Urine Smell in Your Mattress? How to Clean It Without Sun-Drying
Urine on a mattress is a hassle. The sheets can be removed and washed straight away, but the mattress is heavy to lift. It is even harder in an apartment with a small balcony, or a home with nowhere to dry it outside.
You do not need to wait for a chance to sun-dry your mattress before cleaning it. If liquid is still on the surface, blot it first with a dry towel. Then clean the affected area and use a fan to help it dry. Do not soak the whole mattress. [1] [4]
1. Remove the sheets and check the mattress underneath
Separate the sheets and bedding affected by urine, then wash them according to their care labels. If you use a mattress protector, lift that too and check the mattress beneath it. The top layer may not be the only wet part. [2] [4]
Before using a cleaner, find the care instructions for your mattress brand and model. Some mattresses may be spot-cleaned, while materials such as TEMPUR must not be washed or soaked. A method suitable for one mattress may not suit another. [2] [9]
A mattress's original cover is different from sheets or an additional protector. Even if it has a zipper, that does not necessarily mean the cover can be removed and washed. Check the instructions before opening it. [2]
2. Blot the liquid; do not rub
Place a clean, dry towel against the wet area of the mattress. Press, then lift. Once the towel becomes wet, use a dry section or replace it with another towel. Repeat to absorb as much liquid as possible. [3]
Do not rub, as this can spread the liquid. There is no need to wet the whole mattress to clean one area. [1] [4]
Unsure which cleaner is suitable? Blot the liquid first while finding the mattress care instructions. Do not rush to try cleaning mixtures whose suitability is unclear. [9]
3. Choose a suitable cleaner and follow its instructions
One option for urine stains is an enzymatic cleaner, a cleaner made with enzymes. Look for one intended for urine stains, especially if a pet has urinated on the mattress. Still check whether it is suitable for your mattress material. [4]
Test a little cleaner on a small, hidden area. Follow the test time on its packaging. Then read the directions: how much to use, how long to leave it, and how to remove any residue. [4] [5]
If the cleaner's directions call for saturating the fabric but the mattress instructions prohibit it, do not proceed. Ask the mattress manufacturer or a cleaning service familiar with the material first. [5] [9]
Keep children and pets off the mattress during cleaning. Read the cleaner's instructions to find out when the mattress can be used again. [5]
4. Dry with a fan; do not put the sheets back on yet
After cleaning the stain, leave that area of the mattress uncovered. Direct a fan toward the damp area to help it dry. Do not put sheets, blankets, or a mattress protector back on yet. [1]
If the room feels humid, air conditioning or a dehumidifier, which reduces moisture in the air, can help. However, a cool room does not mean the mattress is dry. [6]
How long should you wait? It depends on how much liquid there is and how deeply the mattress is wet. Do not rely on hours alone. If it is still damp at bedtime, use another bed for now. [3]
Avoid high heat or steam cleaning unless the mattress manufacturer allows it. Some mattresses must not be steam-cleaned, as stated in Purple's care guidance. [4]
5. Does the smell remain even when the mattress is dry?
If you can still smell urine, surface cleaning may not be enough. Older stains sometimes need more than one cleaning. Read the packaging instructions before repeating. Do not keep adding cleaner; consider whether the liquid has soaked deeper. [3] [5]
Baking soda can help reduce some surface odors. If your mattress instructions allow it, use it on a dry surface and remove all residue afterward. Treat this as an extra step, not a substitute for cleaning urine that has soaked in. [8]
Pay attention to the equipment too. A vacuum intended for dry dust must not be used to pick up liquids or powder that is still damp. [3]
6. Do not use bleach or mix cleaners
Do not pour chlorine bleach onto a urine-affected area of the mattress. Ammonia that may be present in urine can react with bleach and produce toxic gas. Bleach must not be mixed with vinegar or other cleaners either. [7] [10]
Use one suitable cleaner and follow its packaging instructions. Mixing ingredients is not a shortcut to removing odors. [10]
7. When should you call a mattress cleaning service?
If the wet area is extensive, the liquid has soaked deeply, or the odor remains after cleaning, consider professional help. The same applies if you are unsure the mattress can dry completely. Not every spill can be handled through surface cleaning alone. [9]
Before booking a mattress cleaning service, ask whether their method suits your mattress material. Also ask how they remove remaining liquid and ensure the mattress is dry.
If you see mold or notice a suspicious musty smell, do not cover it with fragrance or a new protector. Mold on porous materials can be difficult to remove completely, and some affected items may need replacing. Seek an assessment before using the mattress again. [6]
To avoid the hassle of cleaning the mattress again
Once the mattress is clean and dry, a waterproof protector can help prevent liquids from entering it if a similar accident happens again.
A protector such as Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector Mojokoe wraps around the mattress surface and sides and can be removed for cleaning according to its instructions. Its role is to help prevent liquid from soaking into the mattress, not to remove odors from urine that has already entered it.
Having nowhere to sun-dry a mattress does not mean leaving urine untreated. Start by blotting the liquid, follow with suitable cleaning, and wait until it is completely dry before using it again.
Related reading: Dust mites are not bed bugs: understanding different problems in the sleeping area.