How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of a Mattress: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re searching for How To Get The Urine 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 simple, at-home methods to remove both urine stains and smells, plus answers common follow‑up questions.

Why Does Urine Smell Linger In a Mattress?

A mattress is thick and absorbent, so liquid can soak deep into the layers. Urine contains compounds that can cause:

  • Staining on the surface
  • Persistent odor as it dries and crystallizes inside the foam or padding

That’s why just wiping the surface rarely works. You need a method that reaches deeper and helps neutralize the odor, not just cover it.

How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of a Mattress (Fresh Accident)

For the best chance of removing both the stain and smell, act as quickly as possible.

1. Blot, Don’t Rub

  1. Strip all bedding and wash separately.
  2. Use clean, absorbent towels or paper towels.
  3. Blot firmly to soak up as much urine as possible.
  4. Avoid rubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

2. Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution

A common at-home approach uses mild dish soap or a vinegar-based mix:

  • Mix cool water with a small amount of gentle dish soap
  • OR mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar

Lightly spray or dab the solution over the affected area. The goal is to dampen, not soak, the mattress.

  • Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes.
  • Blot again with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.

3. Use Baking Soda to Deodorize

Baking soda is often used because it can help absorb moisture and reduce odors on the surface.

  1. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  2. Gently work it in with your hand.
  3. Leave it for at least several hours, ideally overnight.

Once dry:

  • Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using an upholstery attachment.
  • Check for any remaining smell; repeat the process if needed.

How Do You Remove Old or Dried Urine Smells?

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

1. Re-Dampen the Area

Lightly spray a water and white vinegar mix over the stained zone:

  • This can help loosen dried residue.
  • Avoid fully soaking the mattress; too much liquid can lead to other issues like slow drying.

2. Let It Work, Then Blot

  • Allow the area to sit for 15–30 minutes.
  • Blot with clean towels to remove as much moisture as possible.

3. Add Baking Soda Again

Cover the area with baking soda, leave it for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
You may need to repeat this process more than once for older smells.

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

The time frame depends on:

  • How much urine soaked in
  • How quickly you treated it
  • Mattress materials and thickness
  • Room ventilation and drying time

In some cases, the surface smell fades within a day, while deeper odors may require multiple cleaning cycles over several days.

Is It Safe To Sleep On the Mattress After Cleaning?

Before sleeping on the mattress again, make sure:

  • It feels completely dry to the touch
  • There is no dampness underneath the immediate surface
  • The smell is minimal to gone, based on your comfort level

To speed up drying:

  • Open windows or use a fan
  • Avoid covering the mattress with sheets until it’s fully dry

If the mattress stays damp for too long, it may develop additional odors.

What If the Urine Smell Still Won’t Come Out?

Sometimes, especially with repeated accidents or very deep stains, odor may linger even after several cleanings. In that case:

  • Focus on repeating the gentle cleaning and baking soda steps
  • Allow for longer drying times between attempts
  • Consider using a washable mattress protector going forward to help prevent future problems

If a mattress has extensive, long-term staining and smell, some people ultimately choose to replace it when it no longer feels fresh or comfortable.

Can You Prevent Future Urine Smells in a Mattress?

You can’t always prevent accidents, but you can limit how far they soak in:

  • Use a water-resistant or waterproof mattress protector
  • Clean accidents as soon as you notice them
  • Keep absorbent towels and baking soda handy for quick response

These steps make future cleanups faster and more effective.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of a Mattress

  • Act fast: Blot immediately; don’t rub, which pushes urine deeper.
  • Use gentle solutions: Mild soap or a water–vinegar mix can help loosen stains and odor.
  • Deodorize with baking soda: Apply generously, let sit for hours, then vacuum.
  • Old stains take time: Dried urine may need repeated treatments over several days.
  • Dry thoroughly: Never put sheets back on until the mattress is completely dry.
  • Prevention helps: A mattress protector and quick clean-up reduce future odor problems.

With patience and a few common household supplies, How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of a Mattress usually comes down to gentle cleaning, odor absorption, and thorough drying.