Mattress Urine Removal in 6 Simple Steps

There's nothing like the sickening realization that someone has had an accident on your mattress to send your stomach into a tailspin. Whether it's an unexpected encounter with your dog in the middle of the night or an accident involving your child, the thought of chemical fumes, hours of scrubbing, and weeks of, "do you smell that?" fills your head. While you're busy fighting the odor of that pesky pee stain, you could be doing some other things to keep from  

Is it possible to bleach your mattress and sheets after they've been stained by urine? It doesn't have to be time-consuming, costly, or frustrating to remove urine stains from a mattress.

It only takes six simple steps, and with common household items, you can be back to dreaming peacefully in no time with the best method. You may even be dreading the prospect of starting over because you still have the half-empty cabinet full of products you tried last time but didn't like.

The steps for removing fresh urine from a mattress are outlined below, along with more advanced options for dealing with more difficult situations, such as eliminating the odor of urine or eliminating pee stains.

Protect your mattress from dust, spills, and everyday wear and tear to keep it feeling and looking like new. Your mattress will remain dry and sanitary, no matter how messy life gets, thanks to the long-lasting waterproof layer.

Cleaning Urine From a Mattress

Mattress urine can be removed in six easy steps using this guide. Start with the fundamentals no matter what you're doing because the process for removing dried urine is only slightly different and builds on this one.

In order to accomplish this, you will need:

• Ammonium bicarbonate
• White Towels
• Cold water
• Detergent for washing clothes
• Apple cider vinegar
• Watering can
• Vacuum

Following these simple steps, you can restore your mattress to its original condition.

First, unmake your bed.

You should immediately begin by removing your mattress cover and placing your bedding into the washing machine. Sheets and comforters should be washed as soon as possible to prevent urine stains from setting in.  

Bedding that has been washed but still has a urine stain or odor after adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle.

Second, blot (don't scrub) ) the Area

To remove as much liquid as possible from the stained area, blot it with a clean, dry towel. Don't scrub the stain because doing so will only work to further embed the liquid into the mattress's fabric.

Application of a vinegar solution spray is the third step.

Create a cleaning solution by combining two parts cold water, one part white vinegar, and a small amount of laundry detergent (a few tablespoons for a standard spray bottle, more if your bottle is larger) in a spray bottle. Don't be afraid to really soak the stain; spray it down until it disappears.

Fourth, soak the vinegar solution.

Give the mattress a good 10 to 15 minutes to sit in the solution. Extra moisture can be absorbed by blotting with a fresh, clean cloth.

5. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Affected Area

Spread baking soda over the stained area and leave it alone for 8-10 hours. Put the door back on the room to prevent pets and children from making a mess with the baking soda.

Sixth, remove the dry baking soda by suctioning it up.

Remove the dried baking soda by vacuuming it up with a hose attachment. Make sure the powder is completely dry before using the vacuum, or you could risk damaging it. On the other hand, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to pick up the soiled powder.  

After you're done with the vacuuming, you should check the mattress. If there are still odors or stains after following steps three through six, repeat the process.

What to Do About Urine Stains on a Mattress

Even though fresh urine stains should be treated immediately, there is still hope for those trying to remove dried urine from a mattress.

Objects that will be required

• Distilled white vinegar
• Fabric softener
• Cold water
• Wrapping it up in plastic
• Towels

I'll tell you what to use around the house to get rid of urine stains on your mattress:

First, thoroughly soak the stain in vinegar solution.

Cover the stain with a solution made from the same ingredients as the one used above (two parts cold water, one part vinegar, and a small amount of laundry detergent). Soak the mattress until the stain is as deep as it was before applying the solution.

Second, wrap the area in plastic wrap.

Never try to remove moisture by rubbing, blotting, or any other means. Wrap the damp area in plastic and leave it alone for at least two days. The solution will be able to stay on the stain longer if it doesn't evaporate.

Third, let the mattress dry naturally.

Take off the plastic and let the mattress air dry after use. If you want to make sure the fabric is completely dry, you should let it sit out for at least one night.

Repeat the Previous Step 4

One application may not be enough to remove stubborn stains from a mattress; typically, multiple applications are necessary for truly stubborn stains to vanish.

Fifth, spot-clean with water

The treated area should be checked for dried vinegar residue once cleaning is complete and a repeat is unnecessary. Spot-wash with water and dry with towels.

Cleaning Urine from a Mattress

Although urine can be cleaned off a mattress relatively quickly, the unpleasant odor can linger for weeks. So, what can be used to mask the odor of urine, and what methods exist for eliminating it from a mattress?

Equipment required

Due to its basic pH, baking soda can neutralize urine odors rather than just covering them up. You can get rid of the odor of urine with just two ingredients:

First, dust with baking soda.

Making use of baking soda is a great way to ensure that you won't be waking up with a scrunched-up nose because of an, um, unpleasant odor. A thin layer of baking soda, with more concentrated application to the urine-stained area, will effectively remove odors from a mattress.

Second, be patient.

If you want the baking soda to do its job, you should give it at least 5-10 hours, which could mean spending the night on the couch. The baking soda should be left on all night, and the situation should be reevaluated in the morning.  

The Third Step: Vacuum the Mattress

Afterwards, vacuum your mattress without any sheets. (The most effective tool here is a handheld vacuum or an upholstery attachment. Vacuuming won't get the stains out, but it will get the baking soda (and the smell) out. If the odor persists, try the steps again.

Mattress Urine Removal: A Guide for Pet Owners

Because animal urine is composed of different chemicals and is typically more concentrated, it may have a stronger odor than human urine. Since some animals like to revisit previously marked territory, it is even more crucial that pet urine be completely removed from the area.

Materials Required:

• Soda bicarbonate for baking
• Vacuum
• Cleansing Enzymes
• Acetic acid or white vinegar
• (Optional) Essential oil

 

With a few minor adjustments to the procedure, this same idea can be used to get rid of pet urine from a mattress.

First, rub baking soda into the stained area.

Instead of blotting excess urine with a towel, you should apply baking powder directly to the stained surface. The urine will darken the baking soda as it absorbs the moisture and is drawn to the surface.

The Second Step: Use More Powder and Vacuum

Replace the used baking soda with clean powder so that the powder can keep soaking up the urine. It's important to keep the white color of the new baking soda, so keep repeating this step.

Third, maintain your standard cleaning routine with your mattress.

After you've extracted as much urine as you can from the mattress, clean it as if it were human. In order to completely remove the stain, you may need to repeat the process.

Step 4: Use an Enzyme Cleaner for Heavier Odors

 

Animal urine contains extra elements like carbohydrates and fatty acids (in dogs) and ammonia (in dogs and cats) and is more concentrated than human urine. Enzymes, which are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, can be found in some cleaners and aid in the breakdown of these more difficult substances.

 

Pick an enzyme cleaner formulated for pet stains, and double-check the bottle's ingredients to make sure the product is safe for use around pets. Enzyme cleaners are widely available in pet stores and on the internet.

Fifth, stay away from any chemicals or toxic substances

You shouldn't use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or any other common household cleaner that isn't labeled as non-hazardous to animals, and the same goes for any enzyme cleaners you come across.

Mishaps involving pets can be avoided with the help of repellents, the sixth step.

Your pet may be able to detect the chemical imprint of the urine even after you have thoroughly cleaned the mattress. The use of a pet-friendly repellent is recommended because many animals will urinate in the same spot again if they have done so in the past.  

 

An all-natural, low-cost pet deterrent can be made by combining 1 Combine 5 cups of cold water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 20 drops of your preferred citrus-scented essential oil. A mattress protector is a good idea to protect your bed from spills, dust mites, and other allergens.

You should get your dog a dog bed if you're worried about him or her having accidents on your bed in the future. With a removable cover, cleaning your dog's bed is a breeze, allowing you to get a good night's rest even if your pet has an accident in bed.

Frequently Asked Questions & Other Things to Think About

All urine stains can be removed from a mattress by following these instructions. On the other hand, you might have additional, more detailed inquiries as you proceed. Some of the more common things to think about when cleaning a mattress are listed below.

When you wet a mattress, how long does it take for it to dry?

There is no time to waste when dealing with urine on a mattress; it can dry in as little as two to four hours. The amount of liquid and the depth to which it soaks into a mattress determine how long it will take to dry. The mattress will need to air out for 8-10 hours after being treated with a vinegar solution, while a smaller spill or accident will dry in less time.

What other stains might I be able to remove with this method?

Basically, that's the case. Vinegar is a versatile cleaning solution that can be used to remove a wide range of stains from your mattress.  

Not everything can be fixed with a vinegar solution, though; things like blood and red wine are more complicated.

Without Vinegar, what's the best way to remove urine stains from a mattress?

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are good alternatives to vinegar for cleaning urine stains from mattresses. Combine baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid detergent to create the following:

• Baking soda, 1 part
• hydrogen peroxide, 5%
• Drops of dishwashing liquid

Make a baking soda solution, spray it on the stain, and let it sit until it dries. After that, clean the area by sucking up any dust or debris that may be there.  

How Do I Get Rid of Urine Smell?

Cleaning urine stains and odors with a white vinegar solution is an effective method. White vinegar degrades many of the odorous chemical compounds in urine, and baking soda neutralizes odors naturally.  

Despite the temptation to use something "stronger," like bleach or cleaners with toxic chemicals, you should never, ever use them on your mattress. This is bad for your health and the fabric because the toxins will continue to damage the fabric even after you wash it.

Urine is neutralized by what?

Unlike urine, which has a high pH and is naturally acidic, baking soda has a low pH and can effectively mask the odor of urine. It only takes a few tablespoons of baking soda and at least five hours for it to neutralize the urine.

How Can I Get Urine Out of a Mattress as Soon as Possible?

Though it's best to let urine dry naturally with a vinegar or baking soda solution, you can hasten the process by opening windows or turning on a fan. Also, you can use a dry towel to dab at the stain, but you should be careful not to wipe, as this could spread the urine.  

When a bed becomes wet, what is the best way to dry it?

If someone has wet the bed, you can get it dry again by applying a solution of vinegar or baking soda after you have blotted the wet spot with a dry towel. Though it might be tempting to hurry things along, you should give the mattress time to air dry before using it again (even if that means finding somewhere else to sleep for the rest of the night).

Take Precautions by Putting a Mattress Protector Between You and the Bed.

 

After you've cleaned your mattress, you may want to use a protector to keep spills from happening again. A mattress protector will not only prevent urine from damaging your mattress, but it will also prevent dust, dander, hair, dead skin, oil, and even bed bugs from making your bed their home.

 

A mattress protector, contrary to popular belief, also serves to prolong the service life of your mattress. Perspiration and body oils are abrasive to the foams in your mattress even if you never spill anything on it. Protecting your mattress with a waterproof barrier will keep it feeling "like new" for years to come.

It's important to keep your mattress clean for your own good.

Keeping your mattress in the best condition possible for restful sleep includes knowing how to properly remove urine from a mattress. It's important to know how to clean your mattress so it doesn't just smell fresh when you get into bed, but also so it doesn't deteriorate or corrode over time.  

Once you've cleaned the urine from your bed and given it enough time to dry, you can make your bed and get ready to (finally) sleep. You should get a mattress protector that is resistant to dirt, spills, and stains if you have a child who is prone to bed-wetting.