How To Wash Pee Out Of Mattress: Practical Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Wash Pee Out Of Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a fresh accident or a stubborn old stain. This guide walks you through what to do step by step, what to avoid, and how to handle both fresh and dried urine on a mattress.

What’s the best way to wash pee out of a mattress?

You can’t put a mattress in the washing machine, but you can spot-clean urine effectively with the right approach. The basic process is:

  1. Act fast and blot (don’t rub).
  2. Use a gentle cleaning solution that helps break down urine.
  3. Remove excess moisture thoroughly.
  4. Dry the mattress completely before making the bed again.

The sooner you start, the easier it is to remove both stains and odors.

Step-by-step: How To Wash Pee Out Of Mattress (Fresh Stains)

1. Strip the bed

Remove all bedding, including mattress protectors, and wash them according to their care labels. Leaving anything wet on the bed can spread the stain or create odors.

2. Blot up as much urine as possible

Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to blot the area.

  • Press firmly to soak up liquid.
  • Keep moving to clean sections of the towel.
  • Avoid scrubbing, which can push urine deeper into the mattress.

3. Apply a gentle cleaning solution

A simple option is a mix of mild soap and cool water:

  • Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution.
  • Gently dab the stained area; do not soak the mattress.
  • Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.

For odor control, many people use a light mist of diluted white vinegar. The goal is to slightly dampen, not drench, the mattress.

4. Draw out remaining moisture

After cleaning:

  • Blot again with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the area to help absorb both moisture and odor.
  • Let it sit for several hours, or ideally overnight.

5. Vacuum and air-dry

  • Vacuum up the dried baking soda.
  • Let the mattress air out completely in a well-ventilated room.
  • Only remake the bed once it feels fully dry to the touch.

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

Dried urine can be more stubborn, but the same general process for how to wash pee out of mattress still applies, with a few extra steps:

  1. Lightly re-dampen the area with a small amount of water or a mild cleaning solution to loosen the dried residue.
  2. Gently blot to lift some of the moisture and stain.
  3. Use a slightly stronger cleaning mix (still mild and suitable for fabrics) and work in small sections.
  4. Apply baking soda generously and leave it for longer—often overnight or even up to 24 hours.
  5. Vacuum, check the result, and repeat if needed.

Deep, old stains may not disappear entirely, but odor and discoloration can often be reduced significantly.

Is it safe to use bleach or harsh chemicals on a mattress?

For most mattresses, bleach and strong chemicals are not recommended. They can:

  • Damage the fabric and inner materials.
  • Leave strong, lingering odors.
  • Cause discoloration in the treated area.

Mild cleaners, diluted solutions, and simple ingredients like baking soda and gentle soap are generally better options. Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden spot first.

How can I get rid of lingering pee smell in a mattress?

Even after cleaning, a faint odor can sometimes remain. To address smell:

  • Ensure the mattress is completely dry; trapped moisture often causes odor.
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the entire affected area, not just the visible stain.
  • Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum well.
  • Repeat the process if needed.

If odor persists deeply in the mattress, some people choose to air out the mattress near a window or in a well-ventilated space to help freshen it naturally.

How do I prevent future pee stains on my mattress?

Prevention makes cleaning much easier:

  • Use a water-resistant mattress protector to create a barrier between spills and the mattress.
  • Address accidents as soon as you notice them to stop urine from soaking in.
  • Avoid over-wetting the mattress during cleaning to reduce drying time and odor risk.

A good protective layer can often mean you only need to wash the bedding and surface protector, not the mattress itself.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Wash Pee Out Of Mattress

  • Act quickly: Blot fresh urine right away to limit staining and odor.
  • Don’t soak the mattress: Use light, targeted cleaning with mild solutions.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Scrubbing pushes urine deeper into the mattress.
  • Use baking soda: It helps absorb moisture and neutralize smells.
  • Fully dry before use: A completely dry mattress is less likely to smell or develop issues.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: They can damage fabrics and are often unnecessary.
  • Protect your mattress: A washable protector makes future cleanups much simpler.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, learning how to wash pee out of mattress can turn an upsetting spill into a manageable cleaning task—and help keep your mattress fresher for longer.