How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress: The $0 Hack That Works

To get pee out of a mattress, blot the excess liquid immediately with a clean towel. Spray a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water onto the spot, let it sit for ten minutes, then blot again. Finally, cover the area in bicarbonate of soda for eight hours to pull out the moisture and smell before vacuuming.

I’ve been there—standing in a bedroom at 2 AM, staring at a damp patch on the bed. Whether it’s from a toddler, a pet, or an accident, knowing how to get pee out of a mattress quickly saves your expensive bed from being ruined. I used to think a urine spill meant the mattress was bin-bound, but I’ve found that most stains and smells come out with things you already have in your kitchen cupboard. My goal here is to help you fix this mess without stressing out or spending a fortune on professional cleaners.

Act Fast to Stop the Soak

The moment you spot the accident, grab a dry towel. Don’t rub the spot. If you rub it, you push the urine deeper into the foam or springs. Just press down hard with your hands to soak up as much liquid as possible. I usually stand on the towel to use my body weight for extra pressure. Change to a fresh towel once the first one is soaked. You want the surface to feel as dry as possible before you even start cleaning.

The DIY Vinegar and Bicarbonate Method

This is my favourite way to tackle the problem because it’s cheap and it actually works on the uric acid that causes that sharp smell. Vinegar breaks down the urine, and bicarbonate of soda absorbs the liquid.

Step 1: The Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Spray the area generously. You don’t want to drown the mattress, but the surface should be quite damp. Let this sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is usually when I go make a cup of tea to calm down. The vinegar smell is strong at first, but I promise it fades as it dries.

Step 2: Blot Again

Use a fresh cloth to blot up the vinegar solution. You are trying to pull out the diluted urine along with the vinegar. I keep doing this until no more moisture comes up on the cloth.

Step 3: The Bicarbonate Layer

Cover the entire damp area with a thick layer of bicarbonate of soda. Don’t be stingy here. It will clump up as it sucks the moisture out of the mattress. Leave it there for at least 8 hours—or better yet, a full day. I usually leave it while I’m at work. Once it’s dry and crumbly, vacuum it all up using the upholstery attachment.

Comparing Cleaning Solutions

Sometimes a home remedy isn’t enough, especially for old stains. Here is how different methods compare based on my testing.

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Vinegar & Bicarbonate	Fresh accidents	Cheap, non-toxic	Takes 8+ hours to dry
Enzyme Cleaner	Pet urine/Strong odours	Breaks down proteins	Can be pricey
Dish Soap & Peroxide	Yellow stains	Lifts stubborn marks	Can bleach dark fabrics

Removing Old Dried Urine Stains

If you find a yellow stain that has been there for days, you’ll need something stronger than vinegar. I use a mix of 250ml hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda, and a tiny drop of fairy liquid.

Mix them in a bowl and dab the solution onto the stain. Test a small hidden corner of the mattress first to make sure it doesn’t bleach the fabric. I’ve noticed this works wonders on the yellowing, but you must be careful not to over-saturate the mattress. Foam mattresses especially hate being wet and can grow mould if they stay damp for too long inside. Once the stain fades, wipe it with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely.

Common Mistakes I’ve Learned to Avoid

• Using hot water: Never do this. Heat sets the protein in the urine into the fabric, making the stain and smell permanent. Always use cold or room temperature water.
• Scrubbing: I used to scrub in circles, but that just spreads the pee. Always blot from the outside of the circle toward the centre.
• Covering it up too soon: Don’t put the sheets back on while the mattress is even slightly damp. You’ll end up with a musty smell that is harder to get rid of than the pee.
• Ignoring the smell: If it still smells after cleaning, you might need a dedicated enzyme cleaner like Simple Solution or Dr. Beckmann. These “eat” the bacteria that cause the odour.

Ways to Protect Your Bed Long-Term

After the third time I had to clean my mattress, I finally bought a waterproof mattress protector. It’s a total life-saver. You can get “breathable” ones now that don’t feel like you are sleeping on a crisp packet. If an accident happens, you just strip it off and throw it in the washing machine. It saves your mattress from the deep soaking that leads to smells you can’t reach. I also recommend rotating your mattress every few months to keep the filling fresh and check for any spots you might have missed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a steam cleaner on a urine stain?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The high heat from the steam can actually set the stain and the smell into the mattress fibres. It’s better to use cold chemical or natural reactions like vinegar or enzymes to break down the urine first.

What if the mattress still smells like pee after it’s dry?

This usually means some urine soaked deep into the padding. Try another round of bicarbonate of soda, but leave it for 24 hours. If that fails, an enzyme-based upholstery cleaner is your best bet as it targets the uric acid crystals.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for all mattresses?

Not always. It’s a mild bleach. It works great on white covers, but if your mattress has a dark or patterned fabric, it might leave a light spot. Always do a tiny patch test before you go all in.

How long does it take for the mattress to dry?

Depending on how much liquid you used and the airflow in the room, it can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. I like to keep a window open or use a desk fan aimed at the spot to speed things up.

Can I use laundry detergent instead?

You can use a tiny bit of liquid detergent mixed with water, but be careful. Detergents are “sudsy” and very hard to rinse out of a mattress. If you leave soap residue behind, it will actually attract more dirt over time.

Cleaning up after an accident is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. If you follow these steps and stay patient while the bicarbonate of soda does its work, you’ll know exactly how to get pee out of a mattress and keep your bed fresh for years.