How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress: Stain and Smell Removal Steps

To get urine stains and smell out of a mattress, strip the bed, blot up as much liquid as possible with dry towels, then saturate the spot with an enzyme cleaner made for urine and let it work for the time on the label. Blot again, sprinkle baking soda once the area is only slightly damp, and let the mattress dry completely, which usually takes 8 to 24 hours. Old or repeated accidents may need two or three rounds of enzyme cleaner before the odor is gone.

Speed matters most. Fresh urine sits mostly in the top layers of fabric and foam, while urine left for days soaks deeper and dries into crystals that release odor every time they get damp or warm.

What should you do first when urine hits a mattress?

Pull off all bedding right away and get it into the wash, then press dry towels onto the wet area to soak up liquid. Press straight down and switch to a dry section of towel as each one fills.

• Do not rub. Rubbing spreads urine sideways and pushes it deeper into the foam.
• Do not pour water on the spot to dilute it. Extra water carries urine further into the mattress and slows drying.
• Stand or kneel on a folded towel over the spot for a minute if the mattress is thick. Gentle, even pressure pulls up more liquid.
• Check the mattress label or the manufacturer’s care page before using any cleaner, especially on memory foam, latex or mattresses with a pillow top.

Why does an enzyme cleaner work better than soap?

An enzyme cleaner breaks down the uric acid and proteins in urine, which are the source of the lingering smell, while ordinary soap and water lift some of the stain but leave much of that residue behind. Look for a product labeled for urine on soft surfaces and follow its directions closely.

1. Spray or pour enough cleaner to reach as deep as the urine went. A few light sprays only treat the surface.
2. Leave it for the full contact time on the label. Some products ask for 10 to 15 minutes, others longer.
3. Blot with clean, dry towels.
4. Repeat if the smell is still there once the spot has dried.

Use one product at a time. If you want to switch to a different cleaner, rinse the spot lightly with a damp cloth, blot it and let it dry first. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar or any other cleaner: urine itself contains ammonia compounds, so bleach is a poor choice on a urine stain in any case.

How do you get an old, dried urine stain out of a mattress?

A dried stain needs to be rehydrated so the cleaner can reach the residue, so lightly mist the area with plain water, then apply enzyme cleaner generously and give it the longest contact time the label allows. Yellow rings from old stains often fade over several treatments and may not disappear entirely.

• For a remaining yellow mark on a white or light mattress cover, 3% hydrogen peroxide dabbed onto the stain can lighten it. Test a hidden area first, because peroxide can bleach colored fabric. Use it on its own, not combined with other cleaners.
• Work from the outside of the stain toward the center so the ring does not grow.
• Expect the smell to come back briefly when the spot gets humid. That means residue is left, and another round is needed.

The same approach works for carpet padding, covered in our guide to removing old urine smell from carpet and padding.

How do you dry a mattress after cleaning it?

Dry the mattress with as much airflow as you can manage, because moisture trapped in foam can lead to mildew and a musty smell on top of the urine odor. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the area once it is no longer wet to the touch, let it sit for several hours or overnight, and vacuum it up with an upholstery attachment.

• Point a fan at the spot and open windows, or run a dehumidifier in the room.
• Stand the mattress on its side if you can, so air reaches both faces.
• Sunlight helps dry and freshen a mattress cover, but keep foam out of strong direct sun for long periods.
• Do not use a hair dryer on high heat close to the surface. Heat can damage foam and set the stain.
• Make the bed again only when the spot is completely dry, deep inside as well as on top.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises drying damp materials quickly to prevent mold growth, and that applies to soaked bedding and mattresses.

What mistakes make urine smell worse?

Heat, scrubbing and perfume are the most common mistakes. Steam cleaners and hot water can bond urine proteins to fibers, so stick with room-temperature products. Air fresheners and scented sprays hide the smell for a few hours without removing the cause.

• Leaving the mattress damp under a sheet traps moisture and odor.
• Treating only the surface leaves urine in the foam underneath.
• Using too much dish soap leaves a sticky residue that attracts dirt.

Vomit and other protein stains follow similar rules; see how to clean vomit from carpet, mattresses and car seats.

How can you protect a mattress from future accidents?

A waterproof mattress protector is the simplest protection: it zips or fits over the mattress and keeps liquid out of the foam, and it goes in the washing machine. For children who are potty training, older people with incontinence, or pets that sleep on the bed, a second protector lets you change the bed quickly at night.

• Layer a washable absorbent pad over the protector for extra capacity.
• Keep enzyme cleaner and spare towels near the bedroom.
• Wash protectors according to their label. High heat can damage some waterproof backings.

If a pet suddenly starts urinating on the bed, a vet visit is worth booking, since the cause can be medical.

Quick answers

Can baking soda alone remove urine smell from a mattress?

Baking soda absorbs some odor and moisture, but it does not break down uric acid. It works best as the last step after an enzyme cleaner.

Is vinegar safe on a mattress?

White vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water is a common mild option for fresh spots. Use it on its own, never with bleach, and let the mattress dry fully before applying anything else.

When should you replace a urine-soaked mattress?

Replace it if the smell returns after several full treatments, if mold or mildew appears, or if urine has soaked through to the base. Very old or repeated stains in thick foam are often impossible to remove completely.

What if someone swallows or splashes a cleaning product?

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the US, or emergency services for serious symptoms. Keep all cleaners away from children and pets and ventilate the room while you work.