Accidents happen, and when they involve a mattress, they can be a bit of a nightmare. The key to successfully removing urine stains and odors is to act quickly. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process that uses common household supplies to neutralize the stain and get your mattress back to a fresh, clean state.

Supplies you’ll need for cleaning

Having these items ready before you start will make the process much smoother and more effective.

• Rubber Gloves: Essential for hygiene.
• Paper Towels or Old Towels: For blotting. Avoid using your best towels, as this can be a messy job.
• Distilled White Vinegar: An excellent deodorizer and stain remover.
• Enzyme Cleaner: A cleaner specifically designed for pet or human stains, as the enzymes break down the uric acid crystals that cause the odor.
• Baking Soda: A powerful deodorizer that also helps absorb moisture.
• A Spray Bottle: For applying your cleaning solution.

Step 1 – Blot fresh urine immediately

The most critical step is to blot the stain immediately after the accident. The longer the urine sits, the deeper it will soak into the mattress fibers, making it harder to remove.

1. Strip the Bed: Immediately remove all bedding, including sheets and mattress protectors.
2. Blot, Don’t Rub: Using a thick stack of paper towels or a clean, dry towel, press down firmly on the wet spot. Do not rub, as this will push the urine deeper into the mattress. Continue blotting until you’ve absorbed as much liquid as possible.

Step 2 – Apply vinegar solution or enzyme cleaner

Once you’ve blotted the area, it’s time to neutralize the stain and odor.

• Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Generously mist the entire stained area. The vinegar will help neutralize the odor and disinfect the mattress.
• Enzyme Cleaner: For a more powerful clean, especially with set-in stains, use an enzyme cleaner. Spray it directly onto the stained area, following the product’s instructions. The enzymes will break down the uric acid that creates the lingering odor.

Let the solution sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3 – Use baking soda to neutralize odors

Baking soda is a powerful, natural deodorizer that will pull out any remaining moisture and smells.

1. Sprinkle Liberally: After the vinegar or enzyme cleaner has soaked in, liberally sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the entire treated area.
2. Let it Absorb: Let the baking soda sit for several hours, or even better, overnight. As it dries, it will absorb the moisture and neutralize the remaining odor.
3. Vacuum it Up: Once the area is completely dry, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda.

Step 4 – Rinse, dry and air out mattress

Airing out the mattress is a crucial final step to ensure it is completely dry and fresh.

• Rinse (Optional): If you’ve used a heavy-duty cleaner, you can lightly mist the area with clean water and blot again to remove any residue.
• Air Dry: Allow the mattress to air dry completely before making the bed. If possible, open windows to increase air circulation. A fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting can help speed up the process.

Prevention tips – Mattress protectors & quick action

The best way to deal with a pee stain is to prevent it in the first place.

• Mattress Protector: Always use a waterproof mattress protector. It acts as a barrier, protecting your mattress from spills and accidents.
• Quick Action: If an accident does happen, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. The faster you start the cleaning process, the more likely you are to prevent a permanent stain and odor.