How to Clean a Mattress with Urine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accidents happen—whether it’s a child, pet, or even an unfortunate spill. But when it comes to cleaning urine out of a mattress, time is of the essence.
Don’t worry; with the right tools and techniques, you can get your mattress fresh and clean again.
Here are the steps you need to take to remove urine from a mattress and prevent any lingering odors.
Step 1: Blot the Area (Act Fast)

The moment you notice the accident, grab some paper towels or a clean cloth and start blotting the area. Your goal here is to soak up as much urine as possible before it penetrates deeper into the mattress. Don’t rub—that’ll just push the liquid further into the material. Press down gently but firmly to absorb as much moisture as you can.
If the urine has already dried, don’t panic. You can still treat the area effectively—it’ll just take a bit more effort to lift the stain and odor.
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Start Training Today! 🐾Step 2: Use a Vinegar Solution
Once you’ve blotted up the excess liquid, it’s time to tackle the stain and smell. A white vinegar solution is one of the best tools for the job. Vinegar helps neutralize the odor and break down the urine. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the affected area generously, but don’t oversaturate the mattress. You want the solution to work on the stain without making the mattress overly wet.

Let the vinegar solution sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives it time to break down the urine and neutralize the odor.
Step 3: Blot Again (Yes, More Blotting)
After the vinegar has had time to work, grab a fresh cloth and blot the area again. The goal is to remove as much of the vinegar solution (and any remaining urine) as possible. Just like before, press down firmly but avoid rubbing.
You’re not trying to dry the mattress completely just yet—that comes later. Right now, you’re simply absorbing the excess liquid.
Step 4: Apply Baking Soda (The Secret Weapon)

Next up: baking soda. This is where the magic happens. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works wonders at absorbing any remaining moisture and smells. Generously sprinkle baking soda over the treated area, ensuring it covers the entire spot.
Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours. If you can, leave it on overnight. The longer it sits, the better it will absorb odors and dry out the mattress.
Step 5: Vacuum It Up
Once the baking soda has had time to do its thing, it’s time to vacuum it up. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly remove all the baking soda from the mattress. Go over the area a few times to ensure no powder is left behind.
Step 6: Air It Out
Even though you’ve vacuumed up the baking soda, it’s a good idea to let your mattress air out for a while. Open windows or use a fan to help speed up the drying process. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before putting your sheets back on to avoid any lingering moisture, which can lead to mildew.

Step 7: Optional Step—Enzymatic Cleaner
If you’ve followed the steps above and the smell is still hanging around, it might be time to bring in the big guns: an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners are specially designed to break down the proteins in urine, which is what causes the smell to linger. Spray the enzymatic cleaner over the area, let it sit for the recommended amount of time, and then blot it up as you did with the vinegar solution.
FAQs
Q: How soon should I clean urine off the mattress?
A: The sooner, the better. Urine can seep into the mattress fibers quickly, so acting fast will prevent deeper stains and odors from setting in.
Q: Can I use regular soap and water?
A: Soap and water might clean the surface, but they won’t eliminate the odor deep within the mattress. Vinegar or an enzymatic cleaner is much more effective at neutralizing urine smells.
Q: What if the urine has already dried?
A: You can still follow the steps using vinegar, baking soda, and an enzymatic cleaner to lift dried urine and remove the odor. It might take a little more effort, but it works.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning urine from a mattress doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By acting fast and using the right combination of vinegar, baking soda, and enzymatic cleaner, you can remove stains and smells effectively. Regular maintenance and fast responses will keep your mattress fresh and clean, even when accidents happen.

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉