How To Get Urine Out Of a Mattress When Wet: Step‑By‑Step Guide

If you’re searching for “How To Get Urine Out Of a Mattress When Wet”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident and want to know what to do right now to prevent stains and smells. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress going forward.

What’s the Best First Step When Urine Is Still Wet?

When urine is fresh, speed matters. The sooner you act, the less chance it has to soak deep into the mattress, where it’s harder to remove.

  1. Remove bedding immediately
    Strip sheets, protectors, and covers so the mattress can dry and be treated. Wash bedding separately according to the care labels.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press firmly and soak up as much liquid as possible.

    • Work from the outside of the wet area toward the center.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the foam or padding.

  3. Keep moisture under control
    If the spot is heavily soaked, you may need several dry towels. Change towels until they come away mostly dry.

How Do You Actually Clean Urine Out of the Mattress?

Once you’ve removed as much liquid as possible, you can move on to cleaning and deodorizing the area.

Simple Cleaning Method for Fresh Urine

You’ll need:

  • Mild liquid dish soap
  • Cool or lukewarm water
  • White vinegar (optional, for odor)
  • Spray bottle (helpful, but not required)
  • Clean cloths or towels
  • Baking soda

Step-by-step:

  1. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution
    Mix a small amount of mild soap with cool water. Warm or hot water can sometimes set odors in fabrics.

  2. Lightly dampen the area

    • Apply the solution sparingly using a spray bottle or a cloth.
    • The goal is to slightly dampen, not soak, the mattress.

  3. Blot again
    Press with another dry towel to lift out the cleaning solution and remaining urine. Repeat until the towel comes up cleaner.

  4. Tackle odor with vinegar (optional)

    • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
    • Lightly spray or dab onto the area.
    • Blot after a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
      Vinegar has a strong smell at first but often fades as it dries.

  5. Apply baking soda generously
    Sprinkle a thick, even layer of baking soda over the damp area. This helps:

    • Absorb leftover moisture
    • Neutralize lingering odors

  6. Let it sit
    Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least several hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it sits, the more moisture and odor it can absorb.

  7. Vacuum thoroughly
    Once completely dry, vacuum the area to remove all baking soda. Check for any remaining odor or discoloration.

Does This Method Work for All Mattress Types?

Many people who ask How To Get Urine Out Of a Mattress When Wet also worry about damaging their specific mattress type.

  • Memory foam and foam mattresses:
    These absorb liquids quickly, so avoid soaking the foam. Use minimal water, blot thoroughly, and allow plenty of drying time.

  • Innerspring or hybrid mattresses:
    These can be a bit more forgiving, but liquid can still reach inner layers. The same blot–clean–baking soda approach usually applies.

  • Specialty or natural materials:
    If your mattress has unique materials, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions if available and use the gentlest cleaning methods.

In all cases, avoid harsh chemicals or strong bleach solutions, which can damage fabrics and mattress components.

How Long Will It Take the Mattress to Dry?

Drying time depends on:

  • How much urine was absorbed
  • How much cleaning solution you used
  • Room temperature and air flow

To speed up drying:

  • Open windows or use a fan to increase airflow.
  • If possible, prop the mattress up so air can circulate around the cleaned area.
  • Make sure the mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on, to help prevent trapped odors and moisture.

Can You Prevent Future Urine Stains on a Mattress?

Once you’ve dealt with an accident, it’s natural to think about prevention.

Common ways people reduce damage from future spills or accidents include:

  • Using a water-resistant or waterproof mattress protector
  • Choosing washable mattress covers that can be removed and cleaned
  • Keeping extra sheets and protectors on hand for quick changes at night

These steps don’t stop accidents, but they can keep liquids from reaching the mattress, making cleanup faster and easier.

❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid

When figuring out How To Get Urine Out Of a Mattress When Wet, avoiding a few missteps can make a big difference:

  • Don’t rub or scrub the stain aggressively.
  • Don’t flood the mattress with water or cleaner.
  • Don’t use very hot water, which may set odors.
  • Don’t put bedding back on while the mattress is still damp.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Get Urine Out Of a Mattress When Wet:

  • Act quickly: Blot up as much urine as possible right away.
  • Blot, don’t rub: Press with towels to absorb, rather than pushing liquid deeper.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild soap, water, and (optionally) diluted vinegar can help clean and deodorize.
  • Deodorize with baking soda: A thick layer left for several hours helps absorb moisture and smell.
  • Let it fully dry: Ensure the mattress is completely dry before making the bed again.
  • Protect for next time: A mattress protector or washable cover can make future cleanups much easier.

With calm, prompt steps and simple household materials, getting urine out of a mattress when it’s still wet is manageable, and you can often prevent long-term stains and odors.