What is the best way to clean urine out of a mattress?

We all know how bad it feels to find out that someone has had an accident on a mattress. Whether it was an unpleasant surprise from sleeping with your dog or an accident from your child, you’re now picturing chemical fumes, hours of scrubbing, and weeks of “Do you smell that?” as you fight the smell of that pesky pee stain.

So, how do you get urine out of a mattress, and can you get stains out of your sheets and mattress? We’re here to tell you that getting urine out of a mattress doesn’t have to be hard, expensive, or complicated.

When you have kids in the house, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll have to deal with someone wetting the bed at some point. It’s a normal part of growing up, and it can even happen to adults. Having to deal with it isn’t fun, but removing urine from a mattress can be pretty easy if you act quickly and handle the situation with care and common sense. Why acting fast matters Stains get worse the longer they have time to sit, so clean stains as soon as you can. You may not always be able to tackle the mess the second it happens—especially in the middle of the night—but the sooner you do, the better your chances of preventing stains from setting in and odors from lingering. A little urgency now can save you a lot of scrubbing and sniff-testing later.

Animal and human urine are both made up of crystals of uric acid, so it is best to use an enzyme-based cleaning solution to remove the acid, smell, and bacteria from mattress fabric and bedding. 

You may also like to read: How to remove old pet stains from my carpet and rugs?

There are also a lot of products made just for getting rid of pet urine stains, but many of them can also be used to clean up human accidents. Make sure to read the label and follow the directions on the product you choose to make sure you use it safely and well. Always try out a cleaning product on a small area before using it everywhere.

In fact, the best way is only few steps long and uses things you probably already have at home. You’ll be back in bed and sleeping soundly in no time.

You might even still have the cabinet full of half-used products you tried last time but didn’t work, and you don’t want to try again.

We’ll explain how to get rid of fresh urine from a mattress, as well as how to get rid of pee stains and neutralise urine smells.

How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress?

This part is for you if you see the accident right away. If the urine has already dried and left stains, go to the next section.

• As soon as possible, take everything off the bed and put it in the washer and blot the affected area.
• Get things together like stain remover.
• White vinegar, baking soda, water, a spray bottle, a vacuum, and some cleaning towels will be needed to remove urine stains.
• Using a cleaning towel or paper towels, gently blot the wet stained areas to soak up as much liquid as possible. Do not rub or scrub the mattress, as this could push the urine deeper into the bed.
• Make a spray bottle of a mixture of half water and half distilled vinegar.
• Spray your vinegar solution on the area that is hurt.
• Again, use towels to soak up any extra water.
• Spread a thick layer of baking soda over the area.
• Give the baking soda as much time as possible to sit on the mattress. At least eight hours, we say.
• Remove the baking soda with a vacuum and check the mattress for urine stains and smells.
• If you need to, repeat steps 5–9 until the smell and stains are gone for good. Sometimes, stubborn stains or lingering odors might need a few extra rounds of cleaning. Don’t be discouraged if you have to go through the process more than once—deep or old stains can take multiple treatments to fully disappear. Just keep blotting, spraying, and letting the baking soda work its magic until your mattress looks and smells fresh again.
• Most of the time, this process will get rid of the urine smell and keep stains from becoming permanent. Make sure to use a lot of baking soda and give it enough time to absorb all the extra water.

How to Clean a Mattress from Urine Stains?

If the stains are already set when you start cleaning, you may need to use a stronger cleaner. You’ll need baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap for this.

• Mix 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 2 to 4 drops of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to make a solution.
• Using a spray bottle, put a lot of the solution on any spots that are stained and let it soak in.
• Let the mixture dry out. After a few hours, a layer of hard baking soda residue will form.
• Take the baking soda off and look to see if the stain is still there.

As often as you need.

In this method, you use a stronger cleaning solution that you let soak into the stain for a long time. As the solution dries out and the peroxide evaporates, the baking soda pulls the urine up with it. This makes both stains and smells go away.

Keep in mind that peroxide can bleach some materials, so you might want to test it on a small, unnoticeable spot before using it on bigger stains. Peroxide can also damage or change the colour of some things, like memory foam. Use it sparingly, and move any colored bedding out of the area so it doesn’t get bleached.

How to Remove the Urine Smell from a Mattress?

There are a few things you can try if your mattress still smells like urine after you’ve cleaned it.

As we explain in our guide to cleaning mattresses, all you need to do is spread baking soda over the mattress. Baking soda is unique because it gets rid of odors instead of just covering them up. The basic pH of baking soda helps to get rid of the smell of urine, which is usually acidic, and its ability to soak up liquid helps to get rid of any remaining moisture.

Spread a thin layer of baking soda over the whole surface of your mattress to get rid of urine smells the best. You can use a slightly thicker layer of baking soda in an area with a stronger smell. Let the baking soda sit out for 5 to 10 hours or more, uncovered, and then vacuum it. As often as you need to.

As we talked about above, you could also use a vinegar solution. Use an equal amount of cold water and white vinegar that has been distilled. You could also add a few drops of an essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus, to help mask any bad smells. Use a spray bottle to put it on your mattress, and then let it dry completely on its own. Then, use baking soda to get rid of any remaining moisture and to get rid of the strong vinegar smell from the cleaning solution.

Remember that pet stains might need a stronger cleaning solution with enzymes that get rid of lingering smells. This will make it less likely for pets to mark their territory again. There are enzyme cleaners in many pet stores.

What is an enzyme cleaner—and why should you use one for pet accidents?

When it comes to pet urine, regular cleaning methods sometimes aren’t enough. That’s where enzyme cleaners come in. These special solutions are designed to target stubborn stains and odors, breaking down the molecules in pet urine that cause lingering smells. Unlike traditional cleaners, enzyme solutions literally “eat away” at the proteins and acids that make up pet urine, neutralizing both the stain and the odor at the source.

One of the biggest perks of enzyme cleaners is that they don’t just mask odors—they remove them entirely, making it much less likely that your pet will revisit and mark the same spot again. Most of these cleaners are safe for your pets and the environment, as they’re typically non-toxic and biodegradable.

You’ll find a range of enzyme cleaners at pet supply shops, supermarkets, or online—brands like Nature’s Miracle and Rocco & Roxie are popular choices for tackling pet urine. For best results, always follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label and make sure the solution is safe for the type of mattress or upholstery you have.

If you’re dealing with a stubborn or especially pungent problem, combining enzyme cleaners with the baking soda and vinegar methods above can deliver even better results.

What about getting stains and smells of pet urine out of your mattress?

We all love our pets, and many of us let them sleep in our beds. This can lead to accidents that need to be dealt with a little differently than accidents with people. If you come home and one of your furry family members has made a mess, don’t worry. You’ll need to put together a kit like the ones shown above. 

Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid detergent can all help get rid of the stronger urine smells that your pets, especially cats, can leave behind. If you want to know how to get cat pee stains out of a mattress or how to get dog pee out of a mattress, the process is pretty much the same, but you need to soak the urine out of your mattress first.

For accidents caused by pets, however, there’s an important twist: pet urine is usually more concentrated and has a much stronger odor than human urine, making it trickier to remove completely. If any scent remains, your furry friend may return to the scene of the crime and mark the spot again. That’s why it’s best to use a pet-specific enzyme cleaner when dealing with pet messes. These enzyme cleaners are specially formulated to break down the odor-causing components in pet urine. Most are non-toxic and biodegradable, and some even include essential oils that help deter pets from marking the same area in the future.

To use an enzyme cleaner, generously spray the affected area and let it soak in according to the product’s directions—usually at least 10–15 minutes. Blot (don’t rub!) with a clean towel, then allow the mattress to air dry fully. Afterward, you can follow up with baking soda to absorb any lingering moisture or odor.

If you don’t have an enzyme cleaner handy, a homemade solution can help in a pinch, but keep in mind that the strong smell of vinegar might encourage some pets—especially cats—to mark the area again. For best results, enzyme cleaners are your secret weapon for tackling persistent pet stains and odors.

You may also like to read: How to clean stains on a mattress?

If the accident just happened, sprinkle baking soda on the spot to help the urine come out. The colour of the baking soda should change over time. You can keep pulling the moisture out of your mattress by vacuuming the baking soda off and sprinkling more on. Keep doing this until the baking soda is still white. Once the baking soda has done its job, or if the stain has already dried, follow the steps in How to Get Dried Pee Out of a Mattress for the strongest treatment.

What Should You Do if a Pet Keeps Peeing on the Bed?

If your furry companion seems to have made your bed their favorite bathroom spot, don’t lose hope (or your sense of humor). The trick is to remove both the stain and the smell so they aren’t tempted to return—and to make your bed less appealing for future mishaps.

Here’s what works best:

• Deep clean with an enzyme cleaner: Regular cleaning solutions might mask odors for you, but not for your pet’s super-powered nose. Enzyme cleaners, like Nature’s Miracle or Simple Solution, are specifically designed to break down the proteins in pet urine that can linger and encourage repeat accidents. Just follow the directions on the bottle and let the cleaner work its magic.
• Limit bedroom access: If your pet is making a habit of it, you may need to set some boundaries. Keep pets out of the bedroom—at least until you’re sure the scent is gone—so they don’t get any ideas about marking the same spot twice.
• Wash all bedding thoroughly: Strip everything—sheets, mattress protector, pillowcases. Wash with an enzyme-based laundry detergent if possible. The cleaner you get the entire area, the less likely they’ll return for an encore.
• Refresh your mattress protector: If the problem keeps happening, consider upgrading to a waterproof mattress protector. This makes clean-up a breeze and can save your mattress from future mishaps.
• Consult a vet or trainer if needed: Sometimes repeated indoor accidents are about more than just cleaning—they could signal a health issue, anxiety, or a behavioral habit that needs a little extra help.

Taking care of accidents swiftly and thoroughly will help break the cycle. With a bit of patience (and maybe a few treats for good behavior), your bed can get back to being your haven—no pet pit stops allowed!

How to Stop Future Stains and Smells?

The best way to keep your mattress from getting stains and smells is to make sure it’s well-protected. We suggest that you use a good mattress protector, preferably one that is completely waterproof.

If you wash your sheets and other bedding often, it can also help keep your mattress from getting smelly. About once a week, you should wash your sheets and pillowcases.