How To Get Urine Out Of Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Get Urine Out Of Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident, an old stain, or lingering odor. This guide walks through what to do step by step, why each step matters, and how to protect your mattress in the future.

What’s the best way to get urine out of a mattress?

The basic approach for how to get urine out of mattress involves three main stages:

  1. Blot up as much liquid as possible
  2. Clean and neutralize the stain
  3. Dry the mattress thoroughly

Here’s a practical method many people use at home for fresh stains:

  1. Act quickly
    Strip all bedding. Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot (not rub) the wet area. Press firmly to absorb as much urine as possible.

  2. Apply a gentle cleaning solution
    Mix a mild solution with common household ingredients, such as:

    • Cool water
    • A small amount of gentle liquid soap or mild detergent
      Lightly dampen (do not soak) a cloth with the solution and dab the stained area, working from the outside in.

  3. Use a urine-odor neutralizer
    Many people find that baking soda helps with odor:

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
    • Gently press it in so it contacts the surface of the mattress.

  4. Let it sit and dry completely
    Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours, or ideally overnight, so it can absorb moisture and odor.

  5. Vacuum the residue
    Once fully dry, vacuum up the baking soda. Check for any remaining odor or discoloration, and repeat the process if needed.

How do I remove dried or old urine stains?

Old stains are usually tougher because urine has had time to soak into the mattress and dry. For how to get urine out of mattress when the stain is no longer fresh, you may need to:

  1. Rehydrate the area slightly
    Lightly mist the stained area with plain water. This can help loosen dried residue. Avoid oversaturating.

  2. Use a targeted cleaning mix
    Some people use slightly stronger homemade solutions (still gentle) to break down older stains. Apply sparingly with a cloth and carefully blot.

  3. Repeat the deodorizing step

    • Apply baking soda again over the treated area.
    • Let it sit longer than you would for a fresh stain—often overnight or more.
    • Vacuum thoroughly.

  4. Be realistic with severe stains
    Deep, long-standing stains may fade but not disappear completely. In those cases, controlling odor and improving appearance is often the main goal.

Can I use regular household cleaners on my mattress?

It’s important to be cautious:

  • Avoid soaking the mattress. Excess liquid can seep deep inside, making it hard to dry and potentially causing ongoing odor.
  • Test in a small, hidden spot first. Some cleaners may discolor the fabric or leave residue.
  • Use gentle, diluted solutions. Harsh chemicals, strong bleaches, or heavily scented products can be irritating and may damage mattress materials.

When considering how to get urine out of mattress safely, less is more: use minimal liquid, mild ingredients, and thorough drying.

How do I get rid of the urine smell completely?

Odor can linger even after the stain looks lighter. To focus on smell:

  • Ventilate the room. Open windows and, if possible, place a fan near the mattress to increase airflow.
  • Use baking soda generously. Let it sit for a long period (several hours to a full day) for deeper odor absorption.
  • Repeat treatments. Odors from deeper layers sometimes need more than one round of deodorizing.

If regular cleaning and deodorizing don’t help, some people choose to use a mattress pad or protector to create a barrier between themselves and older, stubborn odors.

How long does it take for a mattress to dry?

Drying time depends on how wet the mattress became:

  • After light cleaning and blotting, several hours may be enough.
  • For more involved cleaning, it may take a full day or more.

To support thorough drying:

  • Place the mattress in a well-ventilated area
  • Use a fan or gentle air movement
  • If safe for your mattress type, some people place it near indirect sunlight

A mattress should feel completely dry to the touch on and just below the surface before you put sheets back on.

How can I prevent future urine stains on my mattress?

Since mattresses are difficult to deep clean, prevention makes a big difference:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to help stop liquids from soaking in.
  • Add a washable mattress pad on top for an extra layer of defense.
  • Wash bedding promptly after any accident to help control odor in the room.

These steps make any future accidents much easier to handle.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to get urine out of mattress:

  • Act fast for fresh stains: Blot, gently clean, deodorize, and dry thoroughly.
  • Avoid oversaturating: Too much liquid can push urine deeper into the mattress.
  • Old stains need patience: Rehydrate slightly, clean gently, and repeat deodorizing.
  • Focus on drying: Good airflow and time are essential to reduce odor and moisture.
  • Protect going forward: A mattress protector and washable layers can help prevent permanent stains.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, how to get urine out of mattress becomes much more manageable—and your mattress can stay fresher and more comfortable for longer.