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

If you’re searching for how to get the pee smell out of a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering odor that just won’t go away. This guide walks through what to do right now, what to avoid, and how to keep your mattress smelling fresh over time.

Why Does Pee Smell Linger in a Mattress?

Mattresses are thick and absorbent. When urine soaks in, it can:

  • Sink below the surface fabric
  • Dry slowly inside the foam or padding
  • Leave behind uric salts and odor-causing residues

That’s why just spraying fabric freshener on top usually doesn’t work. You need a deeper clean that breaks down the odor, not just covers it.

How To Get The Pee Smell Out Of a Mattress (Step-by-Step)

1. Act Fast on Fresh Accidents

If the urine is still wet:

  1. Blot, don’t scrub.
    Use paper towels or a clean cloth to press down and absorb as much liquid as possible. Scrubbing can push it deeper.

  2. Remove bedding immediately.
    Wash sheets and mattress protectors according to their care labels.

  3. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution.
    A common option is a mix of mild dish soap and cool water. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage mattress materials.

2. Use a Targeted Odor-Removal Method

A widely used home method for how to get the pee smell out of a mattress combines cleaning, deodorizing, and drying.

Basic approach:

  1. Lightly clean the area.

    • Dampen (do not soak) the stained area with your mild soap-and-water solution.
    • Blot again to remove surface residue.

  2. Apply a deodorizing agent.
    Many people use common household powders or solutions known for absorbing odors.

    • Sprinkle a generous layer over the damp area.
    • Gently press it in with your hand (use gloves if you like).

  3. Let it sit and dry completely.

    • Leave it on for several hours, or ideally overnight.
    • Good airflow and low humidity help it dry more quickly.

  4. Vacuum thoroughly.

    • Use a clean vacuum attachment to remove any remaining powder once the mattress is fully dry.

If the smell is still present, repeating this process once or twice can further reduce lingering odor.

How Do You Remove Old or Set-In Pee Smells?

Dried stains are more stubborn because they’ve had time to soak in and crystallize. The process is similar, but you may need:

  • A longer soak time for your deodorizing powder or solution
  • More than one cleaning cycle
  • Extra focus on drying; moisture trapped inside can make odors worse

For very old or strong odors, some people turn to specialized cleaners designed to break down urine compounds. Always test a small, hidden area first to make sure the cleaner doesn’t discolor or damage the fabric.

Is It Safe to Soak the Mattress?

It’s tempting to pour water or cleaner directly onto the stain, but over-soaking can:

  • Drive urine deeper into the mattress
  • Leave the core damp for a long time
  • Lead to musty smells or other issues

As a general guideline, use as little liquid as possible while still dampening the affected area. Focus more on blotting, surface treatment, and thorough drying.

How Long Does It Take for the Smell to Go Away?

The timeline depends on:

  • How much urine was absorbed
  • How quickly you treated the stain
  • Ventilation and humidity in the room
  • Type and thickness of the mattress

Many people notice a clear improvement after one full treatment and drying cycle. Deep or older stains may need several rounds over a few days.

Can You Prevent Pee Smells in the Future?

While accidents happen, you can make cleanup much easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to keep liquids from soaking in.
  • Clean and dry any accidents as soon as you notice them.
  • Allow your mattress to air out regularly, especially after cleaning.

❗Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much liquid: Can trap moisture deep in the mattress.
  • Scrubbing aggressively: Pushes urine deeper instead of removing it.
  • Relying only on fragrance sprays: These usually mask smells instead of removing them.
  • Putting sheets back on too soon: The mattress should be completely dry first.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about how to get the pee smell out of a mattress:

  • Blot first, don’t rub – absorb as much urine as you can before cleaning.
  • Treat both stain and odor – surface cleaning alone often isn’t enough.
  • Use gentle, minimal moisture – avoid soaking the mattress.
  • Let deodorizing agents sit – time helps them absorb and break down smells.
  • Vacuum after drying – removes leftover powder and residue.
  • Repeat if needed – older or heavier accidents may take multiple tries.
  • Protect going forward – a protective cover can prevent future deep stains.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, most pee odors in mattresses can be significantly reduced or removed, helping your bed feel fresher and more comfortable again.