How to Wash Pee Out of a Mattress: Guide to Removing Stains and Odors

If you have young kids or a puppy or kitten that’s still getting potty trained, pee on the mattress is probably a mess you have to deal with quite frequently. And once it happens, you’ve got two problems: the wet patch now and the smell that can stick around later.

That’s why knowing how to wash pee out of a mattress is so important. This Mozi Wash guide walks you through exactly how you can wash pee out of the mattress without damaging it. 

Dealing with fresh vs. dried pee on a mattress

How you wash pee out of a mattress (and how easy it is to get rid of) depends on whether the pee is fresh or older. Generally, fresh pee is easier to remove because it hasn’t had time to soak into the mattress. 

Here’s how your approach to cleaning will defer with fresh and dried pee:

How to wash pee out of a mattress: A step-by-step guide

Firstly, you’re not really going to wash the mattress. What you will do is clean the affected area without leaving the insides of the mattress unnecessarily wet. 

Follow these steps on how to wash pee out of a mattress:

Step 1: Strip the bed

Get the bedsheets, blankets, and mattress protector off right away and toss them into the laundry. 

Step 2: Blot the pee

Press clean towels or paper towels firmly into the wet area. Switch to a dry section as it absorbs the urine and continue until you’ve removed as much moisture as possible. Remember, you have to blot, not rub.

Step 3: Mix your cleaning solution

Next, make your cleaning solution. Mix:

• 1 part cold water

• 1 part distilled white vinegar

• 1-2 tablespoons of laundry detergent

Put the mixture into a spray bottle.

Step 4: Treat the area

Apply this solution all over the pee area and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Then use fresh towels to blot again.

Step 5: Add baking soda

Cover the treated area with a generous layer of baking soda. Since baking soda is alkaline, it can neutralize the uric acid in urine and prevent lingering odors. Plus, it can draw moisture out of the mattress.

But to use it properly, remember to use a generous amount and leave it for at least eight hours.

Step 6: Vacuum the area

Vacuum up the baking soda once the area is dry. Still seeing or smelling evidence of last night’s accident? Repeat the treatment rather than immediately reaching for something harsher. 

Now, if you’re figuring out how to wash pee out of a memory foam mattress, be especially careful with liquid. Foam absorbs moisture quickly and can hold onto urine smells, so follow the mattress maker’s instructions and avoid unnecessary saturation. 

How to get pee smell out of a mattress

Sometimes you don't know there’s been an accident until you change the sheets. By then, you may be looking at a dried yellow stain rather than a wet patch. In these situations, you might be wondering how to get pee smell out of the mattress. 

Don’t worry. Just use any of the following deep cleaning methods to get rid of older pee stains and smell from your mattress:

Method 1: DIY smell-fighting solution

Make your own DIY cleaning solution by mixing:

• 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide

• 3 tablespoons of baking soda

• A few drops of a concentrated laundry detergent with enzymes like Mozi Wash

Spray on the area, leave it on for 8 hours, and then vacuum. Repeat again if stains are still visible. In case stains fade but the smell remains, mix vinegar with baking soda and apply to the area.

Note: Hydrogen peroxide is pretty strong. It kills odor-causing bacteria and breaks down the proteins in urine. However, it can also bleach some fabrics and might not be suitable for foam and latex mattresses. Always patch-test on a small area before you apply it to the mattress.

Method 2: Enzyme cleaner

‘How to get dog pee out of my mattress’ or ‘How can I get cat pee out of a mattress’ are common queries for all new pet parents. The solution is pretty simple: a pet-specific enzyme cleaner.

Pet urine is more concentrated than human urine, which is why the smell can be particularly stubborn. Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down the odor-causing components in the urine, rather than simply covering the smell.

Getting rid of that odor matters because if your pet can still smell their urine, they may return and pee in the same spot again. So if you have pets, keep a pet-specific enzyme cleaner at home and apply it on the mattress following the cleaner’s directions.

Best cleaning methods for pee removal from a mattress

Here’s a simple how to wash pee out of a mattress sheet cheat you can refer to decide on the best cleaning method:

Always check the care label of the mattress before you apply anything. 

Freshen up your mattress with Mozi Wash

When there’s pee on the mattress, chances are the sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, and blankets have also caught some of it. And once that pee smell gets into your bedding, you want it properly washed out — not covered up.

Mozi Wash laundry detergent helps with the post-accident laundry because its:

• Plant-based enzymes help break down urine residue left on washable bedding.

• Concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, even with a pile of sheets and blankets to get through.

• Luxury-inspired fragrances stick around after the wash, so your bedding smells fresh for longer without a separate fabric conditioner.

Conclusion

When understanding how to wash pee out of a mattress, one cardinal principal is acting quickly and resisting the urge to scrub or soak the area. Instead, you should:

• Blot the area (in case of a fresh accident)

• Treat the area with a cleaning solution of vinegar, detergent, and cold water

• Sprinkle baking powder, let it dry, and then vacuum

In case of lingering smells, use a Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda solution. For pets, always use an enzyme cleaner to avoid future accidents in the same spot. Most importantly, always check what’s allowed for your mattress first, especially if you have a memory foam or latex one.

How to wash pee out of mattress FAQs

1. Can I get the pee smell out of the mattress completely?

In many cases, yes. Baking soda and vinegar-based treatments can help with urine odors, while pet-specific enzyme cleaners are useful for dog and cat pee. Older accidents may need repeated treatment. 

2. How to get dog pee out of mattress?

Blot the pee if it is fresh. Then use an enzyme cleaner that’s made to tackle dog pee. It helps break down the odor-causing components left behind by pet urine. 

3. Can I use steam to clean pee out of a mattress?

It’s better to follow your mattress manufacturer’s cleaning instructions rather than automatically steam cleaning it. Mattresses can be difficult to dry internally, and excess moisture can be particularly problematic for foam.

4. Can I use fabric softeners to remove the pee smell from the mattress?

No. Fabric softener may add fragrance, but it isn't a urine-removal treatment. Deal with the source of the odor using an appropriate cleaning method rather than trying to cover the smell. 

5. How to wash pee out of a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam holds onto moisture, so avoid soaking it. Blot up fresh pee first, then lightly treat the area with a mattress-safe cleaning solution. Blot again, add baking soda to help absorb moisture and odor, then vacuum once dry. Give the mattress plenty of airflow and make sure the foam is completely dry before putting the bedding back on.