Woke up to a wet mattress and need help fast with how to clean urine from mattress? Urine stains, if left too long, become stubborn and smelly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 quick steps using household items like baking soda, white vinegar, and enzyme cleaners.
You can save your bed today—here’s how!
Key Takeaways
Quickly remove wet bedding, then blot the urine spot gently with dry towels—this keeps stains from setting deeper.
For effective cleanup, mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, add a small drop of detergent, and dab onto the stain.
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the spot, then leave it alone for about 8 hours—it naturally gets rid of smells.
For tougher spots, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda or pick up an enzyme cleaner—they both work great.
To avoid future messes, grab a waterproof mattress protector—it costs roughly between $89 and $119.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Urine from a Mattress
Cleaning pee from your mattress doesn’t have to be hard with these seven simple steps. Follow this guide to remove stains and smells fast, using items you already have at home like vinegar, baking soda, and clean towels.
Step 1: Remove All Bedding
Quick—pull off those sheets, blankets, and pillowcases from your mattress right now! Urine seeps into fabric super fast, so acting quickly keeps stains from setting too deeply. Grab the damp sheets and toss them right into your washing machine with 1 pound of baking soda and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar.
Regular laundry soap alone won’t cut it—this combo does a much better job getting rid of urine odors. Don’t let wet bedding pile up on the floor; that just gives urine extra time to soak deeper into your mattress.
Bedding experts at Unfinished Man recommend handling wet mattress spots promptly to avoid permanent damage.
Step 2: Blot the Affected Area with Towels
Remove all bedding, then get straight to work on the wet spot. Take clean towels—or even paper towels—and press firmly onto the urine stain. No rubbing here—that only pushes urine deeper.
Just blot gently but firmly, soaking up as much liquid as you can.
Press down with some pressure to lift moisture out of the mattress. Switch to fresh towels frequently, blotting over and over, until no more liquid comes up. This part is critical—you want the area really dry before moving ahead.
The drier you get things at this point, the easier stain removal becomes. You’ll also have a lot less odor lingering around your mattress later.
The key to successful mattress cleaning is removing as much liquid as possible before applying any cleaning solution.
Step 3: Apply a Vinegar and Water Solution
After soaking up as much urine as possible, let’s deal with the stain and odor. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, add 1–2 tablespoons of laundry detergent for extra cleaning strength.
This gentle mix breaks apart urine particles without using harsh products that could damage your mattress.
Spray the solution onto the stain—make it damp, but not too wet. Vinegar neutralizes odors, while detergent helps remove stains from mattress fibers. Then, gently pat the damp spot with a clean cloth.
This pushes the cleaning mix deeper into the mattress, tackling dried urine trapped beneath the surface.
Step 4: Let the Solution Soak In
Give your vinegar mix a moment to do its thing—just spray it generously onto the urine stain and wait about 15 minutes. That short break lets vinegar’s acids dissolve those smell-causing urine crystals.
The solution seeps down into your mattress fibers, reaching spots where urine settled earlier. Your mattress may look damp right now—but that’s totally normal. The vinegar is quietly working to get rid of odors and stains at once.
Step 5: Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Area
After you’ve let the vinegar sit a bit, reach for some baking soda. Sprinkle a thick layer, at least half an inch deep, all over the damp spot. Baking soda is great at soaking up moisture and getting rid of those stubborn urine odors.
Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least 8 hours. It takes some time to neutralize the acids causing the nasty smell. For best results, put it on right before bed, and leave it overnight.
Go heavy on the baking soda—a generous coating beats a light sprinkle any day.
Step 6: Allow Baking Soda to Sit Overnight
Patience is key with this step—so don’t rush it. Let the baking soda sit on your mattress for about 8 hours, or even better, overnight. This simple white powder acts like a magnet, pulling moisture and urine odors right from your mattress fibers.
During those hours, it quietly absorbs liquids and captures any lingering smells hidden in the bed. Lots of moms prefer to start this step in the morning, letting it sit all day while the kids are off at school.
The longer you wait, the fresher your mattress will feel. Give it this full drying period to clear away every last trace of urine before putting the sheets back on.
Step 7: Vacuum the Baking Soda
Now it’s time to tidy up the baking soda. Take your vacuum, attach the hose, and gently go over your mattress top. The vacuum pulls out all dry baking soda that soaked up the urine odor.
Go slowly, and make sure you vacuum every spot, even edges and corners. This step removes leftover powder, dead skin, and dust—even those tiny bits you don’t see. Your mattress will now appear cleaner and smell fresher.
A clean mattress means better sleep and fewer allergies—take an extra five minutes and vacuum well.
Removing Stubborn Urine Stains
For those stubborn urine marks that won’t budge with basic cleaning, you’ll need stronger solutions like hydrogen peroxide mixtures or special enzyme products that break down the stain at its source – read on to learn exactly how to mix and apply these powerful spot treatments.
Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide does wonders on tough urine stains. Just mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons baking soda, and a quick squeeze of dish soap in a spray bottle. This combo helps break apart those pesky urine compounds causing stains and odors.
Spray lightly on the area—no need to drench the mattress.
Let it sit for around 30 minutes, then blot gently with clean towels. Don’t worry if you see bubbles—that means the peroxide is lifting the stain. This trick works especially well on older stains stubborn enough to resist vinegar solutions.
Aim a fan at the damp spot to help it dry quicker.
Try an Enzyme Cleaner for Deep Stains
Enzyme cleaners can save your mattress from tough urine stains—really, they work wonders. These cleaners tackle stains by breaking apart the urine proteins that create marks and odors.
For stubborn spots, spray the enzyme cleaner onto the area, letting it soak for at least 15 minutes…the longer, the better. Then, just gently blot it up with a clean cloth. Older stains might take a second round to fully disappear.
Enzyme cleaners are like tiny soldiers that attack urine molecules at their core, making them perfect for mattress rescue missions.
Pet owners especially love these cleaners, because they directly target animal urine compounds. Most pet stores carry urine-specific enzyme cleaners—big retail chains and online shops usually have them too.
Look carefully at labels, and choose one that clearly says “urine specific” for reliable results. After cleaning, give your mattress enough time to dry completely, to prevent mold from forming.
Eliminating Urine Odor
Banish that nasty urine smell with our proven odor-fighting methods that work even on old accidents – keep reading to learn how baking soda and other simple household items can save your mattress from permanent damage.
Baking Soda Method
Baking soda is a simple trick to fight urine smells in your mattress. This common kitchen staple has a high pH, which helps neutralize the acidic odor. Just sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stained spot, leave it for about 8 to 10 hours, and let it absorb the moisture and odor deep inside.
For more stubborn smells, mix baking soda and vinegar—using equal parts—into a thick paste. Spread this paste right onto the stain, give it time to dry fully, and then vacuum the area clean.
This natural remedy tackles urine stains effectively without harsh chemicals that can damage the mattress or irritate skin.
After you’ve cleaned up, try adding a waterproof mattress protector to prevent accidents from soaking through next time.
Activated Charcoal for Persistent Odors
Tough urine odors call for a strong solution. Activated charcoal is a natural fix for those stubborn smells that linger no matter what you do. This black powder pulls bad odors right from your mattress—no harsh chemicals needed.
Just put charcoal bags or loose granules directly on the stained area for about 24–48 hours, and the smell goes away.
For extra-stubborn odors, charcoal and baking soda together work wonders. Charcoal clears the air around your mattress and makes your whole room smell better, too. Lots of moms swear by this method for pet accidents or kids’ bedwetting incidents.
If you’ve already tried everything else and your mattress still smells…you might have to get a new mattress.
Cleaning Pet Urine from a Mattress
Pet urine needs special care since it contains strong odors that can linger – learn our top tricks for getting your mattress fresh again.
Apply Baking Soda Generously
Baking soda really does the trick on urine stains—it’s simple and effective. Spread a thick layer directly over the wet spot on your mattress. Use about ¼ cup for smaller stains, or around 1 cup if it’s a larger area.
This dry white powder pulls moisture right out from inside the mattress fibers, tackling both moisture and smell at once.
Let it sit there for about 8–10 hours so it can fully absorb everything. As the baking soda draws in the urine, it’ll turn a yellowish color—that means it’s working. Once the time’s up, vacuum the powder away and take a close look at the spot.
Notice any lingering discoloration or odor? No problem—just sprinkle more baking soda, let it soak again, and repeat. You’ll know it’s completely clean once the powder no longer turns yellow after sitting.
Works well on kid-related accidents or messes caused by pets—all without added chemicals.
Use a Pet-Safe Enzyme Cleaner
Pet urine calls for special cleaning products. Enzyme cleaners break down odors deep within pet accidents, working far better than plain soap or vinegar. Most pet stores carry safe enzyme cleaners, gentle enough for your furry buddy.
Just apply the solution directly onto the stain—wait around 15 minutes—then blot gently with clean towels until fully dry. These enzyme products soak deep into mattress fibers, removing both the stains and odors.
Without them, pets might sniff out leftover urine odors, drawing them back to that same spot.
Here’s how you can prevent future mattress accidents…
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Pet-safe enzyme cleaners do a great job—but avoid harsh chemical cleaners on your mattress. Using bleach or heavy-duty chemicals can damage mattress fabric and leave behind harmful residues, unsafe for you and your pets.
Plus, these intense cleaners often push stains deeper into your mattress, making the problem worse.
Instead, go for gentle, natural solutions. Vinegar, baking soda, and mild soap work wonders for removing urine odors and stains safely. They clean your mattress without damaging fibers or risking your health.
Using these safer, simpler methods keeps your mattress clean and comfortable for years to come.
Tips for Preventing Future Accidents
Avoid waking up to wet spots by using a waterproof mattress cover on every bed in your home. A good protector stops all liquids from reaching your mattress and saves you hours of cleaning time.
Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector
A waterproof mattress protector keeps your mattress completely dry—no more urine soaking through. For around $89 and rated 4.1 stars, this simple cover slips on like a fitted sheet.
It creates a reliable barrier, blocking out all fluids, and saves you lots of cleanup time.
Your mattress stays clean and dry, even during bedwetting or pet accidents. There’s also a breathable version costing around $119, rated slightly higher at 4.3 stars. It blocks moisture but still lets air through, making it extra comfortable.
It’s great for families with young kids who wet the bed or homes with pets jumping on beds. Smart parents buy one early, instead of waiting until after multiple annoying cleanups.
Address Bedwetting or Pet Behavior Issues
Bedwetting in kids is common—usually due to nocturnal enuresis. Be gentle and kind if an accident happens, so your child doesn’t feel blamed. Most kids naturally stop bedwetting between ages 5 and 7.
If it keeps happening past that age, check with your doctor.
Pets marking mattresses can be frustrating—but there’s a simple fix. Mix 1 cup cold water, 1 cup vinegar, and 10–20 drops of citrus essential oil. Spraying this homemade solution discourages pets without harsh chemicals.
Combine this spray with steady training—your pet learns better through patience than punishment.
Additional Considerations
Sometimes you need to dry your mattress fast or call the pros. A quick dry stops mold growth, while experts can tackle deep stains that won’t budge.
How to Dry a Mattress Quickly
Drying your wet mattress quickly is crucial—it stops mold right away. First, press clean towels firmly on the wet area, soaking up all you can. Next, point a fan directly at the damp spot or open windows to let air flow through.
For small areas, a hair dryer set to cool also helps. Sprinkle some baking soda on the wet part—it pulls extra moisture out—and vacuum it after 2 to 3 hours.
If you have sunlight available, move your mattress into direct sun. Sunlight speeds drying and kills germs at the same time. For mattresses soaked with urine, drying usually takes about 8 to 10 hours—so get started early.
Using a dehumidifier in your room helps dry the air quicker and shortens drying time. Don’t put on sheets again until the mattress feels fully dry to the touch.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning Services
Some urine stains can be stubborn—even after trying baking soda or enzyme cleaners a couple of times. If your mattress still has odors, it’s probably time to call professionals. Experts bring special cleaning equipment that goes deeper than regular home vacuums.
Mattresses soaked through multiple layers, or ones with mold, usually require professional cleaning help. Typical cleaning costs range between $100 and $200—still way cheaper than having to dispose of your old mattress due to tough stains.
Pet urine especially benefits from expert cleaning, since it’s packed with strong chemicals that cling firmly to mattress fibers. A certified ergonomist can even check afterward if your cleanup removed health hazards from human urine.
How Will Mattress Cleaning Solutions Evolve in 2025?
Cleaning your mattress will be much simpler by 2025. New eco-friendly cleaners will easily tackle urine stains—no harsh chemicals needed. Mattresses might even include fabrics that naturally resist stains and odors.
Smart tech can alert your phone whenever your bed needs cleaning. Enzyme-based products will still work best on pee stains, though.
Health-focused cleaning options will target allergens, germs, and stains hidden deep inside your mattress. Portable mini-cleaners, made especially for mattress care, will become common.
You could even sign up for monthly boxes that deliver supplies right to your door—like baking soda, cleaning catalysts, and pet-stain removers. Keeping mattresses clean won’t feel like an annoying task anymore—just another simple step in your home care routine.
People Also Ask
What household items can I use to remove urine stains from my mattress?
Mix baking soda with water into a paste and apply it on the stain. Wait until it’s dry, then vacuum off. Just don’t use bleach—it could ruin your mattress fabric. Most gentle home cleaners mixed with water work pretty well too.
How do I clean pet urine off my mattress?
Start by blotting up the liquid first. Try a vinegar-water solution afterward, then sprinkle baking soda to neutralize odors. Let everything dry fully before using the mattress again.
What’s the best way to protect my mattress after cleaning?
A waterproof mattress cover is your best bet. It’ll keep future spills—and all kinds of accidents—from soaking into the mattress. Plus, it’ll help your mattress last longer.
Can a certified ergonomist help with cleaning my mattress?
Certified ergonomists don’t actually clean mattresses—they specialize in how your body fits furniture and products. They can advise you on mattress comfort and proper sleeping posture. For mattress cleaning itself, either DIY or hire a professional cleaner.
