.

For older stains:

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area with the vinegar-and-water solution
  2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to help loosen dried residue
  3. Blot thoroughly
  4. Cover with baking soda and leave it for longer (up to 24 hours)
  5. Vacuum carefully

Multiple treatments may be needed for long-standing odor.

Will the dog pee smell ever fully go away?

Whether the smell disappears completely depends on:

  • How deeply the urine soaked into the mattress
  • How quickly you treated it
  • The materials in your mattress (some foams hold odors more strongly)

Many people find that quick action plus repeated cleaning can greatly reduce or nearly remove the smell. If the odor persists after several attempts, it may be because:

  • The urine reached deep layers that are hard to access
  • The mattress has older, repeated accidents in the same area

In those cases, continued surface cleaning may only help partially.

Is it safe to sleep on the mattress after cleaning?

Once you’ve cleaned the spot, make sure the mattress is:

  • Completely dry to the touch
  • Free of loose baking soda or residue

You can speed drying by:

  • Allowing good airflow in the room
  • Using a fan set on a gentle setting
  • Placing the mattress upright (if possible) to improve ventilation

Sleeping on a damp mattress can be uncomfortable and may affect the mattress materials, so drying fully is important.

How can I prevent dog pee smells on a mattress in the future?

To avoid repeating How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee Smell On Mattress steps over and over, consider:

  • Using a waterproof mattress protector to create a barrier
  • Adding a washable mattress pad over the protector
  • Keeping a spare set of bedding handy for quick changes
  • Encouraging your dog to sleep on a designated bed on top of or next to your mattress

Protection layers often make accidents much easier to handle, since you can remove and wash them instead of cleaning the mattress core each time.

❗️Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using hot water or steam, which can set stains and odors
  • Soaking the mattress, which can trap moisture inside
  • Skipping the drying step, leading to lingering smells
  • Covering the smell with only sprays or perfumes, which often mask rather than remove the odor

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee Smell On Mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot up as much urine as possible right away.
  • Use gentle cleaners: A cool water and vinegar mix followed by baking soda is a common home method.
  • Avoid over-wetting: Damp, not drenched, helps protect the mattress and speed drying.
  • Let baking soda work: Give it several hours (or overnight) to absorb odor before vacuuming.
  • Repeat if needed: Old or strong smells may require multiple treatments.
  • Protect going forward: Waterproof covers and removable pads can help prevent future odor problems.

With patient, careful cleaning and good airflow, many dog urine smells can be significantly reduced, helping your mattress stay fresher and more comfortable over time.