How To Get Urine Out Of The Mattress: Simple, Effective Steps That Work

If you’re searching for “How To Get Urine Out Of The Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an older stain that just won’t go away. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, using common household ingredients and mattress-safe methods.

What’s The Best Way To Get Fresh Urine Out Of a Mattress?

Fresh stains are the easiest to handle. The goal is to act quickly, remove as much liquid as possible, then treat both stain and odor.

Step-by-step for fresh urine:

  1. Blot, don’t rub

    • Use clean, dry towels or paper towels.
    • Press firmly to soak up as much urine as possible.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which pushes liquid deeper into the mattress.

  2. Apply a gentle cleaning solution

    • Mix a solution of cool water and a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap.
    • Lightly dampen (do not soak) the area using a cloth or spray bottle.
    • Blot again with a clean towel.

  3. Use an enzyme-based cleaner (optional but helpful)

    • These cleaners are often used for pet or organic stains and can help break down odor-causing residues.
    • Lightly apply and follow the product’s directions, avoiding oversaturation.

  4. Dry thoroughly

    • Press dry towels into the area to remove excess moisture.
    • Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting sheets back on.
    • Using a fan or opening windows can speed up drying.

The key when learning how to get urine out of the mattress is minimal moisture, lots of blotting, and full drying.

How Do I Remove Old or Dried Urine Stains?

Dried stains are trickier because the urine has had time to set into the fibers and foam. You’ll need a slightly stronger approach focused on lifting the stain and neutralizing odor.

Baking soda and vinegar method:

  1. Lightly dampen the stain

    • Use a spray bottle with equal parts cool water and white vinegar.
    • Mist the area; do not soak the mattress.

  2. Let the vinegar solution sit

    • Allow it to work for 10–15 minutes.
    • Blot the area with a clean towel to remove excess liquid.

  3. Apply baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
    • You may hear some fizzing; this is normal as it reacts with the vinegar.

  4. Wait several hours (or overnight)

    • Leave the baking soda on until it is completely dry.
    • This helps pull out moisture and trap odors.

  5. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove all the baking soda.

If the stain or odor remains, you can safely repeat the process once or twice, as long as you allow full drying in between.

Will the Smell Go Away Completely?

Urine odors can linger if any moisture or residue remains in the mattress. To improve your chances of a neutral-smelling bed:

  • Be patient with odor removal – some smells fade gradually as the mattress dries completely.
  • Use baking soda liberally – it can help absorb odor over time.
  • Ensure deep drying – damp interiors can trap smells.

If a strong smell remains after several cleaning attempts, that may indicate the urine penetrated deeply, especially in thicker or more absorbent mattresses.

Is It Safe To Use Bleach or Strong Chemicals?

For most mattresses, harsh chemicals like bleach are not recommended. They can:

  • Break down mattress materials
  • Leave their own strong odors
  • Cause discoloration or surface damage

Gentler cleaners such as diluted mild detergent, white vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme-based cleaners are usually more mattress-friendly and still effective for urine.

How Can I Dry My Mattress Faster After Cleaning?

Drying is one of the most important parts of how to get urine out of the mattress effectively. A still-damp mattress can develop odors and is uncomfortable to sleep on.

To speed up safe drying:

  • Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room
  • Use a fan or position it near an open window
  • If possible, expose it to indirect sunlight, which many people find helpful for freshening fabrics

Avoid using high heat (like a hairdryer on a hot setting) on one small spot; this can damage some materials or cause uneven drying.

How Can I Prevent Future Urine Stains on My Mattress?

Once you’ve dealt with an accident, it’s natural to want to protect your mattress from a repeat situation.

Common protective steps include:

  • Water-resistant mattress protectors to act as a barrier between sheets and mattress
  • Washable mattress pads or toppers that can be removed and cleaned easily
  • Establishing a habit of checking and cleaning quickly after any future accidents

These steps help make any future cleanup faster and keep the mattress surface in better condition over time.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

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

  • Act quickly for fresh stains: Blot thoroughly, use a mild cleaner, and dry completely.
  • For dried stains, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can help lift both stain and odor.
  • Avoid over-wetting the mattress: Light misting and repeated blotting are safer than soaking.
  • Skip harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage materials or leave strong smells.
  • Odor removal takes time: Full drying, ventilation, and repeated gentle treatments may be needed.
  • Protection helps: A barrier layer on top of the mattress can make any future cleanup much easier.

With careful blotting, gentle cleaners, and thorough drying, many people find they can successfully handle both fresh and old urine stains and keep their mattress comfortable and usable.