How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jul 18, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress

In this article:

You walk into the bedroom and sniff. Something’s not quite right. A closer look at the bed and yep… that’s definitely wee. Brilliant.

Whether it was the dog, a half-asleep child, or an adult (it happens!), a urine-stained mattress can feel like the beginning of the end. But don’t worry — you don’t have to bin the mattress or air the shame on Facebook Marketplace.

There’s an easy way to sort it, and no, it doesn’t involve hours of scrubbing or those weird enzyme sprays with labels longer than your shopping list.

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Here’s What You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy):

  • White vinegar (your new best mate)

  • Baking soda (also responds to “miracle powder”)

  • A spray bottle (optional, but makes life easier)

  • Clean cloths or kitchen roll

  • A hoover (for later – don't worry, no mattress stuffing will be sucked up)

Step 1: Absorb the Chaos

First, blot. Blot like the wind. Use clean cloths or a stack of paper towels and press firmly to soak up as much liquid as you can.
Do. Not. Rub. You’ll only push it deeper into the mattress like a toddler hiding peas under mashed potato.

Step 2: Time to Tackle the Stain (and the Smell)

Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle or bowl. Generously spritz or dab it all over the affected area.

Vinegar is brilliant because it doesn’t just cover the smell — it actually neutralises it. Yes, your mattress might temporarily smell like a chip shop, but that will pass. Promise.

Step 3: Bring On the Baking Soda

Once the area is damp with vinegar solution, sprinkle over a thick layer of baking soda. Like, don’t be shy. We're talking snowstorm levels. This is the bit that absorbs odours and helps dry things out — it’s the magic dust of mattress mishaps.

Now, walk away. Let it sit for at least 6–8 hours — overnight is even better if you can.

Step 4: The Satisfying Bit

Once the baking soda’s had a chance to do its thing, hoover it all up. Take your time — it can get a bit clingy. What you should be left with is a clean, fresh, totally unsuspicious mattress.

But What If It’s Old or Smells Like a Zoo?

If the stain is a few days old, or your mattress still smells like someone forgot their potty training, repeat the whole process. Twice, if needed.
Also, airing it out near a window helps. Sunlight is like nature’s Febreze (minus the artificial lavender).

Let’s Talk Mattress Protectors (They’ve Had a Glow-Up)

If this whole episode has you considering swaddling your mattress in bubble wrap, fear not. Modern mattress protectors are nothing like the sweaty, crinkly ones from the past. These days they’re quiet, soft, breathable, and basically invisible — but they’ll save your bacon if another surprise puddle shows up.

Final Word

Accidents are a part of life — no one’s mattress gets through the years totally unscathed. But now you’ve got the know-how to deal with wee quickly, calmly, and without feeling like a defeated human mop.

So mop up, hoover on, and move on. You’ve got better things to do — like sleep on your now fresh-as-a-daisy bed.

And if you’re reading this mid-clean, go on — reward yourself with a biscuit once it’s all sorted. Chocolate one, obviously.

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