How To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Mattress: Step‑By‑Step Guide & FAQs

If you’re searching for “How To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with a strong odor and a stain that feels impossible to get rid of. This guide walks you through what to do right away, what to avoid, and how to handle older accidents so your mattress smells fresh again.

Why Does Cat Pee Smell So Strong in a Mattress?

Cat urine contains uric acid crystals that can soak deeply into mattress layers. When they dry, they can leave behind:

  • A persistent ammonia-like odor
  • Yellowish stains
  • A tendency to re-smell when the area gets warm or humid

Mattresses are thick and absorbent, so surface cleaning alone isn’t enough. To truly tackle how to remove cat pee smell from mattress, you need products that reach deep and break down the odor-causing compounds.

What Should I Do Immediately After My Cat Pees on the Mattress?

1. Blot, Don’t Rub

Use paper towels or a clean cloth to:

  • Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible
  • Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
  • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress

2. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner if Possible

An enzyme-based cleaner is often considered helpful for pet messes because it:

  • Helps break down odor-causing compounds
  • Can reduce the chance your cat will re-mark the same spot

Follow the product instructions and allow full contact time so the enzymes can work.

How To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Mattress: A Simple Home Method

If you don’t have a specialized cleaner on hand, this basic sequence can help:

Step 1: Blot Thoroughly

Keep blotting until your towels or cloths no longer come away wet. The drier the mattress is at the start, the easier it is to treat.

Step 2: Apply a Vinegar Solution

Mix:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 1–2 parts water

Lightly spray or pour enough to cover the stained area without soaking the entire mattress. Vinegar helps neutralize some odor and can break down urine residues.

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot up the liquid again.

Step 3: Cover With Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.

  • Baking soda helps absorb odor and moisture
  • Lightly work it into the surface with your fingers (no hard scrubbing)

Leave for several hours or ideally overnight.

Step 4: Vacuum Thoroughly

Once completely dry:

  • Vacuum up all the baking soda
  • Go slowly to pick up powder from small crevices and quilting

If any odor remains, you can repeat the process or follow up with an enzymatic cleaner.

How Do I Deal With Old or Dried Cat Pee in a Mattress?

Old stains can be more stubborn because the urine has had time to set and dry inside the foam or padding.

For older spots:

  1. Re-moisten the area with a vinegar-and-water mix or an enzymatic cleaner
  2. Allow longer dwell time (sometimes several hours, following product instructions)
  3. Blot, then apply baking soda and vacuum once dry

Multiple treatments may be needed. Some very old or extensive stains may never completely disappear, but many people find the odor can be reduced to a barely noticeable level with repeated careful cleaning.

Is It Safe to Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals?

Using bleach or strong chemicals on a mattress is usually not recommended because they can:

  • Damage mattress materials
  • Leave behind strong, lingering fumes
  • React with urine and create even harsher smells

Stick to mild cleaners, vinegar solutions, baking soda, and pet-safe enzymatic products unless your mattress care instructions say otherwise.

Will the Smell Come Back When It’s Hot or Humid?

Sometimes, even after cleaning, odors can seem to “reactivate” when:

  • The room warms up
  • The mattress absorbs moisture or humidity
  • Bedding traps odors close to the surface

This usually means urine residue remains deeper inside the mattress. A repeat treatment with an enzyme cleaner and thorough drying can help reduce this effect.

How Do I Dry the Mattress Properly After Cleaning?

Proper drying is essential to prevent musty smells:

  • Increase airflow: Open windows, use a fan, or place the mattress in a well‑ventilated room
  • Avoid soaking: Use enough liquid to treat the stain, but not so much that the mattress is saturated all the way through
  • Allow plenty of time: Drying can take many hours; don’t put sheets back on until the area feels completely dry to the touch

If possible, stand the mattress on its side to help air circulate.

Can I Prevent Future Cat Pee Accidents on My Mattress?

While accidents can’t always be prevented, you can limit damage:

  • Use a waterproof mattress protector to create a barrier between accidents and the mattress
  • Wash bedding promptly after any incident
  • Keep the litter box clean and accessible, as some cats avoid a box they don’t like

If your cat is suddenly peeing outside the litter box, consult a qualified professional for guidance.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about How To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Mattress:

  • Act fast: Blot immediately to remove as much liquid as possible
  • Avoid rubbing and harsh chemicals: They can push urine deeper or damage the mattress
  • Use a step-by-step approach:
    • Blot
    • Treat with vinegar solution or enzymatic cleaner
    • Apply baking soda
    • Let dry fully and vacuum
  • Old stains may need repeat treatments: Especially if the smell returns in heat or humidity
  • Drying is critical: Good airflow and patience help prevent lingering odors
  • Protect moving forward: A waterproof protector can make future cleanups far easier

With a calm, methodical approach, most people can significantly reduce or fully remove cat urine odors from their mattress and restore a fresher sleep environment.