Perfectly house-trained pets and potty-trained kids are, like T.S. Eliot once wrote, “a perpetual possibility only in a world of speculation”.
But pee stains are real and need to be cleaned, which now brings us to the point of this article: how to get pee out of a mattress.
It is possible, and we intend to reveal all the arcane, how-to secrets.
Keep reading!
How to Get Fresh Pee Stains Out of a Mattress Step by Step
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to get cat pee out of a mattress or how to get dog pee out of a mattress (or even human urine), following these steps will do the trick.
Blot the Area
Unlike rubbing or scrubbing, which can worsen stains, blotting is the recommended method for getting pee out of most mattresses. It involves dabbing at a still-wet stain with a paper towel or rag, gently lifting the spilled liquid from the surface.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Since pee stains have existed since ancient times, a great classic cleaning solution is a mix of white wine vinegar and water. Commercially made enzymatic cleaners, which are non-toxic and equally effective, are also available in stores and online.
Hydrogen peroxide is another valuable tool for cleaning pee from a mattress, but it should be used cautiously, especially on latex or memory foam mattresses. Always test it in an inconspicuous area first and avoid oversaturating the mattress.
Apply the Solution
The best way to apply whatever cleaner you choose is to use a water spray bottle and lightly spritz the solution over the stain rather than soaking it directly.
Blot Again
The first time you blotted with a paper towel or rag, you were trying to remove as much of the urine as possible. This second act of blotting should be done with a paper towel or rag dampened with the cleaning solution. Now, you’re working on the actual stain, hoping to lift it up and off the stained surface.
Use Baking Soda
Another classic solution for how to get pee out of a mattress is baking soda. This neutralizes the acid in the urine and removes the unpleasant odor. Plus, studies on baking soda show that it has antibacterial properties, further contributing to a cleaner and fresher mattress. Simply sprinkle a dusting of baking soda on the stain and let it absorb the remaining urine in the fabric.
Let It Sit and Vacuum
When it appears that the baking soda has absorbed most of the urine, the next step for how to get pee out of a mattress is to vacuum up the baking soda from the stained surface.
How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress Topper
Just like cleaning a mattress, getting pee out of a topper requires a delicate approach to avoid damage and ensure effective odor removal. Start by immediately blotting up as much wetness as possible.
For removable, machine-washable toppers, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, using cold water and a mild laundry detergent.
However, most mattress toppers aren’t fully washing machine-safe. For these, spot-clean the affected area with an enzyme cleaner specially formulated to break down the uric acid in urine.
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the topper’s material. To deodorize, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit, and vacuum. Finally, ensure the topper is completely air-dried to prevent mold. You can add a few drops of essential oils to the baking soda for a pleasant scent.
How to Remove Dried or Set-in Urine Stains
How to get dried pee out of a mattress requires a slightly different approach than dealing with the accident immediately after it happens. Here’s how to get old pee stains out of a mattress.
Create a Stronger Cleaning Solution
Immediately after the accident, the cleaner’s purpose is to gently rinse out the still-wet urine before it can do any further damage. Once the stain has dried, a stronger cleaning solution is necessary to soften the remaining pee so it can be scrubbed out.
Apply and Scrub Gently
When the urine is fresh, you want to blot out as much of it as possible. Yet once the urine is dried, you have to invest more elbow grease and start scrubbing to help break up the dried urine.
Repeat if Necessary
If the stain has been dried in for a while, you will probably have to apply the stronger cleaning solution more than once before you can successfully scrub away the stain.
How to Eliminate Urine Odor From a Mattress
While pee stains can be quite unsightly, the smell usually makes the situation untenable. The first step to dealing with the situation is to remove all the bedding from the mattress.
If the urine odor still lingers after cleaning and scrubbing, you’re likely wondering how to get dog pee smell out of a mattress, especially if the culprit was a beloved pet. It is now time to combine some previously mentioned techniques.
You must now treat the stained area with white vinegar and baking soda. This baking soda paste should be applied and left to sit until dry. After that, when you vacuum the dried solution, the urine smell will likely go along with it.
Preventing Future Accidents
As the old saying goes, “once burned, twice shy,” which means once you have been forced to figure out how to get pee out of a mattress fast, you’ll want to take precautions for the future.
Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector
A waterproof mattress protector is a thin, fitted polyurethane or vinyl sheet that goes immediately over the mattress like a plastic wrap, yet under the bed sheets. It is designed to prevent any liquids from wetting the mattress.
Train Your Children on How to Avoid Accidents
In some cases, potty training an anxious child or litter training a vindictive cat is right up there with discovering the Philosophers’ Stone, yet because we love them, we will always keep trying. Consider consulting with a child psychologist to get some tips, or change the cat litter more often.
Regularly Clean and Air Out the Mattress
Our pets are often drawn to do their business by our less pleasant odors. Regularly changing the sheets on your mattress and applying an odor-eliminating product can help dissuade them from needing to mark territory.
Expert Insights
According to cleaning expert Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, “The key to removing urine from a mattress is acting quickly and using the right ingredients to break down both the stain and the odor-causing compounds.”
She recommends first blotting up as much liquid as possible, then spraying a mixture of white vinegar and water directly onto the stain. Melissa advises that you let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot again and generously sprinkle baking soda over the area. The baking soda helps neutralize odors as it dries, and after a few hours (or overnight if possible), you can vacuum it up to leave the mattress clean and fresh.
FAQs on How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress
Here are some questions customers have been asking anonymously regarding how to get pee out of a mattress.
Is a Mattress Ruined if It Gets Pee On?
A mattress isn’t necessarily ruined if it gets pee on it. Yet, the key is to act quickly with the correct mattress cleaning methods and the proper supplies. Make sure to always have things like distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and fresh rags available.
Can a Peed on Mattress Be Saved?
Yes, a peed on mattress can be saved if you have prepared yourself by reading articles like this and ensuring you have the proper supplies at home. There’s an old saying that “forewarned is forearmed,” and it is relevant to ensuring that your mattress can be saved if an accident occurs.
How Do You Clean a Mattress After Wetting the Bed?
To clean a mattress after it has been wetted, simply follow these 5 steps:
- Blot the area with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture
- Spray with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water
- Blot again
- Sprinkle some baking soda to absorb the remaining moisture and deodorize
- Vacuum the baking soda
What to Do if Your Mattress Gets Wet With Pee?
Act quickly! The first step on how to get pee out of a mattress is to blot the area with dry paper towels to absorb as much of the pee as possible. Next, spray the area with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water, blot again, then sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area to neutralize the odor. Let the baking soda dry, and then vacuum it or use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress
We all love our kids and pets, but if you’re reading this because you’re wondering how to get the smell of cat pee out of a mattress, then fate has made a dramatic turn in your favor.
Everything you need to know is here. All you need are simple ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda, the right approach, a cool head, and a forgiving soul. We can only help you with the first two, but the rest is tried and true, and we stand by it.
So, if you’ve been the victim of an accident, take it instead as a blessing, because now you know, and knowledge is power.