How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress: Complete Guide

The Urgent Mattress Crisis: Understanding Urine Stains

Waking up to a wet mattress is more than just unpleasant—it’s a cleaning emergency. Whether from a child’s bedwetting accident, a pet mishap, or an adult medical issue, urine can quickly penetrate deep into mattress layers, creating stubborn stains and lingering odors. If left untreated, these problems worsen, potentially damaging your expensive mattress permanently and creating an unhealthy sleeping environment.

But don’t panic! With the right approach and household supplies, you can effectively remove both fresh and set-in urine stains from any mattress type. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven cleaning methods that eliminate both visible stains and unwanted odors, restoring your mattress to a clean, fresh condition.

Essential Supplies You’ll Need

Before tackling urine stains, gather these cleaning supplies:

• Absorbent materials: Paper towels, clean white cloths, or microfiber towels
• Cleaning solutions:
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Enzyme cleaner (especially for pet urine)
• Spray bottles
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Rubber gloves
• Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)

Pro tip: Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your mattress first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

How to Get Fresh Pee Out of a Mattress

When dealing with a fresh accident, time is critical. Follow these steps immediately:

1. Strip the bedding: Remove all sheets, mattress protectors, and bedding and wash them separately on the hottest setting recommended for the fabric.
2. Blot, don’t scrub: Use paper towels or absorbent cloths to blot up as much liquid as possible. Press down firmly but avoid rubbing, which can push the urine deeper into the mattress.
3. Apply a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected area until damp but not soaking wet. The acidity of vinegar helps neutralize the ammonia in urine.
4. Blot again: Press dry towels onto the sprayed area to absorb the solution and any dissolved urine.
5. Apply baking soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire damp area. It will absorb remaining moisture and help eliminate odors.
6. Let it dry completely: Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly for at least 8-10 hours. A fan directed at the mattress or open windows can speed up this process.
7. Vacuum thoroughly: Once completely dry, vacuum the area to remove all baking soda residue.

Important: For memory foam or other specialty mattresses, use minimal liquid in your cleaning process to prevent damage to the foam structure.

Removing Dried and Set-In Urine Stains

For older stains that have already dried and set, you’ll need a stronger approach:

1. Create a stronger cleaning solution: Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%), 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Spray generously: Apply the solution to cover the stained area completely.
3. Let it work: Allow the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes to break down the crystallized urine salts.
4. Blot the area: Use clean, dry towels to blot up excess moisture.
5. Apply baking soda liberally: Cover the entire treated area with a thick layer of baking soda.
6. Let it dry completely: Allow the mattress to dry for at least 24 hours. The baking soda will form clumps as it absorbs both moisture and odors.
7. Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all dried baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
8. Repeat if necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process 2-3 times.

How to Get Cat Pee Out of a Foam Mattress

Cat urine presents a special challenge due to its high concentration of ammonia and its tendency to cling persistently to foam materials:

1. Blot immediately: Remove as much urine as possible with absorbent towels.
2. Use an enzyme cleaner: Apply a pet-specific enzyme cleaner designed to break down the proteins in cat urine. These specialized cleaners are crucial for eliminating both the stain and odor.
3. Let the enzyme cleaner work: Allow it to sit for the time specified on the product label (usually 15-30 minutes).
4. Blot again: Remove excess moisture with clean towels.
5. Apply baking soda: Cover with a generous layer of baking soda.
6. Air dry completely: Allow 24-48 hours for the foam mattress to dry thoroughly.
7. Vacuum: Remove all baking soda residue.

Expert tip: For foam mattresses, consider using a hand-held steam cleaner after the enzyme treatment but before the baking soda step. The heat helps eliminate lingering odors but use it sparingly to avoid excess moisture.

Eliminating Dog Pee Stains and Odors

Dog urine can vary in concentration and odor intensity depending on the dog’s size, diet, and health. Here’s how to address these specific stains:

1. Absorb immediately: Blot up fresh urine with absorbent towels.
2. Neutralize with vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, plus 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Apply to the stained area.
3. Let sit briefly: Allow the solution to work for 5-10 minutes.
4. Blot dry: Remove excess moisture.
5. Apply enzymatic cleaner: Use a pet-specific enzyme cleaner according to package directions.
6. Cover with baking soda: After the enzyme cleaner has dried, apply a generous layer of baking soda.
7. Allow to dry completely: Let the mattress dry for 24 hours minimum.
8. Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all baking soda.

For persistent dog urine odors, consider using an odor-eliminating spray designed specifically for pet accidents as a final step.

Cleaning Urine from Mattress Pads and Toppers

Mattress pads and toppers require slightly different cleaning approaches based on their materials:

1. Check care labels: Some mattress pads can be machine washed. If yours is machine washable, follow the care instructions.
2. For non-washable pads:
   • Blot fresh urine immediately
   • Mix a solution of mild detergent and cool water
   • Apply sparingly to the stained area with a clean cloth
   • Rinse by blotting with a cloth dampened with clean water
   • Allow to air dry completely
3. For memory foam toppers:
   • Use minimal moisture during cleaning
   • Apply a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar using a spray bottle
   • Blot with clean towels
   • Sprinkle with baking soda
   • Allow to dry completely (at least 24 hours)
   • Vacuum thoroughly

Prevention tip: Invest in a waterproof mattress protector from our bedding collection to prevent future accidents from reaching your mattress or topper.

Preventing Future Accidents

After successfully cleaning your mattress, take these preventative steps:

1. Invest in waterproof protection: Use a waterproof mattress protector or encasement.
2. Layer your protection: Consider using both a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted sheet for double protection.
3. Address underlying issues:
   • For children who wet the bed, limit evening fluids and establish a regular bathroom schedule
   • For pets, ensure proper house training and regular outdoor access
   • For adults with incontinence, consider waterproof bedding products designed specifically for this purpose
4. Quick response plan: Keep cleaning supplies organized and accessible for immediate action when accidents occur.

Browse our selection of mattress protection solutions to find the right preventative products for your specific needs.

When to Consider a Mattress Replacement

Despite your best cleaning efforts, sometimes extensive or repeated urine damage may require mattress replacement. Consider these factors:

• Persistent odors: If odors remain after multiple cleaning attempts
• Visible staining: Permanent discoloration that affects sleep quality
• Structural damage: Foam breakdown or interior damage from moisture
• Allergic reactions: Increased allergic symptoms despite cleaning
• Age of mattress: If the mattress is already nearing the end of its expected lifespan (typically 7-10 years)

Frequently Asked Questions

A clean, fresh-smelling mattress is essential for healthy sleep. With these proven techniques, you can effectively remove urine stains and odors from any mattress type. Remember that prompt action yields the best results, but even set-in stains can be successfully treated with patience and the right approach.

For quality mattresses, protective covers, and other bedroom furniture to enhance your sleep experience, visit K Furniture Studio. Our specialists can guide you to the perfect solutions for your specific needs.