Six Simple Steps to Remove Urine from a Mattress

2023-01-26 00:12:55 - Patrick Gruce Patrick Gruce is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the tech and media industries, offering unique insights on the intersection of technology, media, and legal/regulatory issues through his background in journalism and law.
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All too well, the stomach-churning realization that an accident has occurred on a mattress. Whether it's an unwelcome discovery from sharing a bed with your dog or an accident from your child, you immediately picture chemical fumes, hours of scrubbing, and weeks of "do you smell that?" As you fight the smell of that pee stain, remember that you are not alone.  

Is it possible to bleach your mattress and sheets after they've been stained by urine? Mattress urine removal doesn't have to be a major hassle.

In fact, the most effective method consists of only six simple actions, can be performed with items already lying around the house, and will have you back in bed and dreaming peacefully in no time. You might be so discouraged by the prospect of starting over that you're still holding on to the half-used products from the last time you went shopping.

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

Protect your mattress from soiling, spills, and everyday wear and tear to keep it feeling and looking like new. When life gets messy, you can rest assured that your mattress will remain dry and clean thanks to the resilient waterproof layer.

Mattress Urine Removal Instructions

If you want to know the most effective way to get urine out of a mattress, follow these six simple steps. 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.

The Materials You'll Need

  • As an example, baking soda
  • Sheets that have been recently laundered
  • Cold water
  • Washing powder
  • Sour juice
  • Watering can
  • Vacuum
mattress-cleaning-materials

There are only six simple steps to follow to remove urine from a mattress:

First, unmake your bed.

You should immediately begin by removing your mattress cover and placing your bedding into the washing machine. You should wash your sheets and comforter as soon as possible because urine stains can set.  

You can add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle if you find that the urine stain or odor still remains after washing your bedding.

Two, Blot (Do Not Scrub) ) the Area

If there is any liquid present, pick up a dry towel and blot the stained area. Scrubbing the stain will only work to work the liquid deeper into the mattress's fabric, making removal more of a challenge.

Third, spray the stained area with vinegar solution.

Combine 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.

diy-mattress-cleaning-solution

Fourth, soak the vinegar solution.

Let the mattress sit in the solution for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Saturate a fresh, clean cloth with water and blot the area.

Fifthly, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area.

Spread baking soda over the stained area and let it sit for 8-10 hours. Lock the door to prevent pets and children from making a mess with the baking soda.

6. Vacuum up the dry baking soda

You can remove the dried baking soda from the mattress by using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Make sure the powder is completely dry before using the vacuum, or you could risk damaging it. Another option is to use a wet/dry vacuum to collect the powder after it has been dampened.  

Review the mattress after you've finished vacuuming. Any remaining odors or stains should be eliminated by repeating steps three through six.

Taking Urine Stains Out of a Mattress

While fresh urine stains are the most urgent, even dry pee can be removed from a mattress if caught in time.

The Materials You'll Need

  • Vinegar, white
  • Detergent for washing clothes
  • Cold water
  • To wrap something in plastic
  • Towels

how-to-get-dry-pee-out-of-a-mattress
How to get rid of urine stains from a mattress using everyday items:

First, completely soak the stain in vinegar solution.

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

Second, wrap the area in plastic.

Never try to remove moisture by rubbing, blotting, or other means. Placing plastic wrap over the damp spot and waiting 24 to 48 hours is a better option. As a result, the solution will stay on the stain longer without evaporating.

Third, let the mattress dry naturally.

Take the mattress out of the plastic and let it air dry. Allowing the fabric to dry for at least one full night is recommended.

Fourth, do it all over again

Deep stains often need multiple applications before they disappear completely, so don't worry if your mattress is still stained after the first.

Water-Based Spot Cleaning, Step 5

After you've finished cleaning and decided there's no need to do it again, check the area for any dried vinegar residue. Use water to spot clean, and dry with towels

Taking Urine Smell Away From Your Mattress

Even though urine can be cleaned off a mattress relatively quickly, the unpleasant odor can linger for weeks. Is there anything that can mask the odor of urine, and how can I remove it from my mattress?

You'll require the following items:

Because of its basic pH, baking soda can eliminate urine odors rather than just covering them up. Try this simple two-ingredient method to get rid of the odor of urine:

Put Baking Soda on It!

If you want to avoid waking up with a scrunched-up nose in the middle of the night due to, um, an unpleasant odor, baking soda is a great way to go. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the mattress, paying special attention to the urine-stained area, and let it sit overnight.

Hold Off for Now

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. Make sure to let the baking soda sit overnight and then check on it in the morning.  

Mattress cleaning is the third step.

Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress overnight, then give it a good vacuuming. (The best tool for this is a handheld vacuum with an upholstery attachment. Vacuuming won't get rid of the odor, but it will get rid of the baking soda and the stains. Attempt the steps again if the odor persists.

Taking Cat or Dog Urine Out of a Mattress

In some cases, animal urine may have a stronger odor than human urine due to the different chemical composition and higher concentration of its components. Since some animals like to return to previously marked territory for a repeat performance, it's crucial that all traces of pet urine are removed.

Items Required:

  • Sodium bicarbonate for baking
  • Vacuum
  • Chemical-free cleaning with enzymes
  • Vinegar, distilled
  • Oil of essential (not required)

how-to-get-dog-or-cat-pee-out-of-a-mattress  

Mattresses can be cleaned of pet urine by following the steps outlined above, with a few minor adjustments.

First, put some baking soda on the stain.

Instead of blotting excess urine with a towel, you should apply baking powder directly to the stained surface. As the urine is drawn up and out of the mattress, the baking soda will darken in color due to its moisture-absorbing properties.

The Second Step: Use More Powder and Vacuum

Remove the used baking soda and replace it with new baking soda to keep the powder soaking up urine. Carry on until the white color of the newly added baking soda is maintained.

Part 3: Routinely Clean the Mattress

Once you've extracted as much urine as you can from the mattress, treat it as if it were human urination and clean it normally. To get the stain out completely, you may need to do this more than once.

Fourth, if the odor is particularly potent, use an enzyme cleaner.

why-does-pet-pee-smell-worse  

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. Enzyme-based cleaners aid in the breakdown of these harder-to-degrade substances because they contain enzymes, biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

 

Choose 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, both in-store and online, at pet stores.

The Fifth Step: Stay Away From Chemical and Toxic Materials

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 might come across.

Use Pet Deterrents to Prevent Accidents, Step 6

It's possible that your pet can still detect the chemical imprint of urine on the mattress, even after you've thoroughly cleaned it. Many animals will urinate in the same spot again if they have success doing so once, so it is important to use a pet-friendly repellent to avoid any unpleasant surprises.  

diy-pet-repellent

 

An all-natural, low-cost pet deterrent can be made by combining 1 Mix together 5 cups of cold water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and about 20 drops of any citrus-scented essential oil. Additionally, you should think about investing in a mattress protector to shield your bed from potential spills, in addition to dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.

If your dog has a habit of making a mess on your bed, you should probably invest in a dog bed. A dog bed with a removable cover is convenient because it allows you to clean the bed quickly and easily after your pet has used it.

Questions Frequently Asked and Additional Factors

Any urine stain on your mattress will be gone after following these instructions. It's possible, though, that as you go along, you'll think of additional, more specific inquiries. There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning a mattress.

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

Mattress stains caused by urine can dry in as little as two to four hours if not addressed promptly. The amount of liquid on a mattress and the depth to which it soaks will determine how long it takes for the mattress to dry. Even after treating a mattress with a thorough vinegar solution, drying time for a larger spill or accident is on the order of 8-10 hours.

Is It Safe to Apply This Method to Other Spills?

Put simply, yes You can use the vinegar solution to get rid of a wide range of stains on your mattress, and it's also an effective all-around cleaner.  

However, the vinegar solution isn't the answer for everything; substances like blood and red wine are more complicated and will require a different solution.

Without Vinegar, What's the Best Way to Remove Urine from a Mattress?

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are good alternatives to vinegar for cleaning urine stains from mattresses. To do this, combine baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid detergent:

  • Amount of baking soda: 1 part
  • Hydrogen peroxide, diluted 5:1
  • A few drops of dishwashing liquid

After mixing up your baking soda solution, spray it on the stain and leave it alone until it's dry. The site should then be vacuumed to remove any lingering debris.  

How Do I Remove the Odor of Urine?

In order to remove urine stains and odors, a white vinegar solution can be used. White vinegar degrades the odor-causing compounds in urine, and baking soda acts as a natural odor neutralizer.  

In spite of the temptation to use something "stronger," you should never clean your mattress with bleach or other chemicals. Aside from the obvious damage to the fabric, prolonged exposure to the lingering toxins can have negative health effects.

And What It Is That Turns Urine Into a Non-Toxic Substance

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. Baking soda can be used to neutralize urine if it is poured over the affected area and allowed to sit for at least five hours, preferably overnight.

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

If you're using a vinegar or baking soda solution to dry your urine, it's best to let it air dry, but you can hasten the process by opening windows or turning on a fan. You can also use a dry towel to dab at the stain, but remember that rubbing can spread the urine stain even more.  

Once a bed has been wet, how long does it take for the mattress to dry?

First, blot the wet area with a dry towel, and then apply a solution of vinegar or baking soda to the mattress to speed up the drying process. In spite of the temptation to hurry things along, you should give the mattress time to air dry before using it again (even if that means finding a new place to sleep for the rest of the night).

Utilize a Mattress Protector to Prevent Accidents

avoid-accidents-with-mattress-protector  

After you've cleaned your mattress, you may want to protect it from future spills with a mattress protector. 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, can also help your mattress last longer. Natural perspiration and body oils will affect the quality of the foams in your mattress even if you never spill anything on it. An additional waterproof layer between you and your mattress helps it retain its "like new" condition for a lot longer.

Mattresses are healthiest when kept clean.

To ensure a restful night's sleep on a clean mattress, knowing how to properly remove urine from a mattress is essential. Knowing how to clean your mattress without damaging the materials will not only ensure a more restful night's sleep, but will also help you get the most use out of it by keeping it odor-free for longer.  


You can make your bed and get ready to (finally) get some shut-eye once you've finished urinating on it and given it ample time to dry. Consider purchasing a mattress protector that is both watertight and resistant to dirt, spills, and stains in the event of future bed-wetting incidents.

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