How to Remove Pee Smell from Your Mattress: A Guide

Accidents happen, and when they do, mattresses often bear the brunt, especially in households with young children or pets. One of the most common and stubborn issues to deal with is the smell of urine on a mattress. Fortunately, there are effective ways to eliminate both the odour and the stain, ensuring your mattress remains fresh and clean.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to remove pee smell from your mattress and offer some useful tips for preventing future accidents.

1. Identifying the Source of the Odour

The first step in eliminating the smell of urine from your mattress is identifying the source of the odour. Sometimes, the urine smell can persist even after cleaning, which may indicate that some of it has seeped deeper into the mattress.

Fresh Stains: If the accident is recent, the smell will be more pronounced and easier to locate. It’s crucial to act quickly before the urine has a chance to set into the mattress fibres.
Older Stains: In cases where the urine stain is old or has dried, the odour may be less noticeable at first but become more evident when the mattress is compressed or heated by body temperature. These stains can be trickier to remove and may require deeper cleaning.

Use your sense of smell to determine the exact location of the odour, as this will help you focus your cleaning efforts on the most affected areas.

2. Pre-Cleaning Steps for a Pee-Stained Mattress

Before diving into full-scale cleaning, it’s important to follow a few pre-cleaning steps to make the removal process more effective:

Remove Bedding: Strip the bed of all sheets, mattress protectors, and any other coverings. Immediately wash these in hot water, especially if they have absorbed some of the urine. Hot water will help break down the urine and sanitise the fabric.
Blot the Urine: For fresh stains, use clean towels or paper towels to blot the urine. Press down gently to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub the stain, as this can push the urine deeper into the mattress.
Avoid Saturation: When treating your mattress, be mindful not to over-saturate it with cleaning solutions, as this could cause moisture to seep deep into the mattress, leading to mould or mildew. Instead, work in small amounts and allow time for drying.

Once the pre-cleaning steps are complete, you're ready to move on to deeper cleaning methods.

3. Best Products for Eliminating Urine Smell

There are several effective products that can help remove the smell of urine from your mattress. Some are household staples you may already have, while others can be purchased specifically for stain and odour removal.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser and is highly effective at absorbing unpleasant smells, including urine. It’s a gentle yet powerful product that can be used alone or as part of a cleaning solution.

How to Use: After blotting the urine stain, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the affected area. Let it sit for several hours (preferably overnight) to absorb the odour. Vacuum it up the next morning.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent due to its acidity, which breaks down the uric acid in urine. It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for neutralising odours.

How to Use: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected area, being careful not to saturate the mattress. Blot with a clean towel to absorb the liquid, then let it air dry.

3. Enzyme-Based Cleaners

For particularly stubborn urine odours, enzyme-based cleaners are highly effective. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down the proteins in urine, eliminating the source of the odour rather than just masking it.

How to Use: Follow the instructions on the product label. Typically, you will spray the enzyme cleaner on the stained area, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then blot it up with a clean towel. Leave the mattress to air dry completely.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another great option for removing urine stains and odours, particularly for older stains. However, be careful when using it, as it can bleach fabric.

How to Use: Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and a small amount of dish soap. Spray or gently pour this solution onto the affected area. Blot with a clean towel and allow it to dry.

These products, either used alone or in combination, can effectively remove urine odour and stains, leaving your mattress fresh and clean.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Pee-Soaked Mattress

Now that you have the right tools and prepped the mattress, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for cleaning a pee-soaked mattress:

Step 1: Blot the Stain

Start by blotting as much of the urine as possible using paper towels or clean cloths. Remember not to rub, as this can spread the urine deeper into the mattress.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution directly onto the stained area, ensuring it is slightly damp but not soaked. Vinegar helps to break down the uric acid and neutralise the smell.

Step 3: Blot Again

Use a clean cloth to blot the vinegar solution. This will help to lift the urine from the mattress along with the vinegar, removing much of the odour.

Step 4: Apply Baking Soda

Once the area is damp from the vinegar solution, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Baking soda is great for absorbing moisture and neutralising odours. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for several hours, or overnight if possible.

Step 5: Vacuum the Baking Soda

After allowing the baking soda to sit and absorb the odour, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the mattress. Ensure all the baking soda is removed.

Step 6: Repeat as Necessary

If the smell persists, repeat the process. Sometimes it takes more than one cleaning session to fully remove deep-set urine odours, especially for older stains.

5. Tips for Removing Stubborn Urine Stains

Stubborn urine stains can be a challenge to remove, but with a few extra steps, you can tackle even the toughest marks:

Use Hydrogen Peroxide: For older or stubborn stains, mix hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of dish soap and baking soda. This mixture helps to break down tough stains while eliminating odours. Be cautious, as hydrogen peroxide may bleach certain fabrics.
Steam Cleaning: If you have access to a steam cleaner, this can be an effective way to deep clean your mattress. Steam penetrates the mattress fibres and can help lift both stains and odours. However, be sure to let the mattress dry completely to avoid moisture build-up.
Enzyme Cleaners for Tough Stains: For persistent urine stains, enzyme cleaners are often the best solution. These cleaners break down the biological compounds in the urine, ensuring the odour and stain are completely removed.

6. How to Prevent Future Accidents and Odours

After cleaning your mattress, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid future accidents and protect your mattress:

Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector: A waterproof mattress protector is the best way to safeguard your mattress from future spills and accidents. It creates a barrier between your mattress and any liquids, making it much easier to clean up spills before they can penetrate the mattress.
Regular Mattress Cleaning: Clean your mattress regularly, even if there hasn’t been an accident. Regular vacuuming and occasional deodorising with baking soda will help keep your mattress fresh and prevent odours from building up over time.
Potty Training Measures: If the accident is due to potty training, consider using training pants or limiting liquids before bedtime to minimise the chances of an accident occurring.

7. Dealing with Toddler-Specific Mattress Accidents

Toddlers are the most common culprits when it comes to mattress accidents. Potty training can be a tricky time, and accidents are bound to happen. Here are some tips to handle toddler-related incidents:

Establish a Night-Time Routine: Limit fluids in the evening, and make sure your child uses the toilet before bed.
Layer Bedding: Consider layering your child’s bedding by placing a waterproof protector under the sheet. If an accident happens in the middle of the night, you can quickly remove the soiled layer without having to strip the entire bed.
Be Prepared: Keep extra sheets, mattress protectors, and cleaning supplies nearby so that you can address accidents promptly without too much disruption to your child’s sleep.

8. Final Thoughts and Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Keeping your mattress clean is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleeping environment. While accidents can happen, knowing how to remove pee smells and stains effectively will help ensure your mattress stays in top condition. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming and deodorising with baking soda, combined with the use of a waterproof mattress protector, will prevent odours from setting in and prolong the lifespan of your mattress.

Cleaning Schedule:

Monthly: Vacuum your mattress and deodorise with baking soda.
As Needed: Spot clean stains as they occur, using the methods outlined above.
Annually: Consider deep cleaning your mattress with a steam cleaner or professional service.

By following these steps and staying on top of your mattress maintenance, you can ensure a fresh, clean, and hygienic sleeping environment for years to come. Accidents are inevitable, especially with children and pets, but with the right approach to cleaning and prevention, you can keep your mattress in excellent condition and avoid the discomfort of lingering odours or stains.

Conclusion

Removing urine stains and odours from your mattress may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s entirely manageable. By acting quickly when accidents occur and using natural products like baking soda and vinegar, or specialised enzyme-based cleaners, you can eliminate both the stain and the smell. In addition, taking preventative measures like using a waterproof mattress protector will help ensure that your mattress stays fresh and clean in the future.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to accidents will significantly extend the life of your mattress and provide you with a healthy, comfortable sleeping environment. So, don’t worry if an accident happens—just follow this guide, and your mattress will be back to its fresh, odour-free state in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bleach to clean urine stains from a mattress?
A: Bleach is not recommended for cleaning urine stains from a mattress, as it can damage the fabric and may not effectively remove the odour. Instead, use enzyme-based cleaners, vinegar, or baking soda for a more effective and gentle approach.

Q: How do I prevent urine from seeping into my mattress in the future?
A: The best way to prevent urine from seeping into your mattress is by using a waterproof mattress protector. These protectors act as a barrier between the mattress and any liquids, making clean-up much easier and preventing long-term damage.

Q: What should I do if the urine smell persists after cleaning?
A: If the urine smell persists after cleaning, try repeating the cleaning process using enzyme-based cleaners, which break down the proteins in the urine. For particularly stubborn odours, consider a deep cleaning with a steam cleaner.

Q: Is it possible to clean an old urine stain?
A: Yes, old urine stains can still be cleaned, although they may require more effort and multiple cleaning attempts. Use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme cleaners to remove the stain and neutralise the odour.

Q: How often should I clean my mattress?
A: It’s a good idea to vacuum your mattress and deodorise it with baking soda every few months. Spot clean any stains as they occur, and perform a deep clean annually or as needed, especially if there have been accidents.