How To Remove The Urine Smell From a Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ

If you’re searching for how to remove the urine smell from a mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a lingering odor that won’t go away. This guide walks you through clear, practical steps to clean the stain, neutralize the smell, and protect your mattress from long-term damage.

Why Does Urine Smell Linger in a Mattress?

Urine sinks into the foam and fabric layers of a mattress. As it dries, it can leave behind:

  • Odor-causing compounds that become more noticeable over time
  • Visible stains that may darken or yellow
  • A stale smell, especially in a warm or humid room

Because mattresses are thick and not washable like sheets, the smell can last unless it’s treated thoroughly and correctly.

What Should I Do First When Urine Gets on My Mattress?

1. Act quickly for fresh accidents

If the spot is still wet:

  1. Blot, don’t rub.
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to gently press on the area. Rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  2. Remove all bedding.
    Strip sheets, covers, and protectors so you can reach the mattress surface directly.

  3. Keep pressure on the spot.
    Stand or press firmly on folded towels to soak up as much liquid as possible.

The faster you move, the easier it is to remove both the stain and the urine smell.

How To Remove The Urine Smell From a Mattress: Home Method

This simple method uses common household ingredients. It works for many fresh and dried urine stains.

Step 1: Mix a gentle cleaning solution

In a spray bottle, combine:

  • Lukewarm water
  • A small amount of mild liquid soap or detergent

Lightly mist the stained area (don’t soak it) and blot again with a clean cloth. This helps lift surface residue before odor treatment.

Step 2: Use a vinegar solution to neutralize odor

White vinegar is often used to help break down urine odor.

  1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Lightly spray the affected area. It should be damp, not dripping.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot thoroughly with dry towels.

The vinegar smell usually fades as it dries.

Step 3: Apply baking soda to absorb smells

Baking soda helps absorb moisture and odor from inside the mattress:

  1. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the treated area.
  2. Gently spread it out so it covers slightly beyond the stain.
  3. Leave it on for at least 8 hours (overnight is helpful).
  4. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly, using an upholstery attachment if you have one.

If the smell is still noticeable, you can repeat the vinegar and baking soda steps once more.

How Do I Get Rid of Dried or Old Urine Smells?

Older stains can be more stubborn because they have had more time to set into the mattress.

Extra tips for old urine stains

  • Re-wet the area lightly with the vinegar-and-water mix to help loosen dried residue.
  • Allow a longer soaking time (15–30 minutes) before blotting.
  • Use more than one round of baking soda if the odor is strong.
  • Give the mattress ample drying time between steps; a fan or open window can help.

For some deeply set odors, it may not be possible to remove the smell completely, but multiple treatments often reduce it significantly.

How Long Does It Take for the Smell to Go Away?

How long it takes to remove the urine smell from a mattress depends on:

  • How much urine soaked in
  • Whether the accident was fresh or old
  • Your room’s ventilation and humidity

Many people notice a clear improvement after one full cleaning cycle and overnight baking soda treatment. For stubborn odors, several days of repeat treatment and airing out may be needed.

Is It Safe to Sleep on the Mattress While It Dries?

It’s best to wait until the mattress is fully dry before sleeping on it again. A damp mattress can:

  • Feel uncomfortable
  • Trap new odors
  • Potentially affect the materials over time

To speed drying:

  • Open windows for airflow
  • Use a fan aimed at the mattress surface
  • Remove any items blocking air from circulating

How Can I Prevent Future Urine Smells in My Mattress?

Once you’ve learned how to remove the urine smell from a mattress, it’s helpful to prevent repeat issues.

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier.
  • Clean up accidents as soon as they happen.
  • Regularly air out your mattress by removing bedding and letting it breathe.

These steps can make future cleanups much easier and help keep odors from settling in again.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points on how to remove the urine smell from a mattress

  • Act fast: Blot fresh urine immediately to reduce staining and odor.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Start with mild soap and water to lift surface residue.
  • Neutralize odor: A vinegar-and-water solution, followed by blotting, helps address smell.
  • Absorb deeply:Baking soda left on the area for several hours can pull out moisture and odors.
  • Repeat if needed: Old or heavy stains may require multiple treatments.
  • Dry thoroughly: Make sure the mattress is completely dry before you put bedding back on.
  • Protect going forward: A protective cover and quick cleanup after accidents help prevent future smells.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, you can usually reduce or remove urine odors from a mattress and restore it to a fresher, more comfortable state.