How to Get Rid of Pee on a Mattress [Quickly]

Let’s be real – accidents happen, and sometimes that means dealing with the unpleasant aftermath of pee on your mattress. Whether it’s from a young child who’s still potty training, a pet that had an indoor “oops,” or even a drunken midnight mishap, those yellowish-brown stains and funky odors can be a real nightmare to tackle.

But before you panic and start ripping apart your mattress, take a deep breath. Cleaning up pee on a mattress doesn’t have to be an impossible, smelly ordeal. With the right approach and a little elbow grease, you can actually get that mattress looking and smelling fresh again.

The key is acting fast. The longer pee sits on a mattress, the harder it becomes to remove the stain and odor. That’s because the uric acid and other compounds in urine start to soak into the mattress material, bonding with the fibers. The longer it sits, the more time bacteria have to start breaking down the urea in the urine, releasing that unmistakable ammonia smell.

Immediate Steps for Fresh Pee Stains

So what should you do the moment you discover a fresh pee stain on your mattress? First, don’t panic – this is a common problem that has a straightforward solution. Here are the steps I recommend taking right away:

1. Blot, Don’t Rub

Resist the urge to start scrubbing at the stain. That will only push the urine deeper into the mattress and spread the stain. Instead, gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towels. Press down firmly to soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible.

2. Sprinkle Baking Soda

Baking soda is a miracle worker when it comes to neutralizing odors and lifting stains. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the entire pee-soaked area, making sure to cover it completely. Let it sit for at least 8-10 hours, or preferably overnight. The baking soda will help absorb the remaining moisture and start breaking down the uric acid.

3. Vacuum Up the Baking Soda

Once the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use your vacuum’s hose attachment to thoroughly suck up all the baking soda from the mattress. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies so you remove every last bit.

Deeper Cleaning for Set-In Stains

If the pee stain has had time to really soak in and set, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to fully eliminate it. Don’t worry, it’s still very much possible – you just have to be a little more thorough. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

Enzymatic cleaners are specifically formulated to break down the proteins and uric acid in urine, making them incredibly effective for removing stubborn pee stains and odors. Look for a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner at your local grocery or hardware store and follow the instructions on the bottle. Spray or blot it generously onto the stain, let it sit for a while, then blot it up.

2. Steam Clean the Mattress

If the stain and smell are still lingering, renting a steam cleaner can be a game-changer. The hot, pressurized steam will penetrate deep into the mattress fibers to lift out any remaining traces of urine. Be sure to focus extra attention on the stained area, going over it multiple times. This will not only remove the stain, but also kill any bacteria that’s causing odors.

3. Deodorize with Vinegar

Even after cleaning, you may still notice a faint urine smell. That’s where white vinegar comes in. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then mist the entire mattress surface. The vinegar will help neutralize and eliminate any lingering odors.

Preventing Future Pee Accidents

Of course, the best way to deal with pee on a mattress is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help keep your mattress fresh and pee-free:

1. Use a Mattress Protector

Investing in a high-quality, waterproof mattress protector is one of the best ways to guard against pee accidents. These thin, zippered covers create an impenetrable barrier that stops liquid spills from soaking into your mattress. They’re easy to remove and wash whenever needed.

2. Train Potty-Users

For households with young kids or pets, consistent potty training is key. Make frequent bathroom trips a routine, and consider using waterproof mattress pads or bed liners as an extra layer of protection during the training process.

3. Limit Eating/Drinking in Bed

It may be tempting to enjoy a midnight snack or drink while lounging in bed, but this increases the risk of spills and accidents. Try to keep food and beverages out of the bedroom to minimize the chances of pee incidents.

Conclusion

Dealing with pee on a mattress is never a pleasant experience, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By acting quickly, using the right cleaning methods, and taking proactive steps to prevent accidents, you can get your mattress looking and smelling fresh again in no time. Remember, the key is tackling the problem head-on before it has a chance to set in and really become a challenge. With a little elbow grease and the tips I’ve outlined here, you’ll have that mattress good as new in no time.

FAQs

How long does it take for pee to soak into a mattress?

Pee can start soaking into a mattress in as little as a few minutes. The longer it sits, the deeper it will penetrate the mattress materials and the harder it will be to remove.

Can baking soda really get pee out of a mattress?

Yes, baking soda is an incredibly effective and affordable way to lift pee stains and neutralize odors from a mattress. The baking soda helps absorb moisture and break down the uric acid in the urine.

How do I get the urine smell out of my mattress for good?

In addition to using baking soda, an enzymatic cleaner, and steam cleaning, you can also try sprinkling the mattress with dry coffee grounds or sprinkling it with cornstarch and letting it sit before vacuuming. These natural deodorizers can help eliminate lingering urine smells.

How often should I replace a mattress with pee stains?

There’s no hard and fast rule, but if you’ve tried all the cleaning methods and the stain and odor just won’t go away, it may be time to replace the mattress. Repeated pee accidents can really compromise the integrity of a mattress over time.

Can I still use a mattress with pee stains?

Yes, you can still use a mattress with pee stains as long as you’ve properly cleaned and deodorized it. However, it’s best to replace a mattress that has recurring pee issues or stains that just won’t come out no matter what you try.