Accidents happen, especially when you have kids, pets, or late-night mishaps. But waking up to a soaked mattress doesn’t have to mean living with a lingering odor or permanent stain. If you’ve been wondering how to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress, this guide breaks down exactly what to do, fast, effectively, and with supplies you probably already have at home.
In this step-by-step, research-backed guide, we’ll show you:
- How to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress (even if it’s dried)
- The best cleaning products to use (DIY and store-bought)
- How to remove pee smell from mattress without harsh chemicals
- Tips to prevent future accidents and protect your mattress.
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Act Fast – Why Timing Matters When Cleaning Urine
If you want to know how to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress, time is your best friend, or your worst enemy.
The sooner you treat the stain, the better the result. Urine is a protein-based liquid. If it sets in, it binds to the fabric and foam of your mattress, making it harder to fully remove the odor.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
- Urine crystallizes, making it harder to lift.
- Ammonia smell intensifies, especially in warm rooms.
- Bacteria can spread, leading to long-term odor issues.
- Mattress foam absorbs moisture, trapping smells deep inside.
Whether it’s your child, pet, or a midnight emergency, jump into action ASAP.
Step 2: Blot, Don’t Rub – Remove Surface Moisture
Before you apply any cleaner, focus on removing as much moisture as possible from the surface.
Blotting is the key technique here, not rubbing, which can push the urine deeper into the mattress.
Here’s how:
- Grab a stack of paper towels or clean absorbent cloths.
- Gently press down on the wet area to soak up as much urine as possible.
- Replace with dry towels and repeat until the area feels just slightly damp.
Pro Tip:
For fresh urine spots, sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb liquid and neutralize odor before applying your cleaning solution.
Step 3: Choose the Right Cleaner – Break Down the Stain Safely
When figuring out how to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress, the cleaner you use matters. You need something that neutralizes both the odor and the acidic proteins in urine without damaging your mattress fabric or foam.
The Best Cleaning Options:
- Enzyme Cleaner
- Best for organic stains like urine.
- Breaks down the proteins and neutralizes odors.
- Available in pet stores or online (also safe for human accidents).
- Homemade Vinegar Solution
- Mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water + 2 tbsp baking soda in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray generously.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Mix (for older stains)
- Mix 8 oz hydrogen peroxide + 3 tbsp baking soda + a few drops of dish soap.
- Apply with a spray bottle or cloth.
- Let dry completely, then vacuum any residue.
Caution: Always test in a small corner first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
Why These Work:
These solutions break down uric acid crystals and bacteria, two of the toughest culprits behind lingering odors.
Step 4: Remove Pee Smell from Mattress – Deep Odor Removal Tips
Even after the visible stain is gone, the smell can linger. To remove pee smell from mattress materials for good, use these deep-cleaning hacks.
Odor Removal Steps:
- After cleaning, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the affected area.
- Let it sit for 8–12 hours, overnight is ideal.
- Vacuum thoroughly using a high-suction hose attachment.
- For strong odors, repeat the baking soda process 2–3 times.
Pro Tip:
Place the mattress in direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight naturally disinfects and deodorizes.
Step 5: Dry the Mattress Completely – Prevent Mold & Mildew
After learning how to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress, drying is the most overlooked step, but one of the most important.
Why It Matters:
Leaving even a little moisture behind invites mold, mildew, and dust mites. That defeats the purpose of cleaning!
Drying Tips:
- Blot with a dry towel: After using cleaners, press clean, dry towels into the mattress to soak up remaining moisture.
- Use a fan or hair dryer: Aim airflow directly at the damp spot. A cool setting works best for foam materials.
- Elevate the mattress: Stand it up against a wall with airflow on both sides.
- Let it sun-dry if possible: UV rays kill bacteria and help lift any lingering odor.
Pro Tip: Don’t put bedding back until the mattress is 100% dry. Trapped moisture = musty smells later on.
How to Prevent Future Pee Accidents
Once you’ve gone through the trouble of removing urine stains and smells, you’ll want to make sure it never happens again (or at least have better protection).
Protection Tips:
- Use a waterproof mattress protector
- It acts as a shield between accidents and your mattress.
- Many are machine washable and breathable.
- Add a waterproof fitted sheet
- Great for kids and older adults.
- Layer it on top of your normal sheet for easy swapping.
- Try a washable bed pad
- Especially useful during potty training or elder care.
- Avoid thick comforters during training
- Harder to wash; use thin layers instead.
Accidents happen. But prepping ahead makes cleanup easier, faster, and less stressful.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best cleaner to remove pee from a mattress?
A combination of white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide is highly effective. For a store-bought option, enzyme-based cleaners work best, they break down the uric acid in urine, not just mask the smell.
2. How long does it take for a mattress to dry after cleaning urine?
It depends on airflow and room temperature, but it typically takes 6 to 12 hours to dry completely. Using fans or placing it outside in sunlight will speed up the process.
3. Can you use a steam cleaner on a mattress to remove pee smell?
Yes, but with caution. Use it only after blotting and pre-treating the area. Avoid over-saturating the mattress. Steam can help sanitize and deodorize, just ensure the mattress dries completely after.
4. What if the pee smell still lingers after cleaning?
Repeat the process using enzymatic cleaners or a fresh baking soda layer overnight. Sometimes the odor is deep in the foam layers and may take a couple of rounds to fully neutralize.
5. Is it safe to sleep on a mattress that had pee on it?
Only after it’s been fully cleaned and dried. Urine contains bacteria that may lead to odor or skin irritation if not thoroughly removed.
Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Stains for Good
Accidents happen, but now that you know exactly how to get pee smell and stain out of a mattress, you’re ready to tackle it with confidence. From using baking soda and vinegar to drying it properly and preventing future accidents, your mattress can be saved, and even made good as new.
But if the thought of scrubbing a mattress (or the rest of the house!) sounds exhausting, we’re here for you.
Book a Professional Cleaning with Hellamaid
At Hellamaid, we specialize in deep cleaning services that tackle stains, odors, allergens, and more. Whether it’s pet accidents, kid messes, or just everyday life, our team knows how to handle it all.
- Trusted by thousands of homeowners.
- Eco-friendly products.
- Expert attention to detail.
- Book online in under 60 seconds.
Book your cleaning today with Hellamaid and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home, without lifting a finger.
