There’s nothing more fun than a new puppy in the house – and there’s nothing worse than puppy pee all over the bed… But hey, it happens, and we’ve seen it more times than you’d imagine – which is why we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to clean urine from a mattress.

Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to treat fresh pet stains and learn which products to avoid. Whether you’re looking for a solution right this moment or you’re getting prepped for the worst-case-scenario, we can help you tackle those uh-oh moments, so you can get back to having fun with Fido again.

How to clean urine from a mattress

Whenever possible, bring in the pros to tackle a urine accident on your mattress. If it’s not properly cleaned, the salt in uric acid will remain in your mattress and draw moisture in. This will cause bacteria to grow, which leads to mould (and an awful smell).

Professional mattress cleaners will use specialized equipment to flush out urine and dry your mattress thoroughly, getting rid of the bacteria and excess moisture.

DIY urine on mattress cleaning method

If you’re unable to get the pros in, there are a few things you can do immediately to treat a urine accident on your mattress.

First, remove all your bedding and put it in the washing machine as soon as possible (be sure to check the labels first and follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions).

Make an all-natural mattress cleaner

You can make an effective mattress cleaner with things you might already have in your cleaning cupboard:

• White vinegar
• An empty spray bottle
• Baking soda

Mix three-parts vinegar to one-part water in the spray bottle. Set the baking soda aside.

How to clean pee out of a mattress

1. Use a paper towel or clean white cloth to absorb the liquid – work in a tapping motion to blot the area (don’t rub or wipe). Repeat with fresh towels or cloths until you’ve removed as much urine as possible.
2. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the stain.
3. Grab your vinegar-water spray bottle and spray the solution on top of the baking soda until the stain is covered, but not soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Soak up any excess vinegar with fresh paper towels or another clean white cloth.
5. Sprinkle another light layer of baking soda on top and let it sit on the area for as long as possible – leave it for at least 5 hours (letting it sit all day or overnight is ideal).
6. Vacuum your mattress to remove the baking soda – use a small attachment and go over the area multiple times until all residue is gone.

Dos and don’ts of cleaning pet urine from a mattress

We know how stressful it can be when you’re faced with a pet puddle in your bed – however, it’s important to take a moment to pause before you act to make sure you don’t end up causing more harm to your mattress.

• Don’t… Use off-the-shelf products. They can cause discoloration and may affect the overall quality of your mattress. If you must go with this option, look for an enzymatic cleaner and spot test it before applying it to the stain.
• Don’t… Spray air fresheners on the mattress. While these may help to temporarily mask the smell, they won’t contribute to any long-term solution.
• Do… Strip and wash your bedding right away, to prevent the stain from seeping in deeper.
• Do… Invest in a waterproof mattress protector to safeguard your bed from future mishaps.

Why pro mattress cleaning is the best solution

Pet urine in your mattress isn’t only unpleasant – it can be detrimental to your health.

If it’s not cleaned properly, the urine problem can quickly become a bacteria problem. That means mould and rot (and all the awful smells that come along with it) can infiltrate and ruin your mattress.

Our professional cleaning team will:

1. Deodorize and pre-spray your mattress, to target problem areas and deal with odors, allergens, and bacteria.
2. Rinse using powerful hot water extraction, to flush out bacteria living within your mattress.
3. Finish the job with a protective coating, to keep your mattress fresher for longer.

FAQs about cleaning pet urine from a mattress 

What gets rid of the smell of urine?

Proper cleaning is the only way to get rid of the smell. Air freshener or essential oils might help to mask it temporarily, but if urine isn’t cleaned properly, the smell will only get worse.

Using vinegar and baking soda to treat the area can help to break down the uric acid and neutralize the smell. However, it may not be thorough enough to eliminate the bacteria living in your mattress. When possible, call a professional cleaner.

How do you deodorize, clean, and freshen a mattress?

Baking soda can help to neutralize odors – if you just want a routine refresh for your mattress, remove your bedding, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface, leave for at least 5 hours, and vacuum it all up.

To keep your mattress in top condition and maintain a healthy atmosphere in your bedroom, it should be professionally cleaned every 6 months.

It’s true – pet accidents are stressful and unpleasant, but you can rest assured that we’ve dealt with our fair share of puppy puddles. With the right steps and with the help of an expert, you can restore your space and get your mattress back in shape. Read more about out pet urine and odor removal tips and services here.