How to Get Urine Smell and Stains Out of a Mattress: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever had to deal with a urine accident on a mattress, you know it can be frustrating. Whether it’s from a child, a pet, or even an adult, that strong smell and wet stain can be hard to remove if not cleaned right away. But don’t worry—there are easy ways to clean it up using things you already have at home. This guide will show you how to get rid of both fresh and old pee stains, remove odors, and even stop future accidents.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step by step.

Why You Should Clean Urine Stains Right Away

When someone pees on a mattress, the liquid doesn’t just stay on the surface. It can quickly soak deep into the mattress material—especially if you have a memory foam or all-foam bed. If the stain is left too long, it can become harder to clean and may leave behind a strong, unpleasant smell that lasts for weeks or even months.

That’s why it’s so important to clean it as soon as you notice it. The quicker you act, the easier it will be to remove the stain and stop the smell from setting in. Even if the accident happened a while ago, you can still fix it—it just takes a little more effort.

What You’ll Need to Clean Urine From a Mattress

Before you start, gather these simple cleaning tools and supplies. You probably have most of them at home already:

• Clean towels, rags, or paper towels

• An empty spray bottle

• Cold water (not warm or hot)

• White distilled vinegar

• Laundry detergent

• Baking soda

• A vacuum cleaner

• If it’s a pet accident: An enzyme cleaner made for pets

These tools will help you lift out the pee, break down the smell, and leave your mattress fresh and clean again.

How to Clean Fresh Urine From a Mattress (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Take Off the Bedding Right Away

Remove any wet or dirty sheets, blankets, or covers. Put them in the washing machine immediately. To help remove the urine smell, add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 box of baking soda along with your regular detergent. The faster you wash them, the less likely the smell will stay.

Step 2: Blot the Wet Area

Use paper towels or a dry towel to gently press down on the wet spot. This will soak up as much urine as possible. Don’t rub it—that will push the liquid deeper into the mattress.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Spray

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent and shake gently to mix it. This mixture helps clean the mattress and remove the smell.

Step 4: Spray the Stained Area

Spray the vinegar mixture all over the pee spot. Make sure the entire area is wet. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This gives it time to break down the urine.

Step 5: Blot Again

After 15 minutes, blot the area again with dry towels or paper towels to soak up any extra moisture.

Step 6: Sprinkle on Baking Soda

Spread a thick layer of baking soda over the area. Leave it for at least 8 hours, or overnight. The baking soda will absorb leftover moisture and odors.

Step 7: Vacuum the Mattress

Use your vacuum to remove all the baking soda. Check to see if the stain or smell is still there. If needed, repeat steps 3 to 6 until it’s completely gone.

Extra Tip for Pet Accidents:
If your pet peed on the mattress, use an enzyme cleaner instead of vinegar. Enzyme cleaners are made to break down the strong chemicals in pet urine. They also help stop pets from peeing in the same spot again.

How to Remove Old or Dried Urine Stains From a Mattress

Sometimes you don’t catch the accident right away. If the urine has dried, it may leave a yellow stain and a strong smell. But don’t worry—there are still ways to clean it. Here are two easy methods using simple items from your home.

Method 1: Using Vinegar for Old Urine Stains

What You Need:

• Spray bottle

• Cold water

• White vinegar

• Laundry detergent

• Baking soda

• Clean towel

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent.

2. Spray the stain generously. Make sure the liquid soaks into the stained area.

3. Let the mattress dry naturally. This can take a few hours or longer depending on the weather.

4. If the stain is still there, repeat the spraying and drying steps.

5. Use a wet cloth to blot the area and remove leftover vinegar smell.

Method 2: Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaner that works well on tough, dried stains—but be careful, as it can bleach fabric or damage foam.

What You Need:

• Spray bottle

• 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide

• 3 tablespoons of baking soda

• A few drops of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent

• Vacuum cleaner

Steps:

1. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake gently.

2. Lightly spray the stained area. Don’t overdo it—just enough to cover the spot.

3. Let it dry completely. A white powder will form as it dries.

4. Vacuum the powder once the area is dry.

5. Repeat if needed until the stain is gone.

How to Get Rid of Urine Smell From a Mattress

Even after the stain is gone, the smell can still stick around. Foam mattresses are especially bad at holding odors because they soak up liquid fast. Luckily, these two simple methods can help remove the smell for good.

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste

What You Need:

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Bowl and spoon

• Scrub brush or old toothbrush

• Vacuum cleaner

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a bowl to make a foamy paste. Do this over a sink because it can bubble up.

2. Spread the paste over the smelly area and scrub it in gently with a brush.

3. Let it dry completely. This can take a few hours.

4. Vacuum the dry paste.

5. Check for leftover smells and repeat if needed.

Method 2: Enzyme Cleaner for Pet Urine

Pet urine smells stronger and is harder to get out. If your dog or cat has peed on the bed, an enzyme cleaner is your best bet.

Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in pet urine that cause bad smells. They also help stop pets from peeing in the same spot again. You can find enzyme cleaners at pet stores, grocery stores, or online. Just follow the directions on the label for best results.

Tips to Prevent Future Urine Accidents on Your Mattress

Once your mattress is clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are some smart and easy tips to avoid future pee stains and smells:

• Limit drinks before bedtime – Avoid drinking a lot of fluids right before sleep, especially soda or tea.

• Use the bathroom before bed – Remind kids (and yourself) to go pee before lying down for the night.

• Take pets outside often – If you have a dog, make sure they get regular bathroom breaks.

• Wash bedding often – Clean sheets and blankets once a week to keep your bed fresh.

• Keep pets off the bed – If a pet keeps peeing on the bed, try to keep them off it or out of the bedroom.

• Use a waterproof mattress cover – These covers protect your mattress from spills and accidents. They’re easy to wash and can make a big difference in keeping your bed clean.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen—but they don’t have to ruin your mattress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can remove urine stains and smells and get your bed back to feeling fresh and clean. Whether it’s a one-time accident or something that happens more often, now you know exactly what to do.

Remember: the sooner you clean it, the better the results. And with the right tools and tips, you can keep your mattress clean, comfortable, and smelling great for years to come.