How To Get Rid Of Pee On Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’re searching for “How To Get Rid Of Pee On Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an older urine stain and smell. This guide walks you through what to do right away, how to clean dried stains, and how to handle lingering odors—without damaging your mattress.

What’s the Best First Step When Pee Gets on a Mattress?

Act fast. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to remove both the stain and the smell.

  1. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press gently into the wet area.

    • Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress layers.
    • Keep blotting until you’ve absorbed as much liquid as possible.

  2. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution
    A common at-home approach is:

    • Cool water
    • A small amount of mild liquid detergent or dish soap

    Lightly dampen (don’t soak) a clean cloth with this solution.

  3. Gently clean the surface

    • Dab the affected area with the damp cloth.
    • Follow with another clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.

  4. Dry thoroughly

    • Pat with dry towels.
    • If possible, let the mattress air-dry in a well-ventilated room.
    • Avoid trapping moisture with bedding until the mattress is fully dry.

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

Dried urine can leave both a stain and odor. The goal is to re-dampen the area slightly and lift the residue without over-saturating.

Step-by-step for older pee stains

  1. Lightly moisten the area

    • Use a spray bottle with cool water to slightly dampen the stained spot.
    • Avoid soaking—the mattress should feel just lightly wet.

  2. Apply a gentle cleaning mix
    Many people use a mild soap-and-water solution here as well.

    • Apply with a cloth, pressing into the stain.
    • Work from the outside inward to avoid spreading.

  3. Blot repeatedly

    • Alternate between a damp cloth with the cleaning solution and dry cloths.
    • You should see some of the discoloration transfer to the cloths over time.

  4. Allow extended drying time

    • Airflow helps: open windows or use a fan at a distance.
    • Flip or rotate the mattress (if the design allows) once dry to help it air evenly.

How Do I Remove the Smell of Pee from a Mattress?

Sometimes the stain fades, but the odor lingers. When learning How To Get Rid Of Pee On Mattress, many people are especially focused on the smell.

Why does the odor remain?

Urine can seep into the mattress core. If it isn’t fully lifted, a faint smell can reappear—especially in warm or humid conditions.

Simple odor-reduction tips

  • Use a gentle deodorizing powder
    A common household method is to sprinkle a light layer of a dry, unscented powder (often used in kitchens as a deodorizer) on the cleaned, dry area.

    • Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
    • Vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment.

  • Increase ventilation

    • Air out the mattress in a dry, well-ventilated room.
    • Regular airflow can help reduce mild, lingering odors over time.

If an odor remains strong even after multiple careful cleanings and good ventilation, some people decide to use professional cleaning services that handle mattresses specifically.

Can I Use a Steam Cleaner or Soak My Mattress?

Flooding or steaming a mattress is usually not recommended.

  • Too much moisture can:

    • Push urine deeper into inner layers.
    • Make it hard for the mattress to dry completely.
    • Contribute to unpleasant smells over time.

  • Steam cleaners introduce both moisture and heat, which some mattress materials are not designed to handle.

Stick to lightly damp methods, blotting, and thorough drying instead.

How Do I Protect My Mattress After Cleaning?

Once you’ve figured out How To Get Rid Of Pee On Mattress, the next concern is preventing future damage.

Common protective steps include:

  • Using a removable, washable mattress protector over your mattress.
  • Layering bedding (for example, a protector plus a fitted sheet) so any future accidents are easier to manage.
  • Cleaning up quickly whenever an accident happens to avoid set-in stains.

These steps do not make a mattress accident-proof, but they can make cleanup faster and less stressful.

Is It Ever Time to Replace the Mattress Instead of Cleaning?

There is no single rule, but people often consider replacement when:

  • Accidents have happened repeatedly in the same area.
  • There are multiple deep stains and persistent odors that don’t improve after careful cleaning and airing out.
  • The mattress is already old or uncomfortable for other reasons (such as sagging or loss of support).

In those cases, the time, effort, and repeated cleaning may feel less worthwhile compared with starting fresh.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Get Rid Of Pee On Mattress

  • Act quickly: Blot urine immediately; don’t rub or oversaturate the mattress.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild soap and cool water, applied sparingly, are often enough for fresh stains.
  • For dried spots: Lightly re-dampen, clean with a mild solution, then blot and dry thoroughly.
  • Control odors: Use dry deodorizing methods and good ventilation rather than heavy soaking or steam.
  • Avoid excess moisture: A mattress that stays wet too long can hold odors and become uncomfortable.
  • Protect for next time: A washable barrier layer can make future cleanups simpler and help keep the mattress in better condition.

With calm, prompt steps and gentle cleaning, most people can significantly reduce or remove both the stain and odor when dealing with pee on a mattress.