How To Wash a Mattress Urine: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Cleaning and Odor Removal

If you’re searching for “How To Wash a Mattress Urine”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or an old stain and want it gone quickly and safely. This guide walks you through what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your mattress from long-term damage and lingering odors.

What does it really mean to “wash” urine out of a mattress?

Unlike sheets, you can’t put a mattress in a washing machine. When people search How To Wash a Mattress Urine, they usually mean:

  • How to remove urine stains
  • How to neutralize odors
  • How to sanitize the surface safely without soaking or ruining the mattress

So “washing” in this case is a careful process of blotting, spot-cleaning, and drying, not fully soaking the mattress in water.

First steps: What should I do immediately after a urine accident?

Acting quickly makes a big difference.

  1. Strip the bed
    Remove sheets, mattress protectors, and any bedding so you can get to the stain.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press on the wet area and absorb as much urine as possible.

    • Do not scrub, as rubbing can push urine deeper into the mattress.

  3. Prepare a mild cleaning solution
    Common at-home option:

    • Mix warm water with a small amount of gentle liquid detergent or mild soap.

  4. Lightly dab the area

    • Use a clean cloth dipped in the solution (well wrung out) and dab the stained area.
    • Avoid over-wetting; too much liquid can cause mold or damage some mattress materials.

How To Wash a Mattress Urine: Detailed cleaning steps

Here’s a structured way to deep-clean without harming the mattress.

1. Blot and pre-clean

  • Blot up as much urine as you can.
  • Gently clean with a mild soapy solution, as above.

2. Use a vinegar and water mix (optional deodorizing step)

A common home method to help neutralize odor:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
  • Lightly spray or dab the stained area—don’t soak.
  • Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes.
  • Blot again with a dry towel.

3. Apply an absorbent powder

Many people find baking soda useful for absorbing odor and moisture:

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area.
  • Gently press it in with your hand (no scrubbing).
  • Leave it on for several hours, ideally overnight, so it can draw out moisture and smells.

4. Vacuum thoroughly

  • Once completely dry, vacuum up the baking soda using an upholstery attachment if you have one.
  • Go over the area slowly to remove all residue.

If odor or staining remains, you can repeat the process once the mattress is fully dry.

How do I remove dried or old urine stains from a mattress?

Old stains are more stubborn but can often be improved with patience and repetition.

  1. Lightly mist or dab the area with a vinegar and water mixture to re-dampen the stain.
  2. Blot, then apply baking soda as above.
  3. Allow it to sit longer—often overnight or up to 24 hours.
  4. Vacuum thoroughly.

You may not get a heavily set stain perfect in one attempt, but multiple gentle treatments usually improve both the look and smell.

What should I avoid when cleaning urine from a mattress?

To protect the structure and comfort of your mattress, avoid:

  • Soaking the mattress in water or cleaner
  • Harsh chemicals like strong bleach, which may discolor fabrics or degrade materials
  • Steam cleaning without confirming it’s suitable for your specific mattress type
  • Scrubbing aggressively, which can spread the stain and damage surface fabrics

When searching for How To Wash a Mattress Urine, one of the biggest misconceptions is that “more water = cleaner.” With mattresses, less is more: targeted, light moisture and thorough drying are key.

How do I dry the mattress properly after cleaning?

Drying is just as important as cleaning.

  • Increase airflow: Open windows, turn on fans, or move the mattress to a well-ventilated room.
  • Let it dry completely before putting sheets back on.
  • If possible, stand the mattress on its side so air can circulate around it.

Putting bedding back on too soon can trap moisture, which may lead to persistent odors.

How can I prevent future urine stains on my mattress?

While accidents happen, a few simple steps can make cleanup much easier next time:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to keep liquids off the core of the mattress.
  • Add a washable mattress pad or topper for an extra barrier.
  • Clean up any spills or accidents as soon as you notice them.

These layers do not stop accidents, but they often keep cleanup limited to washable bedding.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Wash a Mattress Urine

  • You can’t fully “wash” a mattress like clothing; you spot-clean, blot, and dry instead.
  • For fresh urine, act fast: blot, lightly clean, deodorize, then dry.
  • A vinegar and water mix plus baking soda is a common home method to reduce stains and odors.
  • Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and aggressive scrubbing, which can damage the mattress.
  • Let the mattress dry completely before making the bed again.
  • For old stains, repeated gentle treatments usually work better than one harsh deep clean.
  • A protective mattress cover can make future accidents much easier to handle.

Handled calmly and promptly, a urine accident doesn’t have to mean the end of your mattress. Using these simple, careful steps, you can address stains and odors while keeping your mattress supportive and comfortable.