Urine on a mattress is one of the most stubborn and frustrating household cleaning problems — whether it came from a child, pet, nighttime accident, or spilled potty-training situation.

If you’re searching for how to get urine smell out of a mattress or how to remove urine stains, this guide gives you the real answer, with step-by-step DIY methods, professional insights, and long-term prevention tips for a quality mattress cleaning.

Why Urine Stains Are So Difficult to Remove

Urine doesn’t just stay on the surface. It:

• Soaks deep into foam layers
• Bonds with fibers
• Leaves behind uric acid crystals
• Produces bacteria that cause long-term odor
• Oxidizes and creates yellow stains

This is why the smell often returns even after cleaning the surface — the odor-causing crystals reactivate with humidity.

The good news? With the right method, you can remove both fresh urine and old, set-in stains.

What You Need for Urine Stain & Odor Removal

The most effective tools include:

• Enzyme cleaner (a must for urine)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Dish soap
• Spray bottles
• Microfiber cloths
• Vacuum cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are essential because they break down urine crystals — no other cleaner can do this.

Professional cleaning equipment (same level used in Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning) extracts liquid and neutralizes bacteria far deeper than home products can.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Fresh Urine From a Mattress

If the stain is fresh, act fast.

1. Blot Immediately

Use towels or paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
Don’t rub — it pushes urine deeper into the mattress.

2. Apply Enzyme Cleaner Generously

This is the key step. Spray until the area is damp, not soaked.

Let sit 10–15 minutes.

3. Blot Again

Remove excess moisture with clean, dry cloths.

4. Apply a Thick Layer of Baking Soda

This pulls moisture and odor from the deeper layers.

Let sit until completely dry — typically 6–12 hours.

5. Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a strong vacuum to remove all the baking soda.

You may repeat the process if the smell lingers, especially with pet urine.

How to Remove Old or Set-In Urine Stains

Old urine stains are harder because they’ve oxidized and deepened.

1. Use a Vinegar Solution

Mix:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon dish soap

Spray and let sit 10 minutes → blot.

2. Treat With Hydrogen Peroxide

For yellowing or discoloration, use this mixture:

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• A few drops of dish soap

Spray lightly and let dry completely.

Caution: Hydrogen peroxide may slightly lighten fabrics.

3. Neutralize Odor With Baking Soda

Cover the area with a thick coating → let sit overnight → vacuum.

If odor persists, you likely need deeper cleaning (more on that below).

How to Fully Remove Urine Smell (The Odor Removal Method That Actually Works)

If the urine smell keeps coming back, the bacteria and uric acid crystals are still active inside the foam.

The only reliable odor-removal method is:

✔ Enzyme cleaner
✔ Baking soda neutralization
✔ Deep drying
✔ Optional: professional extraction for foam saturation

Steam cleaning does not remove urine odors — heat actually sets the smell.

If a pet or large amount of urine soaked into the mattress, professional-grade extraction (same technology used in Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning) pulls out contaminants from deep within.

Common Mistakes That Make Urine Stains Worse

Avoid these:

❌ Using hot water or steam
✔ This sets the stain and odor permanently.

❌ Using only vinegar
✔ Vinegar removes surface odor but not urine crystals.

❌ Soaking the mattress
✔ Causes mold deep inside.

❌ Using scented cleaners
✔ Mask the smell temporarily, but it returns within days.

How to Deodorize the Mattress After Removing Urine

Use this simple method:

1. Sprinkle baking soda across the entire mattress
2. Let sit 8–12 hours
3. Vacuum slowly and thoroughly

For recurring odors, clean surrounding fabrics too — such as Carpet Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, and Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning — because odors transfer between surfaces.

When DIY Won’t Work (Signs You Need a Professional)

You’ll need deep cleaning if:

• The urine soaked into the lower foam layers
• The smell returns after 1–2 DIY attempts
• The stain covers a large area
• The mattress has multiple accidents
• There is visible mold or moisture damage

Professional extraction uses industrial-grade water claw and enzyme flushing systems that homeowners don’t have access to.

If needed, you can always Request a Quote.

How to Prevent Future Urine Stains

Reduce future problems by:

• Using a waterproof mattress protector
• Cleaning accidents immediately
• Keeping humidity low (helps prevent odor activation)
• Vacuuming the mattress monthly
• Regularly cleaning surrounding surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery
  (See: Carpet Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning, and Air Duct Cleaning)

These steps dramatically improve indoor freshness and reduce allergens throughout the home.

Final Answer: How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress

To remove urine stains and get rid of odor permanently, you need:

• Enzyme cleaner
• Vinegar and peroxide (for older stains)
• Baking soda
• Proper drying
• Vacuum extraction

Fresh stains clean easily. Old stains require a little more effort but can still be restored. Deep or recurring odors often need professional foam extraction.

Whenever you’re ready, feel free to check out Home, Carpet Cleaning, Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, or Air Duct Cleaning.

This guide is here to give real, actionable help — and become one of the internet’s top resources for mattress cleaning answers.