How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress: Simple, Effective Steps

If you’re searching for How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress, you’re usually dealing with a fresh accident, a lingering odor from older stains, or both. This guide walks through what actually works, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress in the future.

Why Does Pee Smell Linger in a Mattress?

Mattresses are thick and absorbent. When urine seeps in:

  • Liquid penetrates deep into the foam or filling
  • Salts and organic compounds in urine can cause a lasting odor
  • If not cleaned properly, smell can return when the mattress gets warm or humid

That’s why simply wiping the surface or spraying a strong fragrance rarely solves the problem. You need methods that neutralize the odor and address moisture inside the mattress, not just on top.

How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Act Quickly (For Fresh Accidents)

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

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press firmly on the wet area.

    • Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.
    • Keep blotting until you’ve removed as much moisture as possible.

  3. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner (if available)
    These cleaners are often used for pet or organic stains. They’re designed to help break down urine components that cause odor.

    • Follow the instructions on the bottle.
    • Avoid over-saturating the mattress; you want it damp, not soaked.

If you don’t have this type of cleaner, move to the household methods below.

Step 2: Use Household Ingredients to Neutralize Odor

A common home approach to How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress uses simple ingredients many people already have:

  1. Vinegar solution pre-treatment

    • Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle.
    • Lightly spray the stained area until it’s damp.
    • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then blot again with clean towels.
      Vinegar has a strong smell at first, but it usually fades as it dries.

  2. Baking soda deodorizing layer

    • Generously sprinkle dry baking soda over the entire affected area.
    • Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush.
    • Leave it on for several hours, ideally overnight, to absorb moisture and odor.

  3. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
    • Go slowly over the baking soda until all of the powder is removed.
      This helps lift out both dried residue and odor.

Step 3: Dealing With Old or Stubborn Pee Smells

Older stains may need more than one treatment. Common strategies include:

  • Repeat the vinegar + baking soda process
    Sometimes multiple rounds are needed for deeply absorbed smells.

  • Spot-clean more precisely
    Focus your efforts on the exact source of the odor rather than the entire mattress, especially if only one area is affected.

  • Let the mattress air out
    If possible, place the mattress in a well-ventilated area. Good airflow can help any remaining odors dissipate as it dries completely.

If a smell remains after several attempts, it can be a sign that urine has soaked very deeply into the core of the mattress.

Step 4: Drying the Mattress Properly

Odor often lingers when a mattress stays damp inside. To help:

  • Open windows or use a fan to increase air circulation.
  • Allow several hours of drying time; some mattresses need longer.
  • If safe for your mattress type, use indirect sunlight to help freshen and dry (avoid leaving foam in strong, direct sun for long periods).

A mattress should feel completely dry to the touch and not cool or clammy before putting sheets back on.

Can You Permanently Remove the Smell, or Just Mask It?

Many people want to know if How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress means the odor is gone for good. The key difference:

  • Masking: Using perfumes or strong-smelling sprays that cover the scent temporarily.
  • Neutralizing: Using cleaners and methods that break down or absorb the odor-causing compounds.

Enzyme-based cleaners and thorough drying are more likely to neutralize rather than just cover the smell. However, very old or large stains may never fully disappear, especially if the inner layers are saturated.

How To Prevent Pee Smells in a Mattress in the Future

Once you’ve dealt with the current issue, a few habits can make the next incident easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to keep spills and accidents from soaking into the mattress core.
  • Clean accidents as soon as possible to reduce staining and odor.
  • Wash bedding regularly, especially after any incident, to prevent recurring smells.

These steps don’t guarantee a stain-free mattress but can make cleaning much faster and more effective.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Get The Smell Of Pee Out Of Mattress:

  • Blot immediately, don’t rub, to keep urine from going deeper.
  • Enzyme-based cleaners and vinegar + baking soda are common approaches to odor removal.
  • Baking soda helps absorb both moisture and smell when left on for several hours.
  • Thorough drying is essential; a damp mattress can keep or even revive odors.
  • Old or large stains may need repeated treatments and might not fully disappear.
  • Mattress protectors and quick cleanups greatly reduce future odor problems.

With patient, step-by-step cleaning and proper drying, many people find they can significantly reduce or remove pee smells and keep their mattress comfortable to sleep on again.