How to Get Cat Urine Out of Mattress Completely

Ugh, I can’t believe my sweet little furball did it again. One minute they’re curled up next to me purring, the next they’ve made a mess all over my beloved mattress. As a dedicated cat parent, I’ve had to deal with this problem more times than I can count. But over the years, I’ve learned some effective techniques for getting cat urine out of mattresses for good.

In this post, I’m going to share my top tips and tricks so you can say goodbye to that lingering cat pee smell and get your mattress looking and smelling fresh again. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you might think! Ready to learn how to banish that cat urine for good? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Cat Urine

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, it’s important to understand what we’re dealing with when it comes to cat urine. Unlike human urine, which is mostly water, cat pee is packed with a potent cocktail of acids, salts, and organic compounds.

The main culprits are urea, uric acid, and creatinine. These substances create that unmistakable pungent odor that can linger for ages if not properly treated. Plus, the acidic nature of cat urine means it can actually break down the materials in your mattress over time, leading to permanent stains and damage.

So how do you combat this stubborn substance? The key is to attack it from multiple angles using a combination of techniques. Simply spraying some store-bought cleaner on the spot and calling it a day just won’t cut it. You need to be strategic and thorough.

Preparing to Clean Cat Urine from Mattress

Before you start scrubbing, there are a few important steps to take to ensure you get the job done right:

Step 1: Identify the Urine Spots

The first step is to closely inspect your mattress and identify all the areas where your cat has urinated. This may be obvious if you caught them in the act, but cats can be sneaky. Use a blacklight to help locate any dried or hidden urine stains.

Step 2: Remove Bedding

Strip the mattress of all sheets, blankets, and mattress pads. Wash these items thoroughly in hot water to kill any bacteria and odors. You’ll also want to vacuum the mattress surface to pick up any loose hair, dirt, or debris.

Step 3: Blot the Wet Spots

If the urine is still fresh, use a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towels to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the mattress.

Step 4: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need the following items to effectively clean cat urine from your mattress:

• Enzymatic cleaner specifically formulated for pet stains and odors
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Clean cloths or paper towels
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Now that you’ve set the stage, let’s get to work!

How to Remove Cat Urine from Mattress

Step 1: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

The first and most important step is to use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains and odors. These cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down the organic compounds in cat urine, eliminating odors at the source.

Look for a product that’s safe for use on fabrics and upholstery. Spray or blot the cleaner directly onto the affected areas, making sure to saturate the stain. Allow it to sit for the recommended time, usually 5-10 minutes, before blotting with clean, dry cloths.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize lingering cat urine odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress, focusing on the stained areas.

Let the baking soda sit for at least 8-12 hours, or even overnight if possible. The longer it has to work, the better. Then, simply vacuum up the baking soda, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 3: Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is another secret weapon in the battle against cat urine. Its acidity helps to break down and neutralize the uric acid in the pee, eliminating odors.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly mist the affected areas, making sure to saturate the stains. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting with clean cloths.

You may need to repeat this process a few times, depending on the severity of the stain. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries.

Step 4: Dry the Mattress Completely

Now that you’ve tackled the urine and odors, it’s crucial to make sure your mattress is completely dry before putting the bedding back on. Use fans, open windows, or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.

Damp spots can allow mold and mildew to grow, so be patient and let it dry out fully. This may take a day or two, but it’s an essential step.

Step 5: Disinfect the Mattress

As a final step, you’ll want to disinfect the mattress to kill any remaining bacteria or germs. You can do this by misting the surface lightly with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.

Let the bleach solution sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting it up with clean cloths. Make sure to thoroughly air out the mattress afterwards to remove any lingering bleach smell.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you should be able to get your mattress looking and smelling fresh and clean, with no trace of that pesky cat urine.

Conclusion

Dealing with cat urine on your mattress is never a fun experience, but it doesn’t have to be a lost cause. With the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can banish those odors and stains for good.

The key is to act quickly, use the right cleaning products, and be thorough in your approach. By following the steps I’ve outlined here – using enzymatic cleaners, baking soda, white vinegar, and disinfectant – you can restore your mattress to its former glory.

Remember, prevention is also key. Try to address any litter box issues or behavioral problems that may be causing your cat to urinate outside the box. With a little patience and persistence, you can keep your mattress fresh and clean for years to come.

FAQs

How long does it take for cat urine to come out of a mattress?

The amount of time it takes to fully remove cat urine from a mattress can vary depending on the severity of the stain and how quickly you address it. If you act fast and use a combination of enzymatic cleaners, baking soda, and white vinegar, you may be able to eliminate the odor and stain within a day or two. However, if the urine has had time to really soak into the mattress, it could take several days or even weeks of repeated treatment to fully restore the mattress.

Can baking soda really get rid of cat urine smell?

Yes, baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that can effectively neutralize cat urine odors. The baking soda helps to absorb and eliminate the organic compounds in the urine that create those strong, lingering smells. Just be sure to let the baking soda sit for several hours, or even overnight, to give it time to work its magic before vacuuming it up.

How do you deep clean a mattress after cat urine?

To deeply clean a mattress after a cat urine incident, you’ll want to use a combination of enzymatic cleaners, baking soda, white vinegar, and thorough drying. Start by blotting up any fresh urine, then apply the enzymatic cleaner. Follow up with baking soda to absorb odors, and then use the white vinegar solution to help break down the uric acid. Make sure to let the mattress dry completely before putting the bedding back on.

Does peroxide get cat urine out of mattress?

While hydrogen peroxide can be effective for removing some types of stains, it’s generally not the best choice for eliminating cat urine from a mattress. Peroxide can actually damage the materials in your mattress over time. Enzymatic cleaners formulated for pet stains are a much safer and more effective option for getting rid of stubborn cat urine odors and discoloration.

How do you remove dried cat urine from a mattress?

Removing dried cat urine from a mattress can be a bit more challenging, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach. Start by blotting up any liquid urine you can, then apply an enzymatic cleaner and let it soak in. Follow up with baking soda and white vinegar to help break down the dried uric acid. You may need to repeat these steps a few times to fully eliminate the odor and stain. Be patient and persistent, and your mattress will be good as new!