How to Remove Urine Odor from a Mattress

Accidents are inevitable. Whether you're dealing with pets or a potty-training toddler, a pee-stained mattress is a common issue. Though this mess may seem unpleasant, don't worry. With a few common household cleaning supplies and a little patience, your mattress can be saved from the odor. Below, we’ll explain how to remove both the stains and the pee smell from your mattress.

Essential Items:

• Paper towels or clean cloths
• Laundry detergent
• A soft-bristled scrub brush
• Baking soda
• A vacuum cleaner
• Distilled white vinegar
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Laundry borax
• Rubber gloves

Steps to Eliminate Fresh Urine Odor from a Mattress Using Laundry Detergent

For recent urine stains, gently blot the area with paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible.

Step 1: Create a Cleaning Solution

Combine 1/2 teaspoon of powerful laundry detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Soak a soft-bristled scrub brush in the mixture. Gently scrub the mattress from the outer edges toward the center, targeting the stain.

Step 2: Absorb Excess Moisture and Apply Baking Soda

Use a dry cloth to blot the area and soak up any remaining moisture. Then, cover the dampened area with a thick layer of baking soda, about 1/4 inch deep.

Step 3: Let It Dry

Let the mattress air-dry for several hours. While all mattresses require a few hours to dry, the time needed can vary depending on the material. To speed up the drying process, try opening a window or using a ceiling fan.

Step 4: Vacuum

Once dry, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to eliminate the baking soda.

How to Get Rid of Set-in Pee Stains From a Mattress Using Baking Soda

For more stubborn pee stains, a more thorough cleaning is necessary, which may require up to 12 hours of drying time. Depending on how old the stain is and the type of urine (cat urine tends to be the most difficult), you may have to try several cleaning techniques or repeat the process to completely remove the odor. Begin with baking soda and continue with one cleaner at a time until the smell disappears.

Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Mixture

Mix together baking soda and water to create a paste. For a thicker consistency, don't stress over the exact amounts—just aim for a ratio of three parts baking soda to one part water.

Step 2: Apply Paste to Stain

Apply the paste to the pee stain and use a soft-bristled brush to gently work it into the mattress fibers. Prepare additional paste as needed.

Step 3: Let It Dry and Vacuum

Let the paste dry for at least four hours to allow it to absorb the odor molecules from the pee. For a more thorough clean, leave it for 24 hours. You can use a fan to help speed up the drying. Once dry, vacuum the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can hydrogen peroxide be used to remove set-in pee stains from a mattress?

  Yes, spraying the stains with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide can help, but be cautious as the mild bleach may discolor the mattress cover. After spraying, let the mattress air-dry. At least four hours of drying time is recommended, though it may take longer depending on the mattress material. Opening a window or using a ceiling fan can help speed up the process.

• Can borax be used to remove set-in pee stains from a mattress?

  Yes, you can. Mix 1 cup of laundry borax with 1 tablespoon of water to make a paste. For added cleaning power, you can include 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply it to the pee stain and work it into the mattress with a soft-bristled brush. Let the borax dry completely and vacuum it off. While borax is a natural mineral, it can cause eye and respiratory irritation, so always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when handling it.