How to Remove Urine Stains and Smell From a Mattress Update 04/2024

Accidents happen, but your mattress does not have to be ruined as a result. As soon as you see urine stains on your child’s bedding or your pet’s feces on your own bed, it’s better to wipe it up.

Fortunately, you just need a few everyday cleaning items to get the job done. How to clean urine from a mattress, prevent stains, and eliminate the pee smell from your bedding will be covered in this guide.

How to Clean Urine from a Mattress

Those who are fast to notice an accident will benefit from this section. This section is only for pee that has already dried and left stains.

  1. As quickly as possible, remove all of your linen from the bed and place it in the washing machine.
  2. Assemble your tools. White vinegar, baking soda, water, a spray bottle, a vacuum, and a couple of cleaning rags are all you need.
  3. Gently dab the wet areas to absorb as much liquid as possible using a cleaning cloth or paper towels. You should avoid scrubbing or rubbing the mattress since this could spread the urine.
  4. Fill a spray bottle halfway with water and the other halfway with distilled vinegar.
  5. Apply your vinegar solution to the affected area and let it dry.
  6. Towels can be used to remove any remaining wetness.
  7. Apply a thick layer of baking soda to the affected region.
  8. As long as possible, leave baking soda on the mattress. A minimum of eight hours of sleep is recommended.
  9. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum and check the mattress for signs of stains and urine odors before putting it back in the house.
  10. To ensure that the odor and stains are completely eliminated, repeat steps 5 through 9.

As a result, the urine smell will be eliminated from the mattress, and stains will be avoided in the future. Use plenty of baking soda and give it plenty of time to soak up all the extra moisture before you start the dehydrating process.

How to Remove Urine Stains from a Mattress

Cleanup may necessitate a stronger solution if the stains have already set in before you can begin. The ingredients for this are baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing detergent

  1. Dish soap or liquid laundry detergent with 2 to 4 drops and 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda
  2. The solution can be applied with a spray bottle, enabling it to soak into any discolored areas.
  3. Hold off on using anything until the mixture has completely dried out. After a few hours, a thick layer of baking soda residue will have formed.
  4. It is important to remove any baking soda residue before checking to determine if the discoloration persists.
  5. Replicate as necessary.

A more powerful cleaning solution is used in this method, which you allow to soak into the soiled region for a longer period of time. Baking soda is used to attract urine higher when the solution dries and the peroxide evaporates. To get rid of stains and odors, you can use this method.

To be safe, you should test peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to larger stains. Memory foam, for example, maybe somewhat damaged or discolored by peroxide. Remove any colored bedding from the area before using this product to avoid bleaching.

How to Get the Pee Smell Out of a Mattress

There are a few things you may do if your mattress still smells of urine after you’ve cleaned it.

In our mattress cleaning instructions, we recommend simply sprinkling baking soda on the mattress. Unlike other masking agents, baking soda actually removes scents from the air rather than disguising them. In addition to neutralizing urine’s characteristically acidic odors, baking soda has a high absorption capacity, making it ideal for drawing out moisture that may still be present.

The simplest way to get rid of urine scents from your mattress is to cover the entire surface with a thin layer of baking soda. If a certain location has a stronger stench, use a thicker layer of baking soda to cover it. Vacuum the baking soda after allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 hours uncovered. Replicate as necessary.

A vinegar solution can also be used, as was previously stated. Coldwater and distilled white vinegar, mixed 50/50, should be used. Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to mask any off-putting odors. Use a spray bottle to apply it to the mattress and let it air dry completely. Remove any residual moisture and neutralize the vinegar odor with baking soda after cleaning.

Pet stains may necessitate the use of a stronger cleaning solution containing enzymes that eliminate lingering odors. Pets will be less likely to mark their territory if this is done. Many pet stores carry enzyme cleansers.

How to Prevent Future Stains & Odors

Keeping your mattress well-protected is the greatest method to keep it free of stains and odors. An appropriate waterproof mattress protector is one that we recommend you use.

In addition to washing your sheets and other bedding on a regular basis, this can also help keep your mattress fresh and odor-free. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed around once a week, according to our recommendations.

Four Ways to Tackle Accidents on a Mattress

Method 1: Best for Wet Stains

For recent accidents, this is the most popular procedure because it is fast and effective. Let’s have a peek at the process.

You’ll need these things:

  • Towels to absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Uric acid (metabolic waste generated by urination) is broken down and neutralized by distilled white vinegar.
  • To further decrease urine odor or vinegar odor, use your favorite essential oil (optional)
  • Remove any odor from the urine by using baking soda to remove and absorb it.
  • White vinegar and essential oil in a spray bottle
  • To remove the baking soda, use a vacuum cleaner.
  1. Remove as much urine from the stain as possible with paper towels if it is still fresh. To avoid pushing the stain deeper into your mattress’s fibers, avoid rubbing or wiping the moist spot. Also, replace soiled paper towels as soon as they become available.
  2. Using baking soda, apply a little coating to the affected region after the majority of the urine has been cleaned.
  3. Next, fill a spray container halfway with white vinegar and shake it vigorously. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if the vinegar scent is overpowering you.
  4. It is important not to soak up the pee stain with water. Allow the vinegar to remain for a few minutes before using.
  5. Use clean paper towels to remove any remaining moisture after the vinegar has sat for a while. There will be some baking soda residue left after this step, but that’s okay.
  6. Allow the stain to settle for 18 hours after which you can repeat the process with more baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda all over your mattress to freshen it up even more. When it comes to the amount of time needed to complete this stage, you may have to make some adjustments in your sleeping schedule.
  7. To remove the baking soda from the top of your mattress, vacuum it a few times after 18 hours.

Method 2: Best for Stubborn Stains

Laundry detergent may be necessary if the following procedure fails to remove the stain or urine odor from your mattress.

You’ll need these things:

  • To eliminate the excess moisture, use paper towels.
  • Ammonia and uric acid odors can be alleviated by using distilled vinegar.
  • Soap that is color-safe for washing clothes to further diminish uric acid
  • Laundry detergent and white vinegar in a spray bottle
  • Incontinence-soothers like baking soda
  • To remove the baking soda, use a vacuum cleaner.

Afterward, adhere to these five recommendations outlined below:

  1. Paper towels can be used to remove as much urine as possible if the stain is still fresh. The fresh urine stain should not be rubbed or wiped, as previously stated.
  2. Spray the infected area with the white vinegar and let it sit for one hour. Paper towels should be replaced one hour after they were used to remove any leftover moisture.
  3. In order to avoid discoloring your mattress, rinse your spray bottle thoroughly and then fill it halfway with a color-friendly liquid washing detergent. Fill the rest of the bottle with ice-cold water and gently shake it to combine the two. In order to get rid of the stain completely, you should avoid using warm water.
  4. Spray a thin layer of the solution on the urine stain and allow it to sit for an hour. After an hour, wipe any remaining moisture with paper towels.
  5. Baking soda should be sprayed liberally over the region. Let it sit for at least eight hours before vacuuming it off.

Method 3: Best for Old Stains

When urine dries, it leaves a discolored yellow stain on our mattress’ fibers. Oxidizing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide are needed to remove these stains. The chromophore, a component of the molecule that absorbs visible light to create color, is broken down by hydrogen peroxide.

Despite its effectiveness as an antibacterial and stain remover, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for use on mattresses that aren’t white because it can discolor the fabric. Additionally, it may result in a bumpy and worn surface on mattresses made of foam.

It’s preferable to use hydrogen peroxide solution on non-foam pillow tops and innerspring mattresses, but anyone with memory foam, latex, hybrid, or foam pillow top mattresses should steer clear of using it.

You’ll need these things:

  • Baking soda can be used to remove dried pee stains and odors.
  • Dissolve the discoloration and kill microorganisms using hydrogen peroxide.
  • Cleanser to penetrate and dissolve uric acid while reducing the odor of uric acid
  • The dispensing device in the form of a spray bottle
  • Vacuum the baking soda and solution residue from the carpet to remove any traces.
  1. Using an old toothbrush or dry cloth, apply the baking soda to the stain and work it into the mattress’s fabric. To get a darker color, let the baking soda sit for a while. Urine absorption is indicated by darkened baking soda. To dry it out, you can use a vacuum. Complete this step until the baking soda is no longer white for best results.
  2. Once the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid dish detergent are all mixed together in a bowl, the next step is to apply the solution. Pour the solution into a spray bottle after you’ve combined the first three ingredients. Shaking the spray bottle to blend the contents will result in foaming, therefore we recommend mixing them first in a dish.
  3. Make sure the urine stain is well covered, but don’t soak it. Allow the mixture to dry for a few days before using it. To hasten the drying process, leave a window open or use a fan to blow on it.
  4. Vacuum up any residual residue after the mixture has dried.

Method 4: Best for Strong Smelling Stains

Dehydration, bladder stones, infections, and other health issues can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the urine. A greater ammonia odor can be found in the aftermath of a pet’s accident.

The odor of ammonia is so strong that it can keep you awake at night. Because of this, enzymatic cleaners were created to counteract the scents.

Protease enzymes and natural microorganisms are found in these cleansers. Protein-based stains, such as urine, are broken down into little particles by protease enzymes, which are then digested by natural microorganisms. Carbon dioxide and water vapor are released as a byproduct of the bacteria’s breakdown of urine.

A spot test on an unseen region of the mattress is the best way to ensure that enzymatic cleaners eliminate urine stains and smells effective. When using an enzyme cleaner, be sure to follow the product’s directions carefully.

How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress: 6 Easy Steps

You know that sinking sensation you get when you discover that your mattress has been damaged. After an unpleasant surprise from sleeping with your dog, or an unintentional accident from your kid, you begin to imagine the chemical fumes, long hours of scrubbing, and weeks of “do you smell that?” when fighting the lingering scent of that annoying stain.

Is it possible to whiten discolored sheets and mattresses after they’ve been peed on? Cleaning pee from a mattress does not have to be time-consuming or costly. We are here to tell you this.

To be honest, the quickest and easiest way to get back to sleep is simply six steps lengthy and employs things you probably already have around the house.

You may even have a cupboard full of half-empty items from your previous attempt, and you fear having to start from scratch again.

To make things easier, we’ve outlined a general procedure for eliminating fresh urine odors and stains from a mattress below, as well as some more specialized methods for more difficult cases.

Protect your mattress from dirt, spills, and normal wear and tear by using a mattress protector. Even if life gets messy, your mattress will remain dry and clean thanks to the long-lasting waterproof layer.

How to Remove Pee from a Mattress

The best way to get pee out of a mattress is as simple as following these six steps. Starting with the basics is always a good idea, regardless of whether you’re dealing with liquid or dried pee.

What you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Clean towels
  • Coldwater
  • Laundry detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Vacuum

In only six simple actions, you can remove urine from a mattress:

Step 1: Remove Your Bedding

The first thing you should do is remove your bedding off the mattress and put it in the washing machine as quickly as you can. Because urine stains set quickly, it’s critical that you put your sheets and comforter in the washer as soon as possible.

If after washing the bedding the urine stain or scent persists, try adding a cup of white vinegar and running the wash once again to see if that helps.

Step 2: Blot (Don’t Scrub!) the Area

Remove as much liquid as possible from the area by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth. Scrubbing the stain will only drive the liquid deeper into the mattress’s fabric, making it more difficult to remove.

Step 3: Spray Vinegar Solution on the Stain

Spray a mixture of two parts cold water, one part white vinegar, and a small bit of laundry detergent into a spray bottle (a few tablespoons for a standard spray bottle; more if your bottle is larger). Use a lot of stain remover and soak it in well.

Step 4: Let Vinegar Solution Soak

Wait a minimum of 10–15 minutes before using the solution-soaked mattress. To remove the remaining liquid, use a new, clean cloth to blot.

Step 5: Cover Area with Baking Soda

Allow the baking soda to rest on the contaminated area for 8–10 hours. Afterward, vacuum the baking soda from the area. Close the door to keep pets and children from making a mess with the baking soda!

Step 6: Vacuum Up the Dry Baking Soda

Vacuum the mattress with a hose attachment to remove the baking soda that has hardened. To avoid damaging your vacuum, make sure the powder is totally dry before using it. A wet/dry vacuum can also be used to remove the damp powder.

Check the mattress once you’ve finished vacuuming. Re-do steps three through six if necessary to completely remove any remaining odors or stains.

How To Get Pee Stains Out of a Mattress

Getting dry pee out of a mattress may be more difficult than treating fresh urine stains, but it is still achievable.

What you’ll need:

  • White vinegar
  • Laundry detergent
  • Coldwater
  • Plastic wrap
  • Towels

Urine stains on your mattress can be removed with a few basic home items:

Step 1: Use Vinegar Solution to Soak Stain Completely

Cover the stain with the previously mentioned solution (two parts cold water, one part vinegar, and a little bit of laundry detergent). Make sure the mattress is thoroughly saturated with the cleaning solution.

Step 2: Cover Area in Plastic Wrap

The surplus liquid should not be blotted, rubbed, or otherwise absorbed. Plastic wrap should be used to cover the area for 24 to 48 hours. Thus, a longer time is allowed for the solution to be effective on the stain because it will not evaporate.

Step 3: Allow Mattress to Air Dry

Remove the plastic wrap from the mattress and allow it to air dry completely. In order to ensure the fabric dries thoroughly, it is advisable to leave it overnight.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

A few treatments may be necessary to thoroughly remove deep stains from a mattress, but that’s quite normal.

Step 5: Spot Clean with Water

Examine the treated area for any dried vinegar solution residue once you’ve completed cleaning and are certain you won’t need to repeat the operation in the future. To clean, dampen the area and then wipe it dry with a towel.

How To Get Pee Smell Out of a Mattress

Pee can be removed from a mattress fast, but the unpleasant odor it leaves behind might remain for weeks. To put it another way, how can you get rid of pee odor from a mattress?

What you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum

Rather than concealing the scent, baking soda can completely eliminate it thanks to its basic pH. Try this two-ingredient technique to get rid of the pee smell:

Step 1: Sprinkle With Baking Soda

As a result, you won’t be sneezing in the middle of the night because you’ll be using baking soda instead. Starting with the most highly soiled region, apply a thin layer of baking soda to your mattress.

Step 2: Wait It Out

To get the best results, leave the baking soda on for at least 5–10 hours, which means you may have to sleep on the sofa. Be sure to check the baking soda in the morning and leave it on overnight before continuing.

Step 3: Vacuum the Mattress

Vacuum your bare mattress after it has sat overnight with the baking soda. (A vacuum attachment for upholstery or a handheld vacuum is excellent for this purpose.) Vacuuming will not erase the stains, but it will remove the baking soda and the stench. If the odor persists, repeat the procedure.

How to Get Dog or Cat Pee Out of a Mattress

Because animal pee is more concentrated and contains a variety of different compounds, it can be a little more pungent than human urine. It’s also critical to ensure that all pet urine has been removed from the area, as some animals prefer to return to the same spots for a second time.

What you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum
  • Enzyme cleaner
  • White vinegar
  • Essential oil (optional)

Pet urine can be removed from a mattress in much the same way as described above, with only a few minor differences.

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda Directly to Stain

Instead of wiping up pee with a towel, sprinkle baking powder on the dirty area and let it sit for a few minutes. In order to remove the urine from the mattress, the baking soda should deepen in color as it absorbs the liquid.

Step 2: Vacuum Powder and Repeat

Replace the dirty baking soda with fresh baking soda, allowing the powder to continue absorbing the urine, then clean the area. Repeat this process until the new baking soda is white again.

Step 3: Clean Mattress as Normal

Purge the mattress of your pet’s urine, then clean the poop as if it were a human waste, if possible. It’s possible that you’ll have to repeat the procedure a few more times before the stain is fully gone.

Step 4: For Stronger Odors, Try an Enzyme Cleaner

Ammonia, carbohydrates, and fatty acids (in dogs) are only a few of the additional ingredients found in animal urine (in dogs and cats). Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, enzymes can be found in many cleaners and can aid in the breakdown of even the most persistent of contaminants.

It is important to use an enzyme cleaner that is specifically intended to remove pet stains and to check the label for non-toxic ingredients. If you’re looking for enzyme cleaners, you can purchase them in most pet stores or online.

Step 5: Avoid Toxic or Chemical Products

The same goes for home cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and anything else that isn’t specifically labeled as safe for pets.

Step 6: Avoid Accidents with Pet Repellents

Even if you clean your mattress well, your pet may still be able to detect minute residues of urine’s chemical footprint. It’s a good idea to apply a pet-friendly repellent to avoid future mishaps because many animals will return to spots where they’ve already peed.

Pet deterrents can be made with a few simple ingredients, such as 1.5 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and roughly 20 drops of citrus-scented essential oil. Additionally, you should think about obtaining a mattress protector, which will protect your bed from future mishaps, as well as dust, dander, and other pollutants.

A pup-friendly dog bed for your furry companion may be a good idea if you want to avoid any more accidents on your bed in the future. It’s much easier to wash a dog bed with a removable cover, so you can rest easy knowing your pet has a clean sleeping area.

FAQs

How do you get urine stains out of bedding?

In comparison to getting urine stains out of your mattress, it is far simpler to remove them from your sheets, blankets, and comforter. In the event of a urine accident, remove your bedding and place it in the washing machine with one cup of distilled white vinegar. Laundry detergent is not necessary.

Only use cold water to wash your linens and blankets, as hot water might set urine. Take a look at the bedding to see if the filthy patches have been removed. Rewash the bedding as normal if they are. To get rid of the urine stains, soak your sheets and blankets overnight in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar.

How do you prevent urine accidents from reaching your mattress?

Using a waterproof mattress protector is a great way to keep your mattress free of pee stains. They also require very little upkeep. Put your mattress protector in the washing machine with any other contaminated linen if an accident happens. Dust mites, mold, and germs can all be kept at bay with a proper mattress covering.

Do air fresheners get rid of urine smell?

While air fresheners can cover up the odor, they can’t get rid of it. Because of this, they won’t permanently remove the urine odor from your mattress. Lift and remove the stain to get rid of the odor permanently. Some sort of acidic cleaning product will be needed to remove the buildup. As a general rule, we recommend using one of the aforementioned procedures to remove a urine stain.

Can urine on a mattress cause mold?

The salt included in uric acid can be left behind if the urine is not thoroughly eliminated. To combat night sweats or a humid climate, this salt will draw moisture into your skin. It will reactivate and cause scents to be disturbed, as well as a breeding ground for bacteria-causing mold if the affected area becomes wet.

Are enzymatic cleaners safe?

Toxic substances are usually not found in enzymatic cleaners. enzymes, which are naturally occurring proteins that speed up chemical reactions needed to remove stains, are commonly found in enzyme-based cleaning products. Double-checking the ingredients list of your enzyme cleaner to make sure no toxic chemicals are in there is always a good idea. Adding artificial oxidizing or stain removal ingredients to boost their product’s performance is common practice for several brands.

How Long Does It Take for Pee to Dry on a Mattress?

Because urine on a mattress can dry in as little as two to four hours, it’s critical to address the problem as soon as possible. On a mattress, how long it takes for liquid to dry depends on the amount of liquid and how deep it saturates. While a mattress needs 8-10 hours to completely dry after being thoroughly cleaned with vinegar, a tiny spill or mishap will dry much more rapidly.

Can I Use This Cleaning Method on Other Stains?

Yes, in a nutshell. Mattress stains of all kinds can be cleaned with vinegar, and it’s an excellent all-purpose cleaner.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as blood and red wine, which require a different treatment.

How Do You Get Pee Out of a Mattress Without Vinegar?

You can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove urine from a mattress if vinegar is unavailable. A mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid detergent is required:

  • 1 part baking soda
  • 5 parts hydrogen peroxide
  • A dash of liquid detergent

The baking soda solution should be sprayed onto the stain and allowed to dry before the stain can be removed. Finally, take a vacuum to the area to remove any leftover debris.

What Gets Rid of the Smell of Urine?

The white vinegar solution approach is effective in removing both pee stains and odors. The chemical components that give urine its pungent stench can be broken down by baking soda and vinegar.

When cleaning your mattress, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or cleansers with harmful ingredients, even if they look “stronger.” Additionally, the cloth may be damaged, and chemicals that remain in the air can harm you.

Conclusion

If you want to keep your mattress safe, you need to know how to remove pee stains. As frustrating as these stains can be, they aren’t as difficult to get rid of.

Basic home materials are typically all that is needed to remove pee stains and odors. If you use one of the ways listed above, your mattress will look and smell like new in no time.

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