How To Clean Stain On Mattress Urine

With kids in the house, it's almost inevitable that you'll end up having to deal with a bed-wetting incident at some point – it's a perfectly natural part of growing up, and occasionally happens in later life as well. Dealing with it is hardly fun, but removing urine from a mattress is something that can actually be pretty simple if you act fast, and treat the situation sensitively and sensibly.

All urine (animal and human) is made up of crystals of uric acid, so to permanently remove the acid, odour, and bacteria and properly clean urine from mattress fabric and bedding, it is best to use an enzyme-based cleaning solution. There is also a wide selection of products specifically developed for treating urine stains caused by pets, which are often perfectly suitable for use on human accidents too. Make sure to check the label on your chosen product and follow the instructions to ensure you use it safely and effectively. Always test any cleaning product in a small area first before continuing.

With a problem like urine stains on a mattress, it's important to act fast! Soak up as much liquid as possible with clean cloths or paper towels as soon as you become aware of the situation.

You will need:

Dry towel
Spray bottle
Vacuum
Baking soda
Biological washing powder
Water

How to clean a mattress: urine stains

Blot excess urine and then strip the bed

Use a dry towel, cloth, or paper towels to lightly blot up the excess urine, then strip the bed. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will only spread the urine deeper into the mattress.
Add baking soda to the affect area

Sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area to absorb the remaining moisture.
Make a solution of washing powder and water

Make a solution of biological washing powder – we like Persil Bio – and water. Alternatively, if you don't mind the smell (which can be somewhat potent at first) you can try a solution of one part white vinegar to one part warm water.
Spray onto the stain and leave for three to five minutes

Spray your chosen solution onto the stain and leave to sit for 3-5 minutes. You should use enough of the stain remover to counterbalance the amount of urine that has soaked into the mattress before leaving to air-dry.

If using a commercial stain remover, always carefully follow the instructions on the product packaging, be sure to wear protective gloves, and open the windows for ventilation.
Repeat step one

Repeat step one, blotting up any moisture with a towel or dry cloth. This is to get rid of any residual urine and prevent mould, so try to get the mattress as dry as possible.
Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress

Bring back the baking soda and sprinkle over the entire mattress. The mattress needs to be given time to dry out thoroughly – at least 18 hours – so you should make other sleeping arrangements and leave it to dry overnight.
Vacuum the baking soda and leave to air out

Vacuum up the baking soda and prop the mattress up outside or in a well-ventilated area to allow air to circulate and shift the last of the odour.

The above guide explains how to clean urine from mattress fabric and stuffing.

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How to get urine out of a mattress when dry

If you have kids or pets, then accidents are bound to happen. From a toddler who is still being potty-trained to a dog or cat marking their territory, it's fair to say the worst place for an accident to happen has got to be a bed. Not every accident is noticed immediately, so what can you do if the urine in your mattress is already dry? Tips include; using enzyme based cleaners or household cleaners to your bed looking and smelling nice and clean again.

Protection and Prevention

Now that you know how to clean urine from a mattress, you can be prepared for future incidents. Sealed protectors are available for pillows, duvets, and mattresses that will not only shield your family's beds from urine but also help protect you from dust mites, bacteria and all number of other allergens.

Don't be put off by uncomfortable childhood memories of crackly waterproof covers and cases – the latest products are far subtler, and won't leave you slipping and sliding with every movement. Choose from zippered or fitted styles, with breathable fibres that will keep you and your children protected and relaxed.

Now that the mattress is clean again, you and your family are ready for a good night's sleep!

Originally published 14 October 2020