How to Wash Pee Out of a Mattress

One of the most common questions people ask after a bedwetting accident is Can you wash a mattress? The answer is yes, but not in a washing machine. A mattress needs to be cleaned in place, and the good news is that washing pee out of a mattress is very straightforward when you follow the right steps.

Whether it is a child, a pet, or an adult accident, this guide walks you through exactly how to wash pee out of a mattress using simple household ingredients - no professional cleaning required.

Why You Cannot Put a Mattress in a Washing Machine

A mattress is far too large and heavy when wet to fit in a standard washing machine. Forcing it in would damage both the mattress and the machine. The foam, springs, or fiber layers inside would also be ruined by the agitation cycle. Instead, you wash a mattress by applying cleaning solutions directly to the affected area and working them through the surface layers, which is just as effective when done correctly.

What You Will Need

• Clean white towels or paper towels
• Spray bottle
• Cold water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Vacuum cleaner
  
  

How to Wash Pee Out of a Mattress - Step by Step

Step 1: Strip and Wash Your Bedding

Remove all sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers immediately. Wash them separately in the washing machine on a cold cycle. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash to help break down any urine that has soaked into the fabric.

Step 2: Blot the Mattress

Use thick, clean towels to blot up as much urine as possible from the mattress surface. Press firmly and work from the outside edge of the wet area toward the center. Replace towels as they become saturated. Keep blotting until you cannot absorb any more liquid.

Step 3: Prepare Your Washing Solution

Mix together in a spray bottle:

• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent

This combination works like a washing solution for the mattress - the vinegar breaks down the uric acid in urine while the detergent lifts the stain from the fabric fibers.

Step 4: Apply and Let it Sit

Spray the solution generously over the entire stained area. Do not be shy - use enough to penetrate as deep as the urine went. Let it sit for 15 minutes to work through the stain properly.

Step 5: Blot the Solution Away

After 15 minutes, blot the area again with fresh dry towels. Press down firmly and keep blotting until the surface feels as dry as you can get it.

Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Cover the washed area with a thick, even layer of baking soda. This draws out any remaining moisture and neutralizes the urine smell. Leave it for at least 8 hours - overnight is ideal.

Step 7: Vacuum and Check

Vacuum up all the dried baking soda using an upholstery attachment. Check the area carefully. If any stain or smell remains, repeat the process from Step 3. Most fresh pee accidents require only one round of treatment.

Washing Wee Out of a Mattress - Tips for Best Results

• Always use cold water - hot water permanently sets urine stains into fabric.
• Never scrub the mattress - blotting is always more effective and safer for the fabric.
• Use enough cleaning solution to match the depth of the stain - a light spray will not reach urine that has soaked several inches in.
• Allow full drying time before replacing bedding - a damp mattress can develop mold.
  
  

Still Have a Smell After Washing?

If a urine smell lingers even after washing the stain, it means odor-causing compounds are still present deeper in the mattress. The most effective solution at this point is an enzyme cleaner. Visit our guide on how to get pee smell out of a mattress for full odor removal methods.

Dealing With Old or Dried Pee

If the pee has already dried before you found it, lightly mist the area with cold water first to soften the dried urine crystals, then follow all the steps above. For very stubborn dried stains, our guide on how to get dried pee out of a mattress covers more intensive treatment options.

Protect Your Mattress After Washing

Once clean and fully dry, fit your mattress with a waterproof mattress protector. This creates a washable barrier that stops any future liquid from reaching the mattress - turning a potentially lengthy cleaning process into a simple wash cycle next time.

For a complete guide covering every urine cleaning scenario in full detail, visit our pillar article: How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress: The Complete Guide.