How to Get Urine Smell and Stains Out of a Mattress: 100% Work

Key Takeaways 

• Act fast when you see a urine stain. Over 90% of stains can be removed if cleaned within 48 hours. To get urine out of a mattress, press the area with a thick towel to soak up moisture. Don’t rub, or it might spread.
• To clean urine out of a mattress, you don’t need fancy tools. For fresh stains, use white vinegar and baking soda. For old yellow ones, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. To get pee out of a mattress caused by pets, use an enzyme-based cleaner only enzymes break down the urine properly.
• The best way to prevent the need to get urine out of the mattress is to use a waterproof mattress protector. It blocks liquids but stays breathable. If your pet pees often, make a simple repellent spray: water, white vinegar (2 caps), and 10 drops of orange oil. Spray it where your pet usually goes, and take them to the potty regularly.

How to get urine out of a mattress?

We’ve all been there: that moment when you suddenly realize the mattress is wet. Whether it’s a surprise from your dog or your little one had an accident during the night, your mind instantly jumps to the smell of bleach, endless scrubbing, and the paranoia that follows for days: “Wait... do you smell something?”

Dealing with urine stains and smell on a mattress can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: it’s actually easy to get urine out of a mattress.

With the right steps, you can clean urine out of a mattress, get pee out of a mattress quickly, and even get urine smell out of a mattress completely.

If the pee stain is fresh and you catch it early, quick action is key.

First, absorb the moisture right away. Use a dry towel or paper towels to press firmly on the stained area. Do not rub, as that can spread the urine deeper into the mattress. The goal is to soak up as much liquid as possible.

Next, clean the urine out of the mattress with plain water. Take a slightly damp cloth and gently blot the stained spot. This helps dilute any remaining urine. By acting fast, you not only get pee out of a mattress more effectively, but also prevent lingering odors. 

If you're wondering how to get urine smell out of a mattress, follow the steps below. 

Method 1: How to clean fresh urine out of a mattress  

Best for: New or light urine stains with no strong odor  

What you’ll need:

• White vinegar (50 ml)  
• Water (50 ml)
• Dish soap (1 teaspoon, about 5 ml)  
• Baking soda (about 50 g)  
• Spray bottle, damp cloth, dry cloth  

Steps:

1. Mix the solution: Combine white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio (50 ml each) in a spray bottle. Shake well.
2. Spray the stain: Spray directly onto the pee stain until fully soaked. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Vinegar helps kill bacteria and neutralize urine odor.
3. Add dish soap: Drip 1 teaspoon of dish soap onto the center of the stain. Gently rub it in with a damp cloth in circular motions for 2 minutes.
4. Cover with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the damp area. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours to absorb moisture and odor.
5. Clean up: Use a dry cloth to remove all the baking soda. Wipe the surface again with a damp cloth.

This method is an easy and effective way to clean urine out of a mattress and get pee out of a mattress before odors settle in.

Method 2: How to get old urine stains and smell out of a mattress

Best for: Deep-set or dried pee stains, yellow spots, or lingering odors

What you’ll need:  

• 3% hydrogen peroxide (100 ml)  
• Dish soap (1 tablespoon, about 15 ml)  
• Baking soda (1 tablespoon, about 15 g)  
• Sponge, damp cloth, dry cloth  

Steps:

1. Mix the solution: Stir together hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda until fully dissolved.  
2. Apply to the stain: Dip a sponge into the solution and dab gently from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
3. Let it sit: Wait 30 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide will foam and break down the organic compounds in the urine.  
4. Wipe clean: Use a damp cloth to remove all foam and residue. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth.  

This is one of the best ways to get urine smell out of a mattress and remove stubborn old stains completely.

Important Notes When Using Hydrogen Peroxide on a Mattress

• Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent. While a 3% medical-grade solution is relatively mild, it’s still best to wear rubber or latex gloves during use to avoid direct contact with your skin.
• Peroxide also has bleaching properties, which may affect dark or colored mattress fabrics. Before applying it to a visible area, test a small amount of the solution on a hidden corner of the mattress. Let it sit for 10 minutes and check for discoloration.
• If you notice fading or white spots, it’s safer to switch to an enzyme-based cleaner to avoid damaging the mattress surface.

Method 3: How to get pet urine and deep stains out of a mattress

Best for: Urine that has soaked deep into the mattress or repeated accidents that leave strong odors

What you’ll need:

• Enzyme-based cleaner (look for labels like “Enzymatic Cleaner,” “Bio-Enzyme Formula,” or “Contains Natural Enzymes”) . Avoid cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia, as they may react with the urine and make the smell worse.  
• Spray bottle
• Damp cloth and dry cloth

Steps:

1. Choose the right product : Use only enzyme cleaners specifically labeled for pet or baby urine. These contain biological enzymes that break down urine at a molecular level. Recommended brands include BioKleen, Nature's Miracle, and Bubba’s Rowdy Friends.
2. Spray generously: Spray the enzymatic cleaner directly onto the stained area. Make sure the mattress is fully soaked where the urine has penetrated.
3. Let it sit: Keep the area well-ventilated and allow the cleaner to sit for at least one hour. For older or deeper stains, leave it on for up to 8 hours. The enzymes need time to break down the proteins and urea in the urine.  
4. Air dry naturally: Avoid using a hair dryer or heater, as high temperatures can deactivate the enzymes. Instead, open a window or use a fan to speed up air drying.  
5. Repeat if needed: If the odor or stain is still noticeable, repeat the entire process after 24 hours.  

Why use an enzymatic cleaner?  

It’s the best way to get urine smell out of a mattress caused by pets. Unlike regular cleaners, enzyme-based formulas break down two stubborn components in pet urine:

• Urea: A main part of urine that dissolves in water but crystallizes after drying, creating a strong ammonia smell  
• Uric Acid: A large, sticky organic molecule found in pet urine. It clings deep within mattress fibers and does not dissolve in water, making odors return again and again  

Enzymes like protease and urease in these cleaners actually “digest” the organic waste, allowing you to clean urine out of a mattress and remove the odor completely. This method is ideal for anyone struggling to get pet pee out of a mattress and wants a deep, odor-free clean that lasts.

At last, how to prevent pets or kids from wetting the bed

Now that we’ve covered how to get urine out of a mattress, it’s just as important to talk about prevention. Whether it's a pet or a child, stopping accidents before they happen can save you time, stress, and mattress damage.

For Pets

Use a citrus-based deterrent spray. Most pets, especially cats, dislike citrus smells. You can make a natural spray at home to discourage them from going near the mattress.

DIY Citrus Spray:  

• 100 ml of water  
• 10 drops of citrus essential oil  
• 30 ml of white vinegar  

If you don’t have essential oil, soak lemon or orange peels in 100 ml of water and use that mixture instead.

Mix everything in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray around the edges and corners of the mattress. Avoid spraying the area where you sleep directly.  

For Children

Bedwetting in kids is common. The best way to protect the mattress is to use a waterproof mattress cover. Choose a full-coverage protector with a TPU backing. It blocks liquids but still feels breathable and comfortable.

This way, even if an accident happens, it won’t reach the mattress. Cleanup becomes quick and easy, and your mattress stays fresh and protected.

We hope this detailed guide helps you completely solve the problem of how to get pee out of a mattress. 

If you're thinking about replacing your old mattress, check out the Marktol Mattress Series. We offer a wide range of high-quality options in different sizes and price points, designed to give you great comfort without costing too much.

• The mattress offers medium firmness for a comfortable and balanced sleep experience.  
• A high-resilience foam layer ensures long-lasting support and won’t sag over time, even when used with a waterproof mattress protector.  
• Certified by OEKO-TEX® for safety, it’s gentle enough for babies and safe around pets, with no harmful substances released even if bitten or scratched.  
• Available in a full range of sizes, from single to king, to suit every sleep space.