You probably have experienced the dread of discovering a mess on a bed. Whether it’s a pet pee surprise or a child’s mishap, it is always disgusting. Fighting off the lingering odour of a pee stain conjures images of chemical fumes, cleaning for hours, and weeks of bad smell.
Fortunately, there are different ways of eliminating pee stains from a bed; it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly.
The most effective technique requires no more than six simple actions and everyday household items to have you sleeping soundly again in a short while.
You may even dread starting again since you still have a cabinet full of half-used goods you tried the last time.
Protect your mattress against dust, spills, and everyday tear and wear to keep it looking and feeling new for as long as possible. The resilient waterproof layer ensures that your mattress remains dry and clean regardless of how filthy life gets
This post has included the standard procedure for eliminating recent urine from a mattress and some specialised methods for removing urine odour and eliminating pee stains.
Removing Pee from a Mattress
These six simple steps outline the easiest, most effective way to clean urine from a mattress. You’ll want to have the fundamentals down before going on to the somewhat different and building-on-this technique of removing dried pee.
Method 1
What you’ll require:
- Vacuum
- Cold water
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Clean towels
- Laundry detergent
There are just six simple procedures to follow to remove urine from a mattress:
1. Remove Your Mattress
Immediately remove your mattress cover and place your bedding in the washing machine. Wash your comforters as soon as possible to prevent urine stains from setting in.
If, after washing your bedding, you notice that the pee stain or odour persists, try adding white vinegar (one cup) to the wash cycle.
2. Blot the Area
Use a dry cloth to dab the stained area to remove as much liquid as possible. Scrubbing the region won’t help; it will just work to work the liquid into the mattress’s fabric.
3. Sprinkle the Vinegar Solution on the Affected Areas
Combine one part white vinegar, two parts cold water, and a little quantity of laundry detergent, around a few teaspoons for a regular spray bottle and more if your container is more significant, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Douse the discolouration with water; don’t be shy about soaking it thoroughly.
4. Soak the Vinegar Solution
The mattress should rest in the solution for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Use a fresh, clean cloth to blot up the surplus moisture.
5. Cover the Treated Area with Baking Soda
Spread baking soda on the stained area and let it alone for 8-10 hours. Lock the door to prevent dogs and youngsters from messing with the baking soda.
6. Vacuum out the Dry Baking Soda
Vacuum the mattress of the dry baking soda using a hose attachment. The powder should be dehydrated before using the vacuum; otherwise, you might risk harming it. A wet or dry vacuum may also pick up the damp powder.
Check the mattress once you’ve finished cleaning it. To remove any leftover scents or stains, you may need to repeat steps three through six.
Method 2
Plan to treat as soon as possible. People who have tried and failed to remove dried urine from a mattress can try again.
Materials Required:
- Towels
- Cold water
- Plastic wrap
- White vinegar
- Laundry detergent
How to get rid of pee stains from a mattress with everyday items:
1. Soak the Stain in Vinegar Solution
As in the previous example, cover the stain with cold water, vinegar, and laundry detergent. Soak the mattress until the colour is as deep as before applying the solution.
2. Use plastic Wrap to Cover the Affected Area
Do not try to soak up the liquid by blotting, rubbing, or any other means. Instead, wrap the damp area using plastic and let it alone for at least two days. The solution won’t evaporate as quickly and will stay on the stain longer.
3. Air Dry the Bed
Once you remove the plastic wrapper, put the mattress where it may air dry. If you want to ensure the cloth is completely dry, let it air out for at least one night.
4. Repeat the Whole Process
If, after one treatment, the bed is still stained, don’t worry about it; it’s not unusual for stubborn stains to take many applications of cleaning products before removing them.
5. Use clean Water to Spot
Check the treated areas with vinegar to see if any residue has dried up from the vinegar solution after you have done cleaning and decided that you do not need to repeat the procedure. Apply water to any dirty areas, then pat dry with paper towels.
Method 3
It’s not hard to get rid of urine stains, but the unpleasant odour might persist for weeks, even after cleaning the mattress.
Materials Required:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
Baking soda’s alkaline pH may neutralise the odour rather than covering it up. Try this simple two-ingredient approach to get rid of the smell of urine:
1. Add Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent technique to mask any lingering odours so you don’t wake up with your nose scrunched.
If you want to eliminate urine odours from your mattress, sprinkle baking soda on the whole surface, paying particular attention to the discoloured region.
2. Let It Absorb
The baking soda needs at least five to ten hours to do its job, so you may have to spend the night in a recliner. Allow the baking soda on all night, and the situation will be re-evaluated by the following day.
3. Vacuum the Bed
After leaving the baking soda overnight, vacuum it up. (The ideal tool is an upholstery attachment or handheld vacuum or). Vacuuming the baking soda can eliminate lousy adour but won’t erase stains. Do it again.
How to Get Pets’ Pee Off of Your Mattress
Because animal pee is composed of various substances and is often more concentrated than human urine, it may have a more pungent odour.
Removing all traces of pet pee is even more critical since some pets prefer to revisit previously defined territory.
Materials Required:
- Vacuum
- Essential oil
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Enzyme cleaner
Mattresses may be cleaned of pet urine using the technique described above.
1. Pour Baking Soda on the Stain (Directly)
You should add baking powder straight to the urine stain rather than wiping it off with a cloth first. Because it darkens as it absorbs moisture, baking soda should work to remove pee stains from mattresses.
2. Vacuum Powder, then Repeat
Remove the used baking soda and refill it with new powder to keep the area free of urine. Keep washing till the baking soda doesn’t turn yellow.
3. Clean Bed as Usual
After you’ve extracted as much of the urine as possible, wash the mattress as if it is with human urine. It may take more than one attempt to remove the discolouration entirely.
Step 4: Use Strong Enzyme Cleaner For Stronger Odors
In addition to being more excellent in concentration than human pee, animal urine also includes additional constituents such as ammonia, fatty acids, and carbohydrates in cats and dogs.
Enzymes, natural catalysts that speed up chemical processes, may be found in certain cleaners and aid in breaking down the more complex substances.
If you want to get rid of pet stains, you need to get a strong enzyme cleaner made for it, and before you use it, you should read the label to ensure it is safe.
Enzyme cleaners are readily available at most pet shops and on the web.
5. Avoid Chemical Products or Toxic
You shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or any other typical home cleaner that doesn’t have a label as non-hazardous to humans and animals, and the same goes for any enzyme cleansers you discover.
6. Watch out For Accidents with Repellents
Your cat may be able to detect the chemical imprint of the pee even after you have thoroughly cleansed the mattress.
Many animals may urinate in the same spot again, so applying a safe repellent for pets is essential.
Making a natural pet repellent is easy and cheap; only 1.5 cups of water (cold), two spoons of white vinegar, and roughly 25 drops of potent citrus-scented essential oil.
A mattress cover may shield your bed from spills in the future and protect it from dander, dust, and other allergens.
You should get your dog a dog bed if you’re worried about accidents on your mattress. A dog bed with a detachable cover is convenient since it lets you easily clean the mattress and return to sleep without disturbing your pet.
Why Does Urine Smell Anyway?
The chemical components in urine give it its characteristic odour. Urea is a significant component in the unpleasant smell. Urea is a byproduct of protein breakdown in the human body.
Urine releases ammonia when exposed to air because environmental microorganisms degrade urea. The ammonia in urine is responsible for its characteristically acrid odour.
Sulphur-containing molecules and other chemicals may also have a role in the odour. Factors such as hydration, food, and general health affect the concentration and severity of the smell.
Pets have smaller bladders and may not pee as regularly as people; thus, their urine tends to be more concentrated. More pungent odours may come from the increased concentration of waste chemicals like urea and ammonia.
In addition, the chemical makeup of a pet’s urine might be rather distinctive. Due to their higher testosterone levels, unneutered male cats, in particular, may have a more pungent pee odour.
Mattress Protector
A mattress protector may prevent urine from penetrating the mattress by acting as a waterproof barrier. Most mattress protectors are waterproof, preventing liquids like water from seeping through.
A mattress protector prevents urine from soaking through to the mattress when exposed to pee. The urine will not soak into the mattress cover but stay on the surface where you can clean it.
Different characteristics on specific mattress covers, such as absorbent layers or antibacterial capabilities, may provide even more safety against pee and other fluids. This prevents costly water damage and the hassle of drying up a soggy mattress.
Protecting your mattress with a waterproof cover is an easy and efficient way to prevent urine and other liquid spills from shortening its lifespan and contaminating its cleanliness and hygiene.
Other Cleaning Guides for Mattresses and Bedding
One of the most important things you can do to guarantee a restful night’s sleep is to keep your bed clean.
How To Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
Since we spend an average of seven to eight hours in bed each day, much of our sweat, dead skin, and oil from our bodies end up on mattress toppers. Dust mites, germs, fungus, and other allergies may thrive in a person’s bed due to dead skin cells and bodily fluids.
Dust mites flourish in the warm, humid environment of a bed, where they may feast on your dead skin cells. Allergic reactions include sneezing, coughing, running nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, wheezing, and hives. Extra padding on the mattress might assist.
Clean your new mattress topper often to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. This post will follow some basic guidelines for maintaining your topper’s cleanliness and longevity.
Steps to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
While you may launder individual pieces of bedding, like sheets and pillowcases, you cannot clean a mattress topper in the washing machine in this manner.
Washing machines tear or degrade memory foam. Not all mattress toppers are of fabric, but if yours is, you can put the cover in the washing machine to clean it.
For instance, getting a cover for an egg crate mattress topper is uncommon.
Various methods for cleaning mattress toppers exist, depending on your specific requirements. The following procedures may be used alone or in combination, as appropriate.
a). Vacuum Clean
If you want to vacuum your mattress topper, you should first take it off your bed and put it on the floor—Setopper’s crevices on a firm, flat surface like the floor to access it.
Wh to access iten vacuuming a mattress topper, it is essential to use a soft brush attachment to not rip or tear the topper’s fabric cover.
Gently wipe the top with a damp cloth, using circular movements to remove dust and filth. You can clean your mattress toppers using a powerful handheld or water-based vacuum cleaner.
When you clean one side, turn it over and do the same on the other.
Make sure your mattress topper is dry before placing it back on the bed using a water-based vacuum cleaner. Depending on how thick you make the topping, drying time can range from 10-24 hours. The typical thickness of a mattress topper is between 2 and 4 inches.
Vacuuming your mattress topper once weekly or whenever you change your sheets is essential to routine maintenance. If you clean often, you won’t have to worry about dust and dirt building up.
b). Spot Clean Stains
It’s not uncommon for memory foam mattress toppers to become stained. Stains on a mattress topper might result from sweat and oil from the body, or they can result from an accident. Colours must be removed immediately upon discovery to prevent them from settling.
If you want to remove the stains, use a clean, light-coloured cloth since deeper colours can run if you use the cleaning solution. Experts suggest checking the care label on your mattress topper before using anything since basic guidelines exist for removing stains.
You shouldn’t spray or saturate a foam topper with liquid cleansers. Some people use a clean cloth or tiny towel to wipe and dab at the stain instead. On the other hand, for stubborn stains, let a little cleaning soak for a while.
If you decide to do this, wait until the mattress topper is completely dry before remaking the bed. To remove any remaining moisture, add sprinkle baking soda across the surface.
c) Laundry Detergent
You can clean mattress toppers using water and a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent. Do not use powdered or low-quality detergents, as they may discolour or alter the feel of the cloth cover.
In a bowl, combine detergent and water in a 1:1 ratio. Use a clean, soft cloth dipped in the solution to gently scrub the stain. Give it a break for half an hour.
Remove the solution with a new, moist towel. Carefully repeat the process of rubbing the damp cloth over the stain to remove all traces of the detergent from the mattress pad. Blot the spot with a clean, dry towel.
Laundry detergent can deodorise and clean a mattress after vacuuming, even if the topper has no stains. Combine three parts of warm water in a spray bottle with one piece of detergent.
Spray gently over the top of the mattress, and move the bottle around. Too much water may damage memory foam and take longer to dry. Let the mattress pad dry thoroughly before using it.
d) Dish Soap
Dish soap isn’t only for washing dishes. Dish soap may be used as a substitute for liquid laundry detergent if you find yourself in need.
Combine one teaspoon of dish detergent and one cup of water. Be cautious to keep the mattress manageable by spraying on too much of this combination. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a wet towel.
e) Baking Soda
To erase stains and eliminate odours, use baking soda. One cup of baking soda and two cups of cold water is an effective stain remover. After half an hour, rub this baking soda and milk solution into the discolouration.
A dry towel dampened with clean water may wipe up any remaining baking soda solution. After cleaning, dry the area with a towel or some paper towels. Baking soda may also be sprinkled directly into the stain and then vacuumed away after being let sit for 8 hours or overnight.
To eliminate odours from your mattress topper, just sprinkle baking soda on the whole surface and let it sit for 8 hours or overnight.
Later, vacuum the surface to remove lingering baking soda particles from the pad. In addition to the liquid cleansers we suggest, baking soda is an excellent item for follow-up since its powdered dust readily absorbs any remaining moisture.
f) Distilled White Vinegar
In a dish, combine one part white vinegar with two parts water. To use the solution, soak a clean, soft cloth in it. Apply the solution to the stain by gently rubbing it in a circular motion.
This reduces the likelihood that the stain will spread. Repeat the procedure until the stains are gone.
Once there are no stains, use a towel dampened with clean water to remove the vinegar solution. Use a clean towel or several paper towels to pat the area dry.
g) Boric Acid
The stain may be removed by dampening the area with clean water and applying boric acid. Wipe and dab the stain in circular movements using a sponge or soft cloth.
Scrubbing may make the colour more permanent; avoiding it with a dry, clean cloth is difficult. Vacuum the mattress pad after it has dried.
h) Enzyme Cleaner
You can invest in an enzyme-based cleaning if you have a stain caused by pee or sweat. Enzyme cleansers are often stocked beside the different laundry detergents in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets.
Blot the stain with a cloth sprayed with the enzyme cleanser. This usually allows for a more thorough cleaning with less scrubbing.
i) Hydrogen Peroxide
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean mattress toppers stained by blood or other difficult-to-remove substances. Hydrogen peroxide and water are usually combined at a ratio of 1:1. Use this concoction to blot the stain gently.
It’s important to remember that hydrogen peroxide may eat away at memory foam and other types of foam mattress pads. We only suggest it as a last option when all other cleaning methods have failed.
Using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to destroy mould on a mattress is also feasible. However, only use this method if the mould is superficial. It is impossible to clean a mattress with mould growing inside it.
j) Air Dry
A vital element of caring for your mattress topper is letting it dry thoroughly after every use. You should expect mould and mildew development on the mattress topper if it still has any moisture after you put it back on the bed. Your sleep safety may be compromised by the harm this causes to your mattress topper.
To hasten the drying process, stStorentilation and turn on the fans to hasten the drying process. If you sleep with a fan, direct it toward your mattress topper for maximum comfort. Ceiling fans may be left on continuously.
You may put your mattress pad out in the morning sun for 30 to 40 minutes. To speed up the drying process, prop the topper up on one side or use bed risers to raise it off the ground. Without any further effort on your part, the heat will absorb any extra moisture and neutralise any lingering scents.
Midday sun may be incredibly damaging to memory foam because of its high temperature. Depending on its size, thickness, and the humidity and temperature where you live, it might take several days for the topper to dry completely.
Future Prevention
You may take measures to avoid a similar mess. You can get a cover for your mattress that is silent, soft, and easy on the eyes and nose. You can also get sealed protection for pillows or duvets. Dust mites and other allergies won’t be able to get a foothold.
A mattress covering made of material impervious to water is another option. You may rest assured that your mattress and its warranty will be safe from accidents involving your kids or pets and urine.
If your pet has a habit of peeing on the bed, you should take steps to prevent this from happening again. Because of their acute sense of smell, dogs, in particular, may repeatedly urinate in the exact location.
Check for lingering odours and use commercial dog repellent agents or homemade treatments like cayenne pepper to discourage your dog from using the area as a bathroom. Cayenne pepper is safe for your dogs or other pets. A specific chemical in there irritates their skin just enough to be annoying.
If your drunk pal was responsible, we suggest they slow down and take it easy.
There are several things to remember when cleaning up cat urine or the urine of your four-year-old who had an accident.
Move Quickly
pee, especially animal pee (considerably more concentrated than human urine), can leave an unpleasant stain or odour if allowed to sit for an extended period. That means if you find pee straight soon, you shouldn’t put off dealing with it because you don’t want to. It’s time to start cleaning up.
If the accident occurred while you were away and the stain had time to set in, you must give your mattress extra care and attention when you clean it.
Don’t Use Dangerous Chemicals
Cleaning pee from a mattress should not be attempted with a regular carpet cleaner. You wouldn’t want to sleep on a recently cleaned bed with a product that contained chemicals known to be dangerous to humans and animals. For example, the pungent smell of disinfectants and bleach may be too much for your pet to bear.
Use a Mattress Protector to Prevent Accidents
After you’ve cleaned your mattress, you may want to use a protector to prevent mishaps from happening again.
A protector not only acts as a waterproof barrier to protect your mattress from pee, but it also prevents your mattress from gathering dander, hair, dust, dead skin, oil, and even those pesky bed bug.
Contrary to popular belief, a mattress protector may also help your mattress last longer.
The quality of the foam in your mattress will degrade even if you never spill liquid on it due to natural sweat and body oils.
Putting a waterproof barrier between you and the mattress ensures that it will continue to look and feel ” new” for much longer.
Having a Clean Bed Is Healthy
The finest mattress for restful sleep requires regular maintenance, which includes knowing how to remove pee from a bed.
Knowing how to eliminate stains without damaging or eroding your mattress’s components can also help you prolong the life of your mattress. A fresh-smelling sleep environment is crucial to your comfort.
You may make your mattress and prepare to (finally) get some rest once you’ve cleaned the urine from your bed and given it time to completely dry. Consider purchasing a mattress cover that is waterproof and resistant to spills, dirt, and stains to help stop any more bed-wetting disasters.
FAQs
How long does it take for pee to dry on a mattress?
Handling urine on a mattress right once is crucial since it may dry in as little as two to four hours. The amount of liquid in the well and how deeply it soaks will determine how long it takes for the mattress to dry.
A lesser spill or mishap may dry faster, but a mattress treated adequately with vinegar will take 8-10 hours to dry completely.
Can I use this cleaning method on other stains?
Yes, in a nutshell. Vinegar is an effective all-purpose cleaner that can remove many stains from a mattress.
However, vinegar solutions can only fix some stains; some, like blood and red wine, present unique challenges.
How do you get pee out of a mattress without vinegar?
If you need to remove urine from a mattress but don’t have any vinegar on hand, a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide should do the trick. Experts recommend that you use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid detergent to get the desired results:
- 1 part baking soda
- Five parts hydrogen peroxide
- A dash of liquid detergent
When you have finished mixing the baking soda solution, spray it on the stain and let it alone until it has dried.
What gets rid of the smell of urine?
Cleaning pee stains and odours with a white vinegar solution is effective. Both baking soda and white vinegar effectively eliminate unpleasant odours caused by urine.
Although using something “stronger,” like bleach or a cleaner containing harmful chemicals, is always tempting, you should never use them on your mattress. The toxins that remain after cleaning the cloth can harm your health.
What neutralises urine?
Since urine has a high pH and is naturally acidic, the low pH of baking soda may help mask the odour. You can neutralise urine by applying baking soda to the region and letting it rest for at least five hours, preferably overnight.
How to do you quickly dry urine out of a mattress?
It is best to let urine dry naturally using a vinegar or baking soda solution, but you may hasten the process by opening windows or turning on a fan.
You can use a dry towel to dab at the stain, but it’s essential to be cautious not to rub or risk spreading the urine stain.
How do you dry a mattress after wetting the bed?
When someone has wet the bed, the first step is to wipe the damp area with a dry towel, followed by the application of a solution of vinegar.
It may be tempting to hurry along, but you should give the mattress time to dry out naturally, which may mean finding somewhere else to sleep for the remainder of the night.
