How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old stain that keeps lingering. This guide explains why urine odor is so stubborn, how to treat it step by step, and what to do if the smell returns.

Why Does Urine Smell Stay in a Mattress?

Mattresses are thick and absorbent, so urine can soak deep into the layers. Even if the surface looks clean, odor-causing residues may remain inside the foam or padding.

Common reasons the smell hangs around:

  • The stain wasn’t cleaned right away
  • Only the surface was wiped, not the deeper layers
  • Strong cleaning products set the stain instead of lifting it
  • The mattress didn’t fully dry, letting odors linger

Knowing this helps you understand why a quick spray isn’t enough and why a more thorough approach works better.

How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress: Step-by-Step

1. Blot, Don’t Rub (For Fresh Accidents)

If the urine is still wet:

  • Press clean, dry towels firmly into the area
  • Keep blotting with fresh sections until they come away just slightly damp
  • Avoid rubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress

For dried stains, skip to the cleaning steps below.

2. Clean the Area With a Gentle Solution

A simple home solution can help lift residue from the mattress surface.

You can use:

  • Mild liquid soap mixed with cool water, or
  • A light baking soda and water paste for light soiling

Apply sparingly with a cloth, gently dab the area, then blot again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Too much liquid can over-soak the mattress, so use only what you need.

3. Use Odor-Neutralizing Ingredients

To truly address How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress, you need something that targets odor, not just general dirt.

Common home ingredients:

  • Baking soda: Often used to absorb odors from fabrics
  • White vinegar (diluted): Commonly used to break down odor-causing residues

A simple approach:

  1. Lightly mist the stained area with a diluted white vinegar solution (more water than vinegar).
  2. Let it sit briefly, then blot thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  3. Generously sprinkle dry baking soda over the damp area.
  4. Leave for several hours, or overnight if possible, to absorb moisture and odor.
  5. Vacuum up the baking soda once it’s completely dry.

4. Let the Mattress Dry Completely

Odors often return when a mattress doesn’t dry all the way through.

To help it dry:

  • Keep the room well ventilated
  • Use a fan aimed at the affected area
  • If safe, place the mattress in a spot with natural airflow and indirect sunlight

Avoid putting sheets or protectors back on until the mattress feels totally dry to the touch.

What If the Urine Smell Is Still There?

Sometimes, especially with old or heavy stains, one treatment isn’t enough.

Should I Repeat the Cleaning Steps?

Often, yes. A second round of baking soda and gentle spot cleaning can reach deeper layers of the mattress. Many people find that repeated light treatments work better than one harsh, heavy soaking.

When Is It Too Late to Remove the Smell?

It can be difficult to completely remove odor if:

  • The urine stain is very old
  • The mattress has been repeatedly soaked
  • There are visible, dark, or widespread stains across a large area

In these cases, the goal may shift from fully eliminating odor to reducing it as much as possible and preventing future accidents.

How To Prevent Future Urine Odors in Your Mattress

Once you understand How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress, it’s helpful to lower the chances of it happening again.

Simple prevention habits:

  • Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector
  • Address accidents as soon as possible
  • Keep a small cleaning kit ready (towels, mild cleaner, baking soda)
  • Air out your mattress occasionally by removing bedding and ventilating the room

These habits can make future cleanups faster and less stressful.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Rid Urine Smell From a Mattress

  • Act fast on fresh accidents: Blot thoroughly to remove as much urine as possible before it soaks deep.
  • Use gentle cleaners: Mild solutions and baking soda can help remove residue without damaging the mattress.
  • Target odor, not just stains: Ingredients like baking soda and diluted vinegar are commonly used to address smells.
  • Avoid over-soaking: Too much liquid can spread the stain and prolong drying time.
  • Dry completely: Good airflow and patience are essential for preventing lingering odors.
  • Repeat if needed: Deep or old stains may need several gentle treatments.
  • Protect your mattress going forward: A barrier layer and quick cleanup can make future accidents much easier to handle.

With a patient, step-by-step approach, most people can noticeably improve or remove urine odor at home and keep their mattress fresher for longer.