How to Clean a Mattress From Pee

Introduction

Accidents happen, and when urine soaks into a mattress, it can leave behind strong odors, stains, and germs if not treated properly. The key is acting quickly and using effective cleaners that break down the urine enzymes. This guide walks you through the exact steps to clean pee from a mattress and restore it to a fresh, odor-free condition.

What You'll Need

• Paper towels or clean cloths

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Spray bottle

• Enzyme cleaner (optional but highly effective)

• Vacuum cleaner

• Hydrogen peroxide (for stubborn stains)

• Mild dish soap

Steps

Blot up as much urine as possible using paper towels or cloths. Press firmly but do not rub, as rubbing pushes urine deeper into the mattress.
Spray the affected area generously with white vinegar or a vinegar–water mixture. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes to break down the urine.
Blot the area again to remove excess moisture.
Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the damp area to absorb odors and moisture.
Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours or overnight for best results.
Vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the dried baking soda.
If odor or staining persists, apply an enzyme cleaner following the product’s instructions. These cleaners break down urine proteins and work especially well for older stains.
Let the mattress air dry completely before putting sheets back on. Good airflow or a fan can speed up drying.

Alternative Methods

• Use hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of dish soap to remove tough stains, but test on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t bleach the fabric.

• Steam clean the mattress using a low-moisture upholstery attachment.

• Use a specialized mattress-cleaning solution designed for urine removal.

• Apply activated charcoal overnight to help absorb lingering odors.

What NOT to Do

• Do not use hot water, as it can set urine stains permanently.

• Do not oversaturate the mattress with liquids, which can cause mold or mildew.

• Do not use bleach, as it can damage mattress fabrics and worsen discoloration.

• Avoid scrubbing aggressively, which can push urine deeper into the mattress layers.

FAQs

How quickly should I clean urine from a mattress?

The sooner you act, the easier it is to remove both stains and odor. Fresh urine responds better to cleaning than dried or old stains.

Will the smell come back?

If cleaned properly with baking soda or an enzyme cleaner, the odor should be eliminated. Lingering smells usually mean urine is still deep in the mattress.

Can I clean a mattress from old, dried urine stains?

Yes, but you will likely need an enzyme cleaner and more than one treatment to fully remove the odor and discoloration.

Can I use essential oils to help with odor?

You can add a few drops to your vinegar spray or baking soda, but oils should not replace proper cleaning steps.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow manufacturer instructions and use proper safety precautions. You assume all risk for any actions you take based on this guide.

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