Buzz
Your beloved canine companion may be your closest ally, but when they relieve themselves on your bed, it can dampen the spirits. Luckily, there's no need to rush out and purchase a brand-new mattress—cleaning up dog urine, even from a mattress, is simpler than you might imagine. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process for dealing with fresh urine, stubborn stains, and lingering odors so you can enjoy peaceful sleep once more.
Steps
Remove all bedding from the mattress.
Immediately strip the bed and launder your bedding in hot water. Remove all blankets, comforters, and sheets, and toss them into the washing machine. Wash your bedding immediately to prevent urine stains.
- If the urine has dried, pretreat your bedding with a stain remover before washing.
- Wash your bedding in hot or warm water to disinfect and thoroughly clean it.
Blot up any wet urine using a paper towel.
Remove as much moisture as possible to prevent it from seeping into your mattress. If the urine is still fresh, use a paper towel to gently blot it up. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the urine, as this can drive it deeper into the mattress fibers. Continue blotting until most of the wetness is absorbed from your mattress.
- If you're concerned about getting urine on your hands, wear disposable gloves.
Create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water and vinegar.
A mixture of warm water and vinegar effectively eliminates urine odor. Fill a spray bottle two-thirds full with warm water, then add white vinegar to fill the remaining space. Vinegar serves as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, making it ideal for removing urine stains from a mattress.
- If you don't have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
- Enhance the fragrance of your cleaning solution by adding 1 to 2 drops of lavender or citrus essential oil.
Apply your cleaning solution to the affected area.
Saturate the entire area with the cleaning solution and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Take your spray bottle and generously apply the cleaner over the entire urine stain. Leave it to sit for approximately 5 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to work its magic.
Blot the area once more using a paper towel.
The paper towel absorbs the cleaner and eliminates most of the urine. Grab another fresh paper towel and gently blot the damp area. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the urine to prevent it from penetrating deeper into the mattress fibers.
Reapply the vinegar-water cleaner if necessary.
You might need to repeat the cleaning process several times to completely remove the urine. If your mattress still retains an odor or displays a discolored spot, repeat the process: apply the cleaner, allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then blot with a paper towel.
Spread baking soda generously over the affected area.
Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer, making it ideal for eliminating urine odors. Take your baking soda and sprinkle a thick layer onto the wet area of your mattress, ensuring complete coverage. You can't use too much baking soda, so don't be shy with it.
- Baking soda also has absorbent properties, helping to soak up any urine that has seeped into the mattress fibers.
Use a vacuum to remove the baking soda after 8 hours.
Allow the baking soda to sit overnight to neutralize urine odors. In the morning, use a vacuum cleaner to carefully remove all the baking soda. By then, most of the urine and cleaner residue should be eliminated as well.
- Remember to empty the vacuum cleaner after use to prevent clogging the filter.
Leave the mattress to air dry for 24 hours.
Avoid sleeping on a damp mattress to prevent mold or mildew growth. Once you've cleaned your mattress, refrain from putting the sheets back on immediately. Allow it to air out uncovered in direct sunlight for approximately 24 hours to prevent potential moisture-related issues in the future.
- Even if the surface appears dry, moisture may still be present inside.
Opt for an enzymatic cleaner to tackle urine stains.
Enzymatic cleaners are effective against stubborn stains and unpleasant odors. If your mattress retains a urine odor or exhibits noticeable staining, procure an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet accidents. Apply a generous amount to the affected area, adhere to the recommended dwell time indicated on the product (typically 10 to 20 minutes), then blot away excess cleaner with a paper towel. Allow the mattress to air dry once more.
- Complete removal of urine odor is crucial to deter pets from re-marking the area.
Guard your mattress with a protective mattress cover.
Mattress covers offer defense against future pet mishaps. Accidents are inevitable, especially with pets or young children in the house. To minimize the need for future mattress cleanings due to urine accidents, consider investing in a mattress cover. These thin plastic covers shield your mattress surface while providing comfortable sleep support.
- Ensure the mattress cover corresponds to your bed's dimensions.
Pointers
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Teach your dog to relieve themselves outdoors (and not on your bed) by promptly taking them outside if they have an accident indoors.
