How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress

Woke up to a wet mattress? Do not panic. Whether it is your child, your pet, or an adult accident - getting pee out of a mattress is completely doable with items you already have at home. The key is acting fast. The quicker you treat it, the easier it comes out.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to get pee out of a mattress step by step - so you can get your bed fresh and clean again as quickly as possible.

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step: How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress

Step 1: Strip the Bed Right Away

Pull off all sheets, covers, and pillowcases immediately. Toss them in the washing machine on a cold cycle. The sooner they are washed, the better the results.

Step 2: Blot the Wet Area

Press clean towels firmly onto the wet stain to soak up as much urine as possible. Work from the outside edges of the stain toward the center. Never rub - rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the mattress fibers.

Step 3: Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent. Shake well. Spray this solution generously over the entire stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Blot Again

Use fresh dry towels to blot up the cleaning solution. Press firmly and repeat until the area feels as dry as possible.

Step 5: Cover With Baking Soda

Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the treated area. This absorbs remaining moisture and neutralizes odor. Leave it on for at least 8 hours - overnight is even better.

Step 6: Vacuum and Check

Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly. Check for any remaining stain or smell. If needed, repeat the process from Step 3.

Important Tips

• Always use cold water - hot water sets urine stains permanently.
• Never use bleach on a mattress - it damages the fabric and is harmful to breathe in.
• The faster you act, the less likely the stain will set in.
  
  

What if the Pee Has Already Dried?

If you are dealing with a stain that has already dried and set in, the method above is a good starting point but you may need extra treatment. Read our full guide on how to get dried pee out of a mattress for a more targeted approach to old and set-in stains.

What About the Smell?

If a urine odor lingers even after cleaning the stain, baking soda alone may not be enough. Check out our dedicated guide on how to get pee smell out of a mattress where we cover baking soda paste, vinegar spray, and enzyme cleaners for complete odor removal.

Dealing With Pet Pee?

Cat and dog urine are more concentrated than human urine and need special treatment. If your pet is the culprit, head over to our guide on how to get cat pee out of a mattress or how to get dog pee out of a mattress for targeted advice using enzyme cleaners.

Protect Your Mattress Going Forward

Once your mattress is clean, the smartest move is to protect it from future accidents. A waterproof mattress protector creates a barrier between your mattress and any liquid. It is machine washable and will save you from going through this process again.

For a full breakdown of every cleaning method, product, and situation - including memory foam mattresses, dried stains, and severe odors - visit our complete guide: How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress: The Complete Guide.