How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress: Practical FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an older stain that just won’t stop smelling. This guide walks you through simple, at‑home methods to remove urine odour from your mattress and answers the most common questions people have about cleaning and smell removal.

Why does urine smell linger in a mattress?

Urine can soak deep into the foam and fabric layers of a mattress. As it dries, it leaves behind salts and compounds that cause a strong, sour, or ammonia-like odour. If the area isn’t cleaned properly, moisture or warmth can “reactivate” the smell later.

The key is to remove as much liquid as possible quickly and then break down and absorb the residue left behind.

How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Deal with fresh urine right away

For new accidents:

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove sheets, mattress protector, and blankets so you can reach the stain directly.

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

    • Work from the outside in to avoid spreading.
    • Keep blotting with dry sections until the area is only slightly damp.

  3. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    Many people use a simple home mix such as:

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

    Lightly dampen (do not soak) a clean cloth and dab the area. This helps lift urine from the fabric surface.

  4. Blot again to remove moisture
    Follow with dry towels to pull out as much liquid as possible.

2. How do I actually get rid of the urine smell?

Once you’ve removed the surface moisture, focus on odour removal:

  1. Use baking soda generously
    Sprinkle a thick, even layer of dry baking soda over the entire affected area. Baking soda is widely used to help absorb odours from fabrics and foam.

  2. Let it sit for several hours

    • Aim for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
    • The longer it sits, the more odour it can help absorb.

  3. Vacuum thoroughly
    Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove all the baking soda. Go over the area slowly.

    • If any smell remains, you can repeat the baking soda step.

What if the urine stain is old and already dried?

Dried urine can be more stubborn, but you can still reduce the smell.

Steps for older urine odours

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area
    Use a small amount of cool water with a gentle cleaner. The goal is to re-liquefy the dried residue slightly so it can be lifted out—not to soak the mattress.

  2. Blot again
    Press with clean towels to remove as much of the dampness as you can.

  3. Apply baking soda
    As with fresh stains, cover the spot with a thick layer of baking soda.

  4. Let it sit longer
    For older smells, many people find it helpful to leave baking soda on for 12–24 hours.

  5. Vacuum well
    Remove all residue. If odour lingers, another round may help.

Can I use vinegar or other home remedies?

Many people wonder if they can use common household items beyond baking soda when figuring out How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress.

  • Vinegar:
    Some people use a diluted white vinegar solution to help neutralize odours. If you try this:

    • Always dilute with water.
    • Lightly mist or dab; do not soak the mattress.
    • Follow with thorough blotting and baking soda once the surface is only slightly damp.

  • Hydrogen peroxide mixtures or stronger cleaners:
    These can sometimes discolor fabrics or affect certain mattress materials. Always spot-test a small, hidden area first and avoid over-saturating the foam.

If you’re unsure about a cleaner, it’s safest to start with water, mild soap, and baking soda.

How long will it take for the smell to go away?

Timing varies based on:

  • How much urine was absorbed
  • How quickly you treated it
  • How deep it soaked into the mattress

In many situations, odour decreases significantly after one or two full cleaning and baking soda cycles. For deeper stains, you may need to repeat the process and allow plenty of drying time with good airflow (windows open, fans on, if available).

How can I prevent future urine smells in my mattress?

Once you’ve learned How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress, it helps to prevent repeat issues.

Common strategies include:

  • Using a waterproof mattress protector to keep liquids from reaching the foam.
  • Cleaning accidents as soon as possible before they dry.
  • Allowing the mattress to air out regularly when you change bedding.

These steps can make future clean-ups faster and less stressful.

When is it time to consider deeper cleaning or replacement?

If:

  • The mattress has strong, lingering odours even after several careful cleanings
  • There are multiple, old urine spots
  • The mattress interior feels damp or damaged

then home methods may have limited effect. Some people choose to seek professional mattress or upholstery cleaning, while others decide it’s time to replace a heavily soiled mattress. This is usually a comfort and practicality decision.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Get The Urine Smell Out Of Mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately; avoid rubbing or soaking the mattress.
  • Mild first: Start with cool water and gentle soap, then blot thoroughly.
  • Odour focus: A thick layer of baking soda left for several hours can help absorb smells.
  • Repeat if needed: Older or deep stains may require multiple cleaning cycles.
  • Be cautious with strong cleaners: Always spot‑test and avoid saturating the mattress.
  • Dry completely: Ensure the mattress is fully dry before making the bed again.
  • Protect for next time: A protective cover and quick clean-up of accidents can reduce future odours.

With patience, gentle cleaning, and good drying, many people find they can significantly reduce or remove urine smells from a mattress and restore a fresher sleeping surface.