How To Remove Pee From a Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Remove Pee From a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old stain that just won’t go away. This guide walks through practical, at-home methods to clean urine from a mattress, reduce odor, and protect your bed for the future.

What’s the Best Way To Remove Fresh Pee From a Mattress?

When the accident is recent, speed helps. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step method using common household items.

  1. Blot, don’t scrub

    • Use paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth.
    • Press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible.
    • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  2. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    A simple option:

    • Mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
    • Lightly spray the affected area until it’s damp, not soaked.
    • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to help break down the urine.

  3. Blot again thoroughly

    • Use dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
    • Press down firmly; you can even stand or kneel on the towels to help absorb more.

  4. Use baking soda to tackle odor

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the treated area.
    • Gently pat it in so it reaches the surface of the mattress fabric.
    • Leave it on for several hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb moisture and smell.

  5. Vacuum the mattress

    • Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, if available.
    • Carefully vacuum up all the baking soda.
    • Check for any remaining dampness or odor and repeat if needed.

This basic method is an effective starting point when learning how to remove pee from a mattress with everyday household supplies.

Can You Remove Dried or Old Pee Stains?

Dried urine stains are tougher because they’ve had time to set into the mattress fibers.

Steps for older stains

  1. Re-wet the stain slightly

    • Lightly spray the area with the same water and vinegar mixture or a mild, non-bleach upholstery cleaner.
    • The goal is to dampen the stain enough to loosen it, not soak the mattress.

  2. Let it sit longer

    • Allow 10–15 minutes of contact time.
    • Blot away extra moisture with clean towels.

  3. Add baking soda again

    • Cover the area with baking soda and let it rest for many hours.
    • For older stains, leaving it on all day or overnight is often more effective.

  4. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Go slowly over the area to remove all baking soda and loosened residue.
    • If any discoloration or odor remains, you can repeat the process.

Old stains may not disappear completely on the first try, but consistent, gentle cleaning often improves both the appearance and smell.

How Do You Get Rid of Urine Smell from a Mattress?

Even after the stain looks gone, a faint odor may linger.

Key tips for reducing odor:

  • 🧂 Use enough baking soda
    A thin dusting may not be enough. A thicker layer tends to absorb more odor.

  • 🌬️ Allow proper drying and airflow

    • Open windows if possible.
    • Let the mattress dry completely before putting bedding back on.

  • 🔁 Repeat treatments if needed
    Persistent smells sometimes improve after two or three rounds of cleaning and baking soda.

Avoid using strong perfumes or heavily scented sprays to “cover up” the smell. These can mix with the odor rather than remove it, and may be irritating for some sleepers.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Pee from a Mattress?

Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing how to remove pee from a mattress safely.

  • Don’t use hot water
    Hot water can set protein-based stains like urine, making them harder to remove.

  • Don’t oversaturate the mattress
    Too much liquid soaks deep into the foam or padding and can be hard to dry out fully.

  • Don’t use bleach on most mattresses
    Bleach can discolor fabric and may damage certain materials.

  • Don’t skip the drying step
    Covering a damp area with sheets or mattress protectors can trap moisture and lead to lingering smells.

How Can You Help Prevent Future Pee Stains?

Once you’ve dealt with one accident, it’s natural to want to avoid another.

Simple prevention ideas:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier between sleepers and the mattress.
  • Keep extra sheets and protectors on hand for quick changes.
  • For young children or pets, consider layering a protector, fitted sheet, and a smaller waterproof pad on top for easier cleanup.

These steps won’t stop accidents from happening, but they can make future cleanup much faster and easier.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Remove Pee From a Mattress

  • Act quickly for fresh accidents: blot, treat with a mild water-and-vinegar solution, then use baking soda and vacuum.
  • For dried stains, lightly re-dampen, let the cleaner sit longer, and repeat the baking soda step as needed.
  • Odor control relies on thorough blotting, generous baking soda, and complete drying with good airflow.
  • Avoid hot water, harsh bleach, and over-soaking the mattress, which can set stains or damage materials.
  • Protecting the mattress with a water-resistant cover makes any future cleanup faster and helps keep the mattress in better condition over time.

Handled calmly and step by step, how to remove pee from a mattress becomes a manageable process rather than a crisis, helping you restore your bed and get back to more comfortable sleep.