How To Get The Pee Smell Out Of A Mattress
If youve already cleaned up your mattress but it still smells of urine, there are a few different things you can try.
As outlined in our mattress cleaning guide, simply spreading baking soda out over the mattress is surprisingly effective. Baking soda is unique in that it actually absorbs odors, rather than just masking them. The basic pH of baking soda helps to neutralize the generally acidic odors of urine, while its tendency to absorb liquid helps to draw out any remaining moisture.
For best results in neutralizing urine odors in your mattress, spread a thin layer of baking soda out over the entire mattress surface. If a specific area smells more strongly, you can use a slightly thicker layer of baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit, uncovered, for 5 to 10+ hours, and then vacuum it. Repeat as needed.
Another option is to use a vinegar solution, as discussed above. Use a 50/50 mixture of cold water and distilled white vinegar. You can also consider adding a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to help cover up any unpleasant smells. Apply it to the surface of your mattress using a spray bottle, and allow it to air-dry fully. Then, use baking soda to remove any remaining moisture, and to neutralize the strong vinegar smell from the cleaning solution.
How To Get Pee Smell Out Of A Mattress
While you can remove pee from a mattress pretty quickly, the unwelcome smell can linger for weeks. So what neutralizes urine smell, and how can you get the urine smell out of a mattress?
What youll need:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
Because baking soda has a basic pH, it can actually remove the pee smell instead of masking it. To neutralize the urine smell, try out this easy two-ingredient method:
Avoid Accidents With Pet Repellents
Even after youve successfully cleaned your mattress, your pet may be able to smell traces of the urines chemical footprint that are imperceptible to you. Since many animals will return to places theyve peed before to pee again, its wise to use a pet-friendly repellent to prevent future accidents. You can make an inexpensive, all-natural pet deterrent by mixing 1.5 cups of cold water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and about 20 drops of any citrus-scented essential oil. You should also consider purchasing a mattress protector, which will defend your bed against future accidents as well as dust, dander, and other contaminants.
If you want to prevent future accidents on your bed, you might want to consider a pup-friendly dog bed for your furry friend. Dog beds with a removable cover make cleaning your pets sleep spot a breeze, so you can toss it in the washing machine and continue with your sleep, worry-free.
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Tips On Cleaning Cat Pee
The longer the cat pee sits on the mattress, the stronger the stench becomes. And once it dries up, it becomes even harder to clean. If you dont clean the stain, the cat will mark that area again.
If you dont have baking soda or vinegar, you can use enzymatic cleaners. They help to break down the acid in cat urine and eliminate the strong smell. As you clean with such products, you should get to a point where neither you nor your feline friend can smell the urine.
You should avoid products that contain ammonia as they can make the stain settle deeper.
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Do I Need A New Mattress
There are various things you can do to extend the life of your mattress. You can take a shower before bed to eliminate sweat. You can keep your adorable pets off the bed.
But even after all this, particles can still seep deep inside the mattress. Most mattresses last for 7-10 years, and that’s about when dirt and other debris will make your mattress a lot more uncomfortable.
For Stronger Odors Try An Enzyme Cleaner
Not only is animal urine more concentrated than human urine, but it also contains extra elements like carbohydrates and fatty acids and ammonia . Cleaners containing enzymes, which are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions, can help break down these more stubborn components. You should select an enzyme cleaner thats specifically designed for removing pet stains, and be sure to check the label to ensure the solution is non-toxic. Most pet stores carry enzyme cleaners, or you can find them online.
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How To Get Cat Urine Out Of A Mattress
This article was co-authored by Amy Mikhaiel. Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy’s Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy’s Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angies Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy’s mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 181,844 times.
Cat urine smells bad and it can even cause respiratory problems, so its definitely not something you want nearby when you’re sleeping. If your cat had an accident on your mattress, don’t worry. There are some things you can do to get the urine out of your mattress so it doesn’t smell anymore.
Pet Stain Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need To Get Started
The products you’ll need depends on your personal preferences, so let’s explore two of the best options for cleaning pet stains from a mattress.
You could use a DIY 50/50 solution of water and vinegar on pet urine. However, many experts recommend enzyme-based cleaners instead. Caitlin Sole, Senior Associate Home Editor with BHG.com, shares her tips for cleaning up pet messes. Sole relies on enzyme-based cleaners for any stains her Great Pyrenees leaves. “he enzymes work to break down the urine to eliminate odors and stains, whereas vinegar might remove the stain but mask any odors,” Sole says.
Enzyme-based cleaners work on other pet stains and on a variety of surfaces as well. Just be sure to read the label’s instructions before use, Sole cautions.
Sole recommends Puracy Pet Urine Eliminator for getting a deeper clean, and Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator for spot treatments.
Aside from a cleaning solution, you’ll also need absorbent paper towels and a vacuum cleaner.
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Try A Professional Detergent
Vinegar and baking soda are effective against fresh urine in small amounts, but if it has been a couple of days before you notice the urine patch or if there is a large amount of it and you are struggling to get every last bit out of the mattress, you may need to use a proper detergent. Detergents work in various ways. They will break down the urine, as well as other dirt and grime, and they can also help cover up the aroma. You should use them in much the same way as the vinegar solution.
Follow the mixing instructions on the bottle. Some detergents need diluting before being applied directly to mattresses and other fabrics, but others can be applied straight away.
Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda Mixture
Here are the items youll need with this method:
Step #1: In a plastic container, mix two squirts of the liquid hand soap, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 15 ounces of hydrogen peroxide.
Step #2: Apply the solution to the cat urine stains or where the odor is emanating from.
Step #3: Use warm water to rinse away.
Step #4: Remove any residual moisture using a hand dryer
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How To Prevent Future Stains & Odors
The best way to prevent stains and odors from accumulating on your mattress is to ensure that its properly protected. We recommend using a high quality mattress protector ideally one thats fully waterproof.
Regularly washing your sheets and other bedding can also help protect your mattress from accumulating unpleasant odors. We recommend washing sheets and pillowcases about once per week.
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How To Get An Old Pee Smell Out Of A Mattress
If urine stains are not caught right away, the pee smell can seep deeper into the mattress fibers and continue to smell. Try these methods, starting with the mildest and getting more aggressive, to remove the smell.
If possible, choose a breezy, dry day to clean the mattress. This will help it dry more quickly. A thorough cleaning can take up to 12 hours for the mattress to dry.
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Baking Soda And Vinegar
Vinegar, while a bit smelly itself, works to remove the lasting odor of sprayed cat urine because vinegar is an acid that neutralizes the alkaline salts that form in dried urine stains.
A solution of one part water and one part vinegar can be used to clean walls and floors. Proponents say that the vinegar smell subsides after a few days, taking the urine smell with it.
How Do You Dry A Mattress After Wetting The Bed
To dry a mattress after someone wets the bed, start by blotting the area with a dry towel and applying a solution of vinegar or baking soda. While it can be tempting to speed up the process , youll need to allow time for the mattress to air dry which may require sleeping in an alternate spot for the rest of the night.
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How To Avoid Urine Accidents
Many people face the struggle to make it to the bathroom in time. You should consult your doctor and understand what is causing it to get a proper treatment plan.
However, we have six steps you can practice to reduce the risk of such accidents helping you get back to experiencing everyday activities without worrying.
How Do You Get Urine Stains Out Of Bedding
Removing urine stains from your sheets, blankets, and comforter is much easier than removing them from your mattress. When a urine accident occurs, remove your bedding and toss it in your washer along with one cup of distilled white vinegar. Do not add any laundry detergent.
Wash your sheets and blankets in cold water only, as hot water may cause the urine to set. Once the wash cycle is complete, examine the bedding to ensure the soiled areas are gone. If they are, rewash the bedding as you normally would. If the urine persists, soak your sheets and blankets in cold water and white vinegar overnight or until the stain disappears.
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How To Remove Urine Stains From Mattress
It may feel unpleasant, but the reality is that everyone has experienced or will experience a urine-stained mattress. Whether it may be a pet, your toddler, or a personal experience, accidents do happen.
We suggest handling the clean-up as soon as possible. Allowing urine to settle into your bedding will not only result in an unpleasant odor but possibly lead to the growth of fungus. In our detailed blog, you will learn how to remove urine stains from the mattress step by step in the most effective manner with minimal discomfort and with everyday household items in the right way.
B: Hydrogen Peroxide Baking Soda And Dish Soap
If youre dealing with dried urine on your mattress, you may need a stronger cleaning solution, like the one below. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer, which removes bacteria and helps neutralize odors, particularly the salts found in urine.
Note: hydrogen peroxide may bleach some fabrics, so make sure youve removed all bedding from the area before getting to work!
What you’ll need:
- 8-10 ounces hydrogen peroxide
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 damp rag and 1 dry rag
The Steps:
- 1. Combine hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap in your spray bottle. Swirl to combine .
- 2. Spray to cover the stains thoroughly. Let sit for about an hour.
- 3. Use a damp cloth to gently rinse the area, and then blot with the dry cloth to thoroughly remove the solution.
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How To Remove Urine Stains From A Mattress
If stains have already set in before you get to the cleanup process, you may need to use a heavier cleaning solution. For this, you will need baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap.
This process uses a tougher cleaning solution that you allow to fully soak into the stained area. As the solution dries and the peroxide evaporates, the urine is drawn upwards with the baking soda. This helps to neutralize both stains and smells.
Keep in mind that peroxide can bleach some materials, so you may want to test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on larger stains. Peroxide may also slightly damage or discolor materials like memory foam. Use it sparingly, and be sure to remove any colored bedding from the area to avoid bleaching.
How To Remove Pets Urine Stains
You might love your pet, but pet urine can sometimes stink more than human urine. Animal urine is composed of different chemicals and is more concentrated. Hence, it is important to remove pet urine.
What youll need:
- Enzyme cleaner
- White vinegar
Removing pet urine stains from a mattress is similar to the process listed above, with just a few simple alterations.
Step 1: Apply Baking Soda to Stain
Instead of bottling the stain with a towel, immediately apply the baking powder directly to the stained surface. Baking soda soaks moisture and gets a darker color as it draws the urine out of the mattress.
Step 2: Clean Powder and Repeat
Clean the powder from the soiled spot and renew it with fresh baking soda. Allow the powder to continue absorbing up the urine.
Repeat the process until the baking soda remains white.
Step 3: Clean the Mattress
Once you remove a considerable amount of your pets urine out of the mattress, clean the mattress, assuming it is human urine. Repeat the process till the stain remains.
Step 4: Try Enzyme Cleaner
As discussed above, animal urine is much more concentrated than human urine. It also contains extra components like carbohydrates and fatty acids and ammonia . You can use enzyme cleaners, which are biological catalysts and accelerate chemical reactions, which can help break down these headstrong elements.
Step 5: Avoid Chemical Products
Step 6: Avoid Using Pet Repellents
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How Can I Get Old Cat Urine Smell Out Of A Mattress
When we went on a weekend trip a few months ago, I forgot to leave the door open to the cat boxes. So the kitties used our mattress as a replacement. When we got home we cleaned up as best as we could. We bought an enzyme cleaner and some febreeze. We were satisfied with our efforts and tried to continue to use the mattress.
However, a few days after cleaning, the smell of cat urine returned. The smell kept coming back after every cleaning so we decided to switch mattresses with an older one we had on a guest bed. It has been several months now and there is still a smell of cat urine that lingers on the mattress. We have kept the cats out of the guest bedroom so there have not been any additional accidents. We would like to get the smell out and buying a new mattress is not an option.
What else can we do?
I would suggest that you attempt a complete soak of the area. Also, keep in mind that there may be multiple areas, some large, some small. I understand this will be quite challenging for a mattress.
Please read the following for my reasoning, which is based on one company – but applies to all cleaners, enzymatic or not.
I have used Kids’n’Pets for cat accidents including: food-based vomit, bile-based vomit , feces smears and very old, very stubborn grease oil stains in carpet. I have not used it on urine, but I originally chose it due to fabulous reviews .
Step 3 – Sprinkle a good handful of baking soda over the area.
How to remove cat urine.
Cleaning Fresh Urine On Your Mattress
Have you caught the stain soon after it happened? As gross as it may be, luck is in your favortypically the fresher the stain, the easier your cleanup will be. But its important to act fast, before the urine has a chance to soak in.
Remove all of the bedding and get that into the washing machinestat. Then, use a rag or paper towel to blot out as much of the excess moisture as you can. Be careful not to rub it, as this can set the urine even deeper into the mattress. Opening windows or turning on a fan will also help to increase airflow throughout the room.
To clean, start with method A below, and move to method B or C if you need to.
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