How Do You Get Pee out of a Mattress?

Here we are. It’s probably not your proudest moment, and if you’re dealing with a fresh urine stain or even an old one, you’re likely overwhelmed. That’s okay.

This guide is for anyone dealing with urine stains on a mattress, whether from kids, pets, or accidents. Removing urine quickly and effectively is important to prevent odors, stains, and potential health issues.

If you have kids or pets, accidents are bound to happen. But there’s no need to panic when you find a surprise puddle on your bed.

Let’s walk you through how to clean and deodorize a mattress so you can remove urine stains and odors effectively. Whether you’re facing a fresh mess or trying to get pee smell out of a mattress that’s been lingering, you’re in the right place.

Before We Dive In

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind before you start cleaning:

The following sections give guidance on how to get pee out of a mattress in different scenarios.

How to Remove Wet Urine Stains from a Mattress

If the stain is still wet, this method is your best chance to remove urine from the mattress and stop the smell before it starts. Whether it’s a pillow top or a traditional mattress, follow these quick steps to remove the urine and prevent odors from setting in.

Grab some:

Once the bedding is off and in the wash using the hottest setting, follow these steps right away:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
2. Blot (don’t scrub) the affected area with a towel to lift as much liquid as possible without pushing it deeper.
3. Spray the vinegar solution generously to neutralize the smell and break down the urine.
4. Apply baking soda generously and let it sit for 8–10 hours to absorb odor and moisture.
5. Vacuum the area and repeat if any stain or smell remains. For best results, allow maximum sit time for the baking soda.

How to Remove Dried Urine Stains from a Mattress

This method works best for dried urine stains and stubborn odors that weren’t cleaned up right away. With the right solution, you can break down old stains and refresh your mattress.

You’ll need:

You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to leave behind a nice scent. Lavender is a great choice because it’s often used for relaxing in aromatherapy, or optionally, a blend of lavender, patchouli, and sage.

Follow these steps:

This method works particularly well when you need to get the pee smell out of a mattress that has had time to absorb the moisture.

How to Get Pee out of a Memory Foam Mattress

Removing urine from a memory foam mattress takes a bit more care. Foam mattresses absorb urine more quickly than traditional mattresses, making it difficult to clean without professional help. But if you want to try it yourself, it’s important to act fast and remove as much urine as possible before it soaks in deeply.

Why an Enzyme Cleaner Works Best for Urine Odor

Biological enzyme cleaners break down odor-causing elements and help with both stain and smell removal. Unlike vinegar, enzyme cleaners also prevent pets from re-marking the same spot. Enzyme-based cleaners are recommended for effectively tackling urine stains and odors in mattresses.

Enzyme cleaners are widely available, affordable, and generally easy to use. Choose one designed for fabric or upholstery to get the best results on memory foam.

To remove urine from a memory foam mattress, find some:

• enzyme cleaner – Enzyme-based cleaners are recommended for effectively tackling urine stains and odors in mattresses.
• a spray bottle
• baking soda – Baking soda can be sprinkled on urine stains to help neutralize odors and absorb moisture.
• eco-friendly paper towels or absorbent cleaning cloths – Look for materials labeled biodegradable, compostable, or made from recycled fibers to ensure they are both absorbent and eco-friendly.
• a vacuum cleaner

Next:

1. Blot any wet areas first, pressing firmly to soak up as much urine as possible, and then apply baking soda to draw out moisture.
2. Spray an enzyme cleaner solution and let it sit as directed.
3. Ventilate the room and allow the mattress to air dry before applying baking soda again for deep deodorizing.
4. Vacuum thoroughly and repeat as needed. This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of pee smell in memory foam.

If DIY methods aren’t effective, professional cleaning services can help ensure your mattress dries quickly and thoroughly after the cleaning process.

How to Get Dog & Cat Pee out of a Mattress

Pet messes, such as urine, can be especially stubborn and require special attention. Whether it’s your dog or cat, the removal process is similar but often needs extra attention for the strong odor.

For this cleaning method, you’ll be using a kit similar to the ones listed above. Gather the following items:

In this case, you want to soak the urine out of your mattress first. This process is designed to clean urine from pet messes and ensure the soiled area is properly treated.

1. Use paper towels or absorbent cloths to blot out as much of the wet pee as possible from the soiled area.
2. Spray a hydrogen peroxide and detergent mix directly onto the soiled area to disinfect and begin breaking down the urine.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the soiled area and allow it to pull out the remaining liquid.
4. Repeat the baking soda/vacuum cycle until the soiled area looks and smells clean.
5. Finish with an enzyme cleaner for maximum odor and stain removal.

Enzyme cleaners are highly effective for removing pet urine stains and odors from mattresses. They are typically non-toxic and biodegradable, making them safe for home use. Professional-strength enzyme cleaners digest organic matter at a molecular level, which makes them especially effective for urine removal.

Drying the Mattress

Thoroughly drying your mattress after urine stain removal is absolutely critical. It often determines whether your cleaning efforts succeed or fail. Residual moisture can cause persistent urine odors, permanent stains, and promote bacteria, mold, or dust mites growth. Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow drying protocol to help you restore your mattress effectively:

1. Blot excess moisture immediately. Use a dry towel to press firmly on the affected area and absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, which pushes urine deeper into the mattress fibers.
2. Apply baking soda generously. Cover the entire stained area with a thick layer of baking soda. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. For best results, leave it on for several hours or overnight.
3. Vacuum thoroughly. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner to remove all baking soda residue. This also helps extract lingering odors trapped in the mattress.
4. Assess moisture and dry completely. If the mattress still feels damp, use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to gently dry the area. Alternatively, increase airflow by placing fans nearby or opening windows. In humid environments, consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture and prevent mold.

Pro tip: Acting quickly with blotting, baking soda application, and drying greatly improves your chances of preventing permanent stains and odors.

Future protection: Invest in a washable mattress cover. It simplifies cleanup and blocks dust mites, pet dander, and allergens, keeping your mattress fresh longer.

What to Do If the Urine Smell Won’t Come Out

All of these methods can be repeated to fully remove urine from your mattress. If the smell sticks around, don’t give up right away. Persistence is key. But sometimes, no matter how many treatments you try, a mattress just doesn’t feel or smell fresh again.

If you’re tired of battling stubborn stains and lingering odors, starting over with a new mattress may be the best option.

That’s where Mattress Disposal Plus makes things easy. Licensed haulers in our network handle the heavy lifting and ensure your old mattress is removed in a safe, responsible way.

Here’s why people choose us when it’s time for a fresh start:

• Instant pricing – simple rates you’ll see when you book online
• Nationwide coverage – reliable service across roughly 95% of U.S. zip codes
• Contactless pickup – just leave it outside, no need to wait around

If you’re ready to stop stressing over stains, let our network of local pros haul away your old mattress and help you move on to a fresh start.