How To Get Rid Of Urine Smell On Mattress? Step-by-Step Tutorial

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

If you have children, you need to know how to remove pee odor from a mattress. It’s hardly a walk in the park, but it’s doable.

When you wake up in the morning and can’t figure out where the odor is coming from, it might be frustrating. As if you had forgotten to wash one of your clothing, you begin searching for it around the house. Then it dawns on you: the source of the odor is your mattress.

There is nothing worse than having your child wet the bed. There is nothing you can do about it. Finally, you let them to do as they choose. Pee smells wafting out of the mattress as the urine soaks into it.

When children wet the bed, it often results in a wet mattress. Parents frequently become irate when this occurs. Mattresses that have been soiled by urine are tough to remove. It’s difficult to get rid of the smell.

Everybody has been there. The stinky mattress!

A urine odor on a mattress can be eliminated using any one of these five methods.

How to get rid of urine smell on the mattress

1. Vinegar

Deodorizer: Vinegar is a natural source. Clean clothes, furniture, and other household appliances with ease using this product. For urine odor removal, vinegar can be used to clean a mattress, according to this article.

Spray the urine-strewn area with a white vinegar-filled spray bottle, then wipe it down. All sections of the mattress can be sprayed with it. Take a few minutes to let the vinegar sit on the mattress.

Brush it after soaking it to remove any urine and odor residue that may have accumulated. Do not use the bed until it has dried. The stench of pee will no longer linger.

2. Baking soda

To get rid of urine stench from your mattress, use baking soda. To neutralize acids, it uses sodium ions as its active component. When the human body produces an acidic odor molecule, baking soda can be employed to eliminate it.

To begin, dampen the mattress’s surface with water. In order to remove the urine smell from your mattress, first mix the baking soda and water together. Then sprinkle this mixture all over the mattress.

The baking soda should be rubbed into the mattress using a brush or cloth to remove the urine odor. Leave it on for as long as it takes to dry. After that, use a vacuum to remove any remaining particles or odors.

How to clean pee out of a mattress

3. Cornstarch

The stench of urine can be particularly bothersome when it’s concentrated in a mattress. When it comes to getting rid of the smell of urine, cornstarch has shown to be an excellent choice.

Once the cornstarch has been sprinkling, wait a few minutes and then vacuum or damp cloth clean the damaged area of the mattress of the cornstarch.

It’s critical to thoroughly clean the mattress on all sides to remove any lingering pee odors.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol can be used to eliminate the smell of urine from a mattress. Antibacterial and deodorizing properties of alcohol make it an excellent disinfectant and deodorizer.

Using this approach necessitates extreme caution. An extra layer of protection under the sheets or blankets will help keep the alcohol from seeping through and ruining your bedding.

Put a small amount of alcohol on any surface that needs to be cleaned, and then wipe it down. Wait for the liquid to soak into the mattress for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. Use a clean towel or cloth to soak up any remaining liquid. Finally, let the mattress dry off in the sun.

5. Mouthwash

Once the mattress smell is gone, mouthwash is an option.

There are many benefits to using mouthwash, including the removal of bad breath and the scent of a mattress.

Apply a mixture of mouthwash and water to the filthy or stinky area of your mattress. Use a fan to speed up the drying process. A hairdryer can be used to guarantee that your mattress is dry.

6. Baby powder

It’s common for individuals to believe that baby powder is only for babies. Baby powder isn’t just for infants; it may be used by adults of any age. By absorbing moisture, it aids in the natural removal of odors, ensuring that your mattress remains fresh and clean all day.

Using this product will leave your mattress smelling fresh and clean, making you feel more at ease as you sleep. Make sure the mattress is covered in enough baby powder to mask the smell of urine.

To get rid of the odor, let it sit for about an hour. Using a vacuum, remove the powder.

7. Hydrogen peroxide

One of the most regularly used household products is hydrogen peroxide. Hair dye, tooth whitening caps, and a slew of other products contain this chemical.

Many people are unaware that this product can be used to remove urine odor from a mattress. It may seem like an odd technique to clean a mattress, but trust me when I say that it works amazingly well.

It is critical that you wear gloves before attempting this remedy to prevent skin harm.

The first step is to saturate the area where you know your pet has relieved itself. Once you’ve moistened the area, apply a 1:2 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to the problem region. After that, just let it air dry.

8. Coffee powder

Coffee powder is excellent in removing the smell of urine because of its strong aroma and components that can remove other odors. coffee might mask the urine’s scent because of its potent aroma. Furthermore, it’s a low-cost and all-natural solution to get rid of the odor problem.

A tiny bottle of coffee powder can be prepared ahead of time and placed in a corner of the room. Allow the coffee to exude its distinctive aroma to rid the room of any traces of urine.

9. Camphor

Urine odors are particularly difficult to eradicate, especially from a mattress’s plush surface. However, camphor, an excellent method to eliminate urine smell from a mattress, can be used to solve the problem.

It is a pleasant-smelling oil. All urine odors are neutralized by the addition of this powder to the mattress.

Crushing camphor crystals into a fine powder is the quickest way to obtain camphor powder.

Overnight leave the powder on the mattress. Vacuum your mattress first thing in the morning to remove any remaining camphor powder.

10. Laundry perfume

Use laundry scent as the next step in removing pee stains from your mattress.

What is their mechanism of operation? Perfumes, on the other hand, might mask unpleasant odors that you don’t want to be exposed to.

Mixing the laundry perfume with warm (not hot) water is all you need to do at this point. This combination can then be sprayed directly onto your mattress. After that, a hairdryer or fan can be used to finish drying it.

11. Call professional home cleaner

If you try to do it yourself, getting rid of the smell of urine from your mattress will take a significant amount of time and effort. As a result, a large number of people decide to seek professional assistance when all else fails.

Consider hiring expert mattress cleaners instead of trying to clean the mattress on your own. They are better qualified and equipped to clean mattresses than you. Using the best procedure, they will thoroughly clean your mattress and remove the urine smell without damaging the fabric or the mattress itself.

How Do You Get The Pee Smell Out Of A Mattress Without Vinegar?

Vinegar aids in the decomposition of the chemical components responsible for urine’s stench. Baking soda can be used in place of vinegar if you don’t have any on hand. You’ll also need baking soda and liquid detergent for this procedure.

  1. Baking soda and a few drops of liquid detergent should be combined with five parts hydrogen peroxide to one part baking soda.
  2. Spray the filthy portions of the bed with the solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. After a few hours, let the hydrogen peroxide solution dry completely before vacuuming up the remnants.
  4. Another option is to sprinkle extra baking soda over the mattress and vacuum it up the next day.

How Do You Get Dried Urine Out Of A Memory Foam Mattress?

Due to the composition of pee, dried urine has already settled into the mattress and is giving off a strong odor. It’s possible that pee will be absorbed deeper into your mattress if it’s made of memory foam. It’s not a good idea to use hydrogen peroxide on a memory foam mattress since it could cause it to become stained and lumpy.

An enzymatic cleanser should be tested in a hidden area of the bed instead. Follow the cleaner’s directions for use if no discoloration occurs. Cleaners containing enzymatic agents should be able to safely remove the pee stain and eliminate the unpleasant odor from the mattress.

What Home Remedy Can I Use For Smelly Urine?

The greatest home cures for getting rid of urine odor are baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing soap. Investing in a mattress protector will save you time and money in the long run. The question is, however, how to clean a mattress cover?

Best way to Remove Odors and Stains from Mattress | Simple Guide

The mattress cover can be readily removed and washed in the washing machine in the event of an accident, such as pee. Even while you won’t be using harsh cleaners like bleach, cleaning a urine-stained cover will be much easier than cleaning a soiled mattress. Check the label on your mattress protector to see if there are any specific cleaning instructions there.

Is A Mattress Ruined If It Gets Wet?

When a mattress is wet, it does not immediately decompose. If you don’t treat the moisture problem right away, it could lead to stains, odors, and even mold growth. You can read our guide to determining if your mattress has mold if you haven’t noticed it becoming wet for a long time.

Is there a way to resurrect a mattress that has been ruined by water? Determine if it’s too late and drying the bed would be pointless before moving on to the next step. Soak up as much water as possible, then use baking soda to eliminate any remaining moisture.

When drying a mattress, open the windows and let the mattress air-dry on its own. Use a heatless blow dryer to penetrate deeper into the mattress. Learn more about drying a mattress here.

How to Get the Pee Smell Out of a Mattress

There are a few things you may do if your mattress still smells of urine after you’ve cleaned it.

In our mattress cleaning instruction, we recommend just sprinkling baking soda on the mattress. Unlike other masking agents, baking soda actually removes scents from the air rather than disguising them. In addition to neutralizing urine’s characteristically acidic odors, baking soda has a high absorption capacity, making it ideal for drawing out moisture that may still be present.

The simplest way to get rid of urine scents from your mattress is to cover the entire surface with a thin layer of baking soda. Using a heavier layer of baking soda in a specific location can help mask the smell. Vacuum the baking soda after allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 hours uncovered. Replicate as necessary.

Vinegar is another another alternative, as previously discussed. Cold water and distilled white vinegar should be used in a 50/50 ratio. The use of an essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, may be another option for masking odors. Use a spray bottle to apply it on the mattress and let it air dry completely. The cleaning solution’s strong vinegar scent can be neutralized by using baking soda to eliminate any leftover moisture.

Consider using an enzyme-based cleaner for tougher pet stains to get rid of scents that have lingered in the fabric after the stain has been removed. Pets will be less likely to mark their territory if this is done. Many pet stores carry enzyme cleansers.

How to Prevent Future Stains & Odors

Protecting your mattress is the greatest way to prevent stains and odors from building up. An appropriate waterproof mattress protector is one that we recommend you use.

In addition to washing your sheets and other bedding on a regular basis, this can also help keep your mattress fresh and odor-free. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed once every week.

How to Dry a Wet Mattress Quickly

Drying a wet mattress as early as possible will prevent mold and germs from growing. A wet bed can be dried quickly if these measures are followed.

1. Clean Dirt and Remove the Bedding

Remove all of the bedding and clean up the mess that has accumulated. Plaster and drywall can be disposed of in heavy-duty plastic bags if the damage is severe. To avoid the growth of mold, wash the bedding as soon as possible. Hang the bedding outside until you can wash it if you have to turn off the water in the house.

2. Soak Up the Water

In the case of minor stains, use clean towels to remove as much water as possible from the mattress. When the towel gets too wet, switch to another one and press it firmly into the mattress.

First, sprinkle kitty litter on the damp area, then use towels to press it down. More water will be drained and dried faster with the help of the kitty litter. Saturated kitten litter can be vacuumed up with a shop vacuum.

3. Suck Up Water With a Wet-Dry Vacuum

You can also use a wet-dry vacuum to dry your mattress. Sweep the hose across the mattress’ surface to remove as much water as possible. Using a sectional approach, work from the left to the right, top to bottom, until there is no more water to remove.

4. Remove Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

It’s better to remove stains while the mattress is still slightly damp, as drying might cause them to set in. Rub the discoloration with a mixture of one part liquid dish soap and two parts hydrogen peroxide. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes after spreading it evenly over the stain. Then, using a moist towel, thoroughly clean it.

5. Dry It With a Hairdryer

A hairdryer is the next step. Move the hairdryer over the damp place for ten to twenty minutes while keeping it a few inches away from the mattress surface. Let the mattress cool down for a few minutes before checking to see if it is still damp.

6. Prop the Mattress and Use a Fan

Even if the mattress appears dry on the outside, it could still be wet on the inside. When you’re done drying off the mattress, place a fan near the wet area so it can circulate air. There should be at least 2 feet of room on either side of the mattress. Afterward, leave the fan running for 6 to 8 hours to ensure the damp area has completely dried. If you have a dehumidifier, place it near the mattress and leave it running while the mattress is drying. Over-drying your mattress is always preferable to leaving it slightly damp.

7. Move It Outside

Moving your mattress outside to dry is a good idea whenever you can. Sunlight and fresh air will not only speed up drying, but it will prevent or even remove. Prop it up so that more air can flow through it and direct sunlight can reach it. Fans, on the other hand, are essential for speeding up the drying process and keeping mold and germs at bay.

8. Disinfect Your Mattress with Alcohol

After it has dried, use a solution of rubbing alcohol and water in equal parts to disinfect your mattress. Apply it evenly to the entire mattress with a spray bottle. Make sure to inspect the areas beneath the rivets and the seams. Using a towel instead of a spray bottle will suffice.

When Is It Safe To Dry a Mattress?

However, drying your mattress may not be a good idea at all times. There may be mold and bacteria growing inside the mattress, making it dangerous. After groundwater and storm surge floods, or sewage backups, this is the most prevalent occurrence. Even if the water is clean, it will eventually become infested with mold. The sooner you start drying it, the better.

If it got wet from one of the following sources, you can safely dry and clean it:

  • As long as it didn’t hit the earth first, rain was acceptable.
  • A burst or leaking water pipe
  • a backed-up sink or tub
  • Water, beverages, or food that has been spilt
  • Bedwetting

There are several situations where it’s better to just throw it out:

  • A toilet overflow, groundwater flood, or sewage backup caused it to become wet.
  • The bed is wet to the core.
  • It’s been raining for over a week now.
  • It’s impossible to fast dry it.
  • It’s already covered in mildew.

FAQs

It’s normal to wonder if water would damage the mattress or if pee odors can be removed. When it comes to damp mattresses, these are some of the most often asked questions we receive.

What To Do If You Spill Water on Your Mattress?

Using a towel and a hairdryer, you may quickly dry any wetness on your mattress. Soak absorb the water by pressing the towel into the mattress. For ten to twenty minutes, use a hairdryer to dry the moist area. Before checking to see if it’s dry, let the area cool down a bit.

Is a Mattress Ruined if It Gets Wet?

The source of the water determines whether or not a wet mattress is destroyed. Mold and germs can be found in sewage and flooding, which can make you ill. You should get rid of the mattress in this situation. However, if the water comes from a clean source and hasn’t sat for more than 48 hours, you can dry your mattress.

How to Dry a Mattress After Bedwetting?

Urine can be dried in the same manner you would any other liquid. Urine, on the other hand, has a tendency to discolor quickly, necessitating swift cleanup. Baking soda can be used to absorb up as much urine as possible while it is still wet.

Then use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to remove the stain. This will not only eliminate the stains but also the pee odors. For tiny spills, use a hairdryer; for larger ones, a fan.

In addition, make sure to inspect your mattress’s box spring. You can use the same methods to clean and dry it, or you can let it air dry outside.

How Do You Remove Odors From a Wet Mattress?

Baking soda can be used to get rid of bad smells in mattresses that have been exposed to water. Sprinkle the baking soda on top once it has dried completely. Vacuum the baking soda after it has sat for many hours.

It’s preferable to get rid of pee odors before they dry. Absorb as much pee as possible with baking soda. Vinegar and warm water should be used to clean the area.

It’s also possible to take the mattress outside for some fresh air to dry it. Prop the mattress up in the sun whenever possible to improve airflow.

How Long Does It Take Mattress to Dry?

A wet mattress can be completely dried in six to eight hours if you follow the steps outlined above. When drying with house fans, it can take two to three times longer, and it can take up to a week if you leave it out in the open.

Mold and germs are more likely to grow if it takes a long time to dry. This is why it’s best to rent drying equipment if needed. Replacement is preferable if you have an old mattress.

How Do You Dry Wet Box Springs?

To dry your damp box springs, simply follow the instructions outlined above. But if the wood in the box spring isn’t dried up entirely, it can rot. While your mattress is drying, place a wet box spring outside to air dry.

Turn the fans and dehumidifiers on your box springs after you finish using them on your mattress. Allow them to run longer than you think is necessary to ensure the wood is completely dry.

Getting the Smell of Urine Out of a Mattress - Chelsea Cleaning

Can a Mattress Get Moldy?

Fans and dehumidifiers can be used on your mattress and box springs once you’ve finished using them. To ensure that the wood is thoroughly dry, let them run for longer than you think is required.

Mold can be brought back to life with as little as a few drops of water. Even if you don’t generally suffer from allergies or sleep issues, this can cause them. Breath difficulties are possible in some circumstances.

Conclusion

The scent of pee on the bed might be overpowering. To get rid of urine stench on a mattress, we’ve covered the steps to remove the fresh pee, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress to absorb the odor, and spray vinegar to neutralize the scent. However, to be safe, we still advise you to test any cleaner you use on your bed first.

We hope these home cures are helpful!

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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