Removing old urine stains from a mattress typically requires a few household ingredients and some patience. First, you’ll need to create a solution made up of 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. In a spray bottle, mix these ingredients thoroughly and apply the solution directly to the stain. Let the solution sit for about an hour, then blot it with a dry towel to soak up the excess liquid. Afterward, leave the mattress to air dry completely. If the stain or odor persists after this treatment, you may need to repeat the process or try an enzymatic cleaner designed for treating pet stains, which works well on urine stains.
Understanding Urine Stains on Mattresses
When urine ends up on a mattress, it can seep deep into the fabrics and materials, making it particularly difficult to remove once it has set. Not only does this create an unsightly stain, but the odor can also be lingering and unpleasant. The sooner you attack a urine stain, the better, as fresh stains are easier to deal with.
Following is a breakdown of how to handle and remove these stubborn stains, and what you should know about each method and precautionary measure.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
Natural cleaning solutions are a popular choice when it comes to removing old urine stains because they’re safe and usually readily available in your home.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, and hydrogen peroxide is a non-chlorine bleach that can help lift stains. As mentioned, mixing these with a little dish soap can create an effective treatment for a urine-stained mattress.
Vinegar and Water: Another household remedy involves a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can help to break down the uric acid in urine. Soak the stain, let it sit for several minutes, and then blot dry.
Enzymatic Cleaners: Although not entirely natural, enzymatic cleaners are another alternative that can break down the proteins found in urine. These are especially helpful for those more challenging stains that don’t respond to simpler home remedies.
Step by Step Guide to Clean Urine Stains
Step 1: Strip the Bed
Before you start, remove all beddings and wash them separately. This ensures you have clear access to the mattress and you’re not simply pushing the urine stain onto other fabrics.
Step 2: Blotting
If the stain is fresh, blot as much as possible with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. When dealing with an old stain, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Mix Your Solution
Prepare the cleaning solution of your choice. Be sure to thoroughly combine the elements to ensure efficiency.
Step 4: Application
Apply the solution directly to the stain, making sure to cover it entirely. Try not to over-saturate the mattress; use just enough to dampen the top layer.
Step 5: Waiting
Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the stain.
Step 6: Blotting Again
After waiting, take another dry cloth or towel and press into the mattress to absorb the cleaning solution. Do not scrub, as this can damage the mattress fibers.
Step 7: Air Dry
Once you’ve blotted up the excess liquid, let the mattress air dry. This could take several hours, or even better, a full day. Ensure the room is well-ventilated or use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Step 8: Repeat if Necessary
Sometimes one application isn’t enough for tough or old stains. In such cases, after the mattress is dry, verify if the stain and odor are gone. If not, repeat the steps above.
Step 9: Use of a Mattress Protector
Once your mattress is clean and dry, consider using a mattress protector. This can help safeguard against future accidents and make cleaning efforts much simpler next time.
Precautions and Additional Tips
While the above methods can be very effective, it’s important to take certain precautions and consider some additional tips when cleaning your mattress.
Testing Cleaning Solutions
Always test your chosen cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first. This ensures it won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Using Fans and Open Windows
Adequate ventilation will help the mattress to dry faster and prevent any mildew or mold from forming due to dampness.
Avoid Wetting Your Mattress Too Much
Mattresses aren’t designed to handle excessive amounts of liquid. Only use enough cleaning solution to treat the stain to avoid water damages to your mattress.
Consider Professional Cleaning
If home remedies do not work and the stain or odor is particularly stubborn, it may be worth hiring a professional cleaner who has special tools and solutions to deal with mattress stains.
Preventing Future Stains
The best way to combat urine stains is prevention. Waterproof mattress protectors are invaluable for keeping your mattress fresh and free from stains. They’re especially useful in children’s bedrooms and for those taking care of the elderly or dealing with pets.
Finishing Thoughts
Urine stains on mattresses are an inconvenience, but with the right techniques and a bit of elbow grease, they can be combated effectively. It is crucial to act as quickly as possible when a spill happens to prevent the urine from seeping deep into the materials. With the use of simple household items such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar, or specialized enzymatic cleaners, these unsightly marks and odors can become a thing of the past. Remember the value of a good quality mattress protector to safeguard against future accidents, ensuring a clean and hygienic sleeping environment.
