How to Clean Urine From a Mattress

Urine on a mattress is one of the most common household cleaning problems - and one of the most manageable when you know what to do. Whether it is a child's bedwetting accident, a pet mishap, or an adult spill, cleaning urine from a mattress is completely achievable using ingredients you likely already have at home.

This guide covers the full process from start to finish so you can get your mattress clean, fresh, and odor-free as quickly as possible.

Act Fast - Time Makes a Big Difference

The single most important thing you can do when urine hits your mattress is act immediately. Fresh urine sits on the surface and has not yet soaked deep into the foam or fibers. The longer you wait, the deeper it penetrates, the harder the stain sets, and the stronger the odor becomes. Even if you cannot do a full clean right away, blotting up as much liquid as possible immediately will make the rest of the process much easier.

What You Will Need

• Clean white towels or paper towels
• Empty spray bottle
• Cold water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Liquid laundry detergent or dish soap
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
  
  

How to Clean Urine From a Mattress - Step by Step

Step 1: Remove All Bedding

Strip the bed immediately. Remove all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers. Put them straight into the washing machine on a cold cycle. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash for extra odor removal power.

Step 2: Blot Up the Urine

Use thick clean towels or a stack of paper towels to blot the wet area. Press down firmly and hold for several seconds to absorb as much liquid as possible. Work from the outer edges of the stain inward to stop it from spreading. Use fresh towels as needed and keep blotting until no more moisture transfers.

Step 3: Mix and Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Fill a spray bottle with one cup of cold water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one to two tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. Shake well. Spray the solution generously over the entire urine-affected area. Make sure you use enough to match the depth the urine penetrated. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Blot the Area Again

After the solution has had time to break down the urine, blot the area again with fresh dry towels. Press firmly and continue until the surface feels as dry as you can get it.

Step 5: Apply Baking Soda Generously

Cover the entire treated area with a thick layer of baking soda. Do not be stingy - a generous layer works far better than a light dusting. The baking soda will absorb the remaining moisture and neutralize any lingering odor. Leave it in place for at least 8 hours. Overnight gives the best results.

Step 6: Vacuum Thoroughly

Once the baking soda has fully dried, vacuum it up completely using an upholstery attachment. Inspect the mattress carefully for any remaining stain or smell. If anything persists, repeat steps 3 through 6 until the mattress is completely clean.

How to Clean Dried Urine From a Mattress

If the urine has already dried by the time you find it, start by lightly misting the stained area with cold water to soften the dried urine crystals. Then follow the full process above, allowing the cleaning solution to sit for 20 minutes rather than 15. For very stubborn dried stains that do not respond to vinegar, a hydrogen peroxide solution works better. See our full guide on how to get dried pee out of a mattress for the complete method.

Getting Rid of Urine Smell After Cleaning

If a smell lingers after cleaning, it means urine has bonded deeper into the mattress fibers than the cleaning solution reached. The most effective fix is an enzyme cleaner, which breaks down urine compounds at a molecular level. For step-by-step odor removal methods, visit our guide on how to get urine smell out of a mattress.

Cleaning Urine From a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam absorbs liquid much faster than standard mattresses and requires special care. Use less cleaning solution, blot more thoroughly, and allow extra drying time - at least 24 hours. Read our dedicated guide on how to get urine out of a memory foam mattress for full instructions.

Cleaning Pet Urine From a Mattress

Cat and dog urine are far more concentrated than human urine and contain compounds that require enzyme cleaners to fully eliminate. Standard vinegar and baking soda will help but may not fully remove the odor. See our guides on how to get cat urine out of a mattress and how to get dog pee out of a mattress for targeted pet urine cleaning methods.

Protect Your Mattress Going Forward

After cleaning, invest in a waterproof mattress protector. It acts as a barrier between your mattress and any future liquid, making cleanup a simple matter of removing and washing the protector rather than treating the mattress itself.

For the most complete and detailed guide covering every urine cleaning scenario including old stains, severe odors, disinfecting, and prevention - visit our pillar guide: How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress: The Complete Guide.