For most people, the thought of finding pee on their mattress is enough to make them queasy. But for those of us who are less squeamish, the question becomes, how do we get rid of it?
There are a few methods you can try, depending on how much pee is on your mattress and how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you’re dealing with a small spot, you can try blotting it with a paper towel or using a carpet

If you have kids, accidents happen. And one of the most common places for accidents is the bed. If your child wets the bed, you’ll need to remove the urine from the mattress as soon as possible to prevent stains and odors.
The longer urine sits on a mattress, the harder it will be to remove. So it’s important to act quickly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove pee from a mattress, step by step. We’ll also give you some tips for preventing accidents in the future.
The best way to remove fresh urine from a mattress
If you have found fresh urine on your mattress, it is important to clean it up as soon as possible. The longer the urine stays on the mattress, the more difficult it will be to remove and the greater the risk of developing a permanent stain.
What will you need
To remove pee from a mattress, you will need the following supplies:
- A clean, dry cloth
- A spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- A commercial stain remover or upholstery cleaner (optional)
- A waterproof mattress pad (optional)
Steps to remove
Here are the steps to remove pee from a mattress:
- Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the urine as possible.
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, and lightly spray the affected area. The vinegar will help to neutralize the odor of the urine.
- Blot the area again with a clean, dry cloth to remove the vinegar solution.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and will help to remove any remaining odors.
- Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible.
- Vacuum up the baking soda using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
- If the urine stain is still visible or the odor persists, you may need to use a commercial stain remover or upholstery cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product for the best results.
- Once the stain and odor are removed, it’s a good idea to protect your mattress with a waterproof mattress pad to help prevent future accidents.
Prevention
Here are a few ways you can prevent pee accidents on your mattress:
- Encourage your child to use the bathroom before bedtime.
- If you have a bedwetting child, consider using a waterproof mattress protector or a disposable bed pad.
- If you have a pet that is prone to accidents, consider using a waterproof mattress protector or training your pet to go outside to do their business.
- If you have a medical condition that causes incontinence, talk to your doctor about treatment options and consider using protective bedding or incontinence products.
- Regularly wash your bedding and mattress protector to keep them fresh and clean.
By following these preventive measures, you can help to protect your mattress and keep it free of urine stains and odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions about removing pee from a mattress:
How do I remove dried urine stains from a mattress?
If the urine stains are dried, you will need to rehydrate the stains before attempting to clean them. To do this, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial enzyme cleaner. Spray the mixture over the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it with a clean, dry cloth. Then follow the steps I previously mentioned to remove the stain and odor.
Can I use bleach to remove urine stains from a mattress?
Bleach is not recommended for removing urine stains from a mattress. It can discolor the fabric and may damage the fibers of the mattress. It is also harsh and can produce harmful fumes when used in a confined space like a bedroom. Instead, you should use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial enzyme cleaner to remove the stain and neutralize the odor.
How do I remove the smell of urine from a mattress?
To remove the smell of urine from a mattress, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar to neutralize the odor. You can also sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming it up. If the odor persists, you can try using a commercial odor eliminator or upholstery cleaner.
How often should I clean my mattress?
It is generally recommended to clean your mattress at least once every six months to a year. This can help to remove dirt, sweat, and other stains and odors that can accumulate over time. You can use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove surface dirt and debris, and spot-clean any stains using a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial cleaner. You should also wash your bedding regularly to keep it fresh and clean.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing pee from a mattress can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. By following the steps I have outlined, you can effectively remove the stain and odors and keep your mattress clean and fresh. Regular cleaning and the use of protective bedding can also help to prevent future accidents and protect your mattress from damage. If you have any further questions about removing pee from a mattress or other cleaning and care issues, don’t hesitate to ask.