How To Take a Pee Stain Out Of a Mattress: Step‑By‑Step FAQ

If you’re searching for how to take a pee stain out of a mattress, you’re likely dealing with an accident right now and want a clear, safe way to clean it. This guide walks through what to do for both fresh and dried stains, how to handle odor, and what to avoid so you don’t damage your mattress.

Why Do Pee Stains Stick to a Mattress?

Urine contains water, salts, and organic compounds. On a mattress, that can lead to:

  • Visible yellowish staining
  • Lingering odor, especially after it dries
  • Potential bacterial growth if the area stays damp

Because mattresses absorb liquid quickly and can’t just be thrown in a washer, acting quickly and using the right cleaners makes a big difference.

First Steps: What Should I Do Right After an Accident?

1. Blot, Don’t Rub

If the stain is fresh:

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

The more you remove at this stage, the easier the rest of the process will be.

2. Mix a Simple Cleaning Solution

A common approach for how to take a pee stain out of a mattress is a mild DIY solution:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 2 parts cool water
  • Optional: a small drop of gentle dish soap

Place in a spray bottle if you have one, or use a clean cloth dipped in the solution and wrung out.

How Do I Clean a Fresh Pee Stain from a Mattress?

Step‑by‑Step for New Stains

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove sheets, protectors, and bedding for separate washing.

  2. Blot the area again
    Use a fresh towel to remove any remaining surface moisture.

  3. Apply the vinegar solution

    • Lightly spray or dab the mixture onto the stain.
    • The area should be damp, not soaking, to avoid over‑saturating the mattress.

  4. Let it sit
    Allow 10–15 minutes of contact time so the solution can help break down the urine.

  5. Blot again
    Remove excess liquid with dry towels, pressing firmly.

  6. Deodorize with baking soda

    • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
    • Gently spread it so it covers the entire stain.

  7. Let it dry completely
    This can take several hours or longer. Good airflow or a fan can help.

  8. Vacuum the baking soda
    Once fully dry and crumbly, vacuum up the baking soda.
    If any odor or discoloration remains, you can repeat the process once more.

How Do I Remove an Old or Dried Pee Stain?

Dried stains can be more stubborn because the urine has had time to set and crystalize.

Steps for Set‑In Stains

  1. Lightly dampen the area with cool water to help loosen dried residue. Avoid soaking the mattress.

  2. Use the same vinegar solution
    Spray or dab enough to moisten the stain.

  3. Increase contact time
    Let it sit 15–30 minutes instead of just a few.

  4. Blot thoroughly
    Press with clean towels until you’ve removed as much moisture as possible.

  5. Apply baking soda generously
    Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight for better odor and moisture absorption.

  6. Vacuum and assess
    If the stain is still visible or you notice a strong odor, another round of treatment may help.

How Do I Get Rid of the Smell of Pee in a Mattress?

Odor is often the biggest concern when learning how to take a pee stain out of a mattress.

Common odor-fighting steps:

  • Vinegar solution helps neutralize some smells.
  • Baking soda absorbs lingering odors as it dries.
  • Good ventilation—open windows or use fans to speed drying and air out the room.

Avoid heavily perfumed sprays that just cover the smell; they may not address the source in the mattress.

What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Pee Stains?

To protect your mattress:

  • Avoid hot water, which can set stains and odors.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or undiluted bleach, which can damage fabrics and materials.
  • Don’t oversaturate the mattress with liquid; deep moisture can be slow to dry.
  • Don’t skip the drying stage—a damp mattress can develop musty odors.

How Can I Help Prevent Future Pee Stains?

While accidents can still happen, there are a few simple steps that can make cleanup easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to act as a barrier.
  • Keep extra bedding on hand so you can quickly strip and replace sheets.
  • Check the mattress periodically so small stains don’t go unnoticed and set in.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to take a pee stain out of a mattress:

  • Act quickly on fresh stains by blotting, not rubbing.
  • A mild vinegar-and-water solution is a common home option to treat both new and dried stains.
  • Baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
  • Let the mattress dry completely before making the bed again.
  • You may need to repeat the process for older or stubborn stains.
  • Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, and over‑soaking the mattress.

With a calm, step‑by‑step approach, it’s usually possible to improve or significantly reduce both the appearance and smell of pee stains in a mattress.