How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress: 6 Simple Steps to Save Your Bed

To get pee out of a mattress: blot the liquid immediately, spray with a vinegar-water-baking soda solution, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, cover with baking soda overnight, then vacuum and air dry

Accidents happen — whether from kids, pets, or a sleepy spill in the middle of the night. But when it happens on your mattress, panic often sets in: how do you get pee out of a mattress without ruining it?

If you're a proud owner of a Zinus mattress, don't worry — your bed can bounce back beautifully. With the right approach, a few household items, and a bit of patience, you can remove urine stains, neutralize odors, and restore your bed to its fresh, cozy state.

In this guide, we'll walk you through 6 easy, effective steps to clean urine from your mattress — whether it's fresh, dried, or from your furry friend. Plus, we'll show you how to prevent future accidents with our Zinus waterproof mattress protectors and simple maintenance tips.

Quick Answer: How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress

Blot fresh urine immediately — don't rub
Spray with a vinegar + water + baking soda solution
Let soak 10–15 minutes, then blot again
Cover with baking soda and leave 8–10 hours
Vacuum and air dry completely
Deodorize with baking soda or fabric-safe spray

Why It's Important to Clean Urine from a Mattress Quickly

Before we jump into the step-by-step cleaning, let's talk about why quick action matters.

Urine contains water, salts, and organic compounds like urea and ammonia. When left untreated, these can:

Soak deep into your memory foam or hybrid layers
Cause discoloration and stubborn stains
Create unpleasant odors that intensify over time
Encourage bacteria and mold growth in humid areas

Even if the stain is small, it's best to treat it immediately. A Zinus mattress is designed for long-term comfort — but proper care ensures it stays clean, odor-free, and supportive for years to come.

6 Easy Steps to Get Pee Out of a Mattress

Whether the accident just happened or it's been sitting for a while, here's your simple, proven cleaning routine.

Step 1: Blot Fresh Urine Immediately (Don't Rub)

If the pee is fresh, grab some paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the area to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Do not rub! Rubbing can push the liquid deeper into your mattress layers.

Apply firm, gentle pressure until the surface feels slightly damp but not soaked.

If you have a Zinus waterproof mattress protector on, you'll notice the liquid hasn't penetrated your mattress — a big reason why protectors are a must-have!

Step 2: Make a DIY Urine Cleaning Solution

You don't need harsh chemicals. A DIY solution works just as well and is safe for your Zinus memory foam or hybrid mattress.

In a spray bottle, mix:

1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of baking soda

Shake gently to combine.
This natural mixture disinfects, deodorizes, and breaks down uric acid — the main culprit behind lingering smells.

(Pro Tip: If you prefer, you can add a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil for a soothing scent.)

Step 3: Apply the Solution and Let It Break Down the Stain

Spray the vinegar-baking soda mixture directly onto the affected area.
You want the solution to penetrate but not saturate the mattress.

Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the stain.

If your mattress has multiple layers, like our Zinus Hybrid Mattress, this gentle approach ensures you clean the top surface without damaging deeper foam layers or coils.

Step 4: Blot Again to Remove Moisture and Prevent Mildew

Once the solution has had time to work, blot again with clean towels or absorbent cloths.

Press firmly to soak up the moisture — this step helps prevent mildew and shortens drying time.
You can also sprinkle a little baking soda directly on top to draw out any remaining liquid and odor.

Leave it on for 8–10 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 5: Vacuum Up Baking Soda and Air Dry the Mattress

Once the baking soda has done its job, vacuum it up using your vacuum's upholstery attachment.

Then, let your mattress air dry completely.
Open windows, use a fan, or if it's sunny, let natural light help — UV rays are a natural disinfectant!

Avoid using a blow dryer or heater — heat can set odors or damage your mattress materials.

For Zinus memory foam mattresses, this step keeps the structure intact and ensures a fresh, dry finish.

Step 6: Deodorize to Remove Lingering Urine Odor

Even after cleaning, you may want to refresh your mattress's scent.
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda across the surface and let it sit for 1–2 hours before vacuuming again.

For deeper freshness, lightly mist a fabric-safe disinfectant spray or a natural blend of vinegar and water.

How to Remove Old Urine Stains from a Mattress

If you've just discovered an older stain, don't worry — it's still possible to revive your mattress.

Here's how:

Spray the vinegar and water mix liberally over the stain.
Allow it to sit for 15–30 minutes to break down the dried residue.
Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth in circular motions.
Blot with a clean towel, then sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda.
Leave it overnight and vacuum in the morning.

For stubborn stains, repeat once more — and your Zinus mattress will look and smell nearly new.

How to Remove Pet Urine from a Mattress

Pet accidents are a little trickier — especially with dog or cat urine, which has stronger odor compounds like ammonia.

In this case:

Use an enzyme cleaner (available at pet stores) after the vinegar spray.
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Blot thoroughly and finish with baking soda overnight.

This breaks down the proteins in pet urine that traditional cleaners can't fully remove.
And for ongoing protection? A Zinus Waterproof Mattress Protector ensures no mess reaches your mattress again.

How to Prevent Future Accidents: Zinus to the Rescue

Let's be honest — prevention is always better than cleaning up afterward.
That's where Zinus sleep essentials come in.

1. Protect Your Mattress with a Waterproof Mattress Protector

The TENCEL™ Waterproof Mattress Protector is your mattress's first line of defense.
It blocks liquids, sweat, and spills without affecting breathability or comfort.
Best of all, it's machine washable — so when accidents happen, cleanup is a breeze.

2. Choose a Mattress Built for Freshness

All Zinus mattresses — including our Green Tea Memory Foam, Cooling Green Tea, and Ultra Cooling Hybrid — are infused with natural green tea and charcoal to help neutralize odors and maintain freshness.

These natural infusions make cleaning easier and prevent bacteria buildup from moisture or spills.

3. Maintain Good Mattress Hygiene

To keep your mattress in peak condition:

Use a protector at all times.
Vacuum your mattress every 3 months.
Rotate it every 2–3 months to prevent wear.
Air it out on sunny days for freshness.

Following these tips will help extend the life of your Zinus memory foam or hybrid mattress, keeping it as supportive and comfortable as the day you bought it.

Why Zinus Mattresses Make Cleanup Easier

Zinus doesn't just make mattresses — we make your life easier.

Here's what sets us apart:

Odor-Fighting Technology: Infused green tea and charcoal foam combat unwanted smells.
Easy-Clean Design: Compatible with waterproof protectors and simple spot-cleaning methods.
CertiPUR-US® Certified: All Zinus foams are made without harmful chemicals.
Convenient Delivery: Every mattress ships compactly in a box — easy to set up, easy to maintain.
Affordable Comfort: Premium comfort and durability without the premium price tag.

With over 50 million happy sleepers worldwide, Zinus has become a go-to choice for families, pet owners, and anyone who values quality sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to remove urine stains?

Yes — mix 8 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda, and a drop of dish soap. Spray, blot, and let it dry. Avoid over-saturating memory foam.

Will cleaning solutions damage my Zinus mattress?

Not if used properly. Avoid soaking the foam; light sprays and blotting are safe for all Zinus mattress types.

What if my mattress still smells after cleaning?

Repeat the baking soda treatment and ensure full drying. For persistent odors, try placing the mattress in direct sunlight.

Can I wash the Zinus mattress cover?

No — the cover is not removable or washable. Always use a waterproof protector for safe cleaning.

How long does it take for urine smell to go away from a mattress?

With proper treatment, urine odor should be significantly reduced within 24–48 hours. The key is thorough drying — any remaining moisture will keep the smell active. Apply baking soda generously, leave it overnight, and ensure the mattress is fully air dried before replacing bedding. For stubborn odors, repeat the baking soda treatment or place the mattress in direct sunlight, which naturally neutralizes odor-causing bacteria.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a Zinus mattress?

We don't recommend it. Steam cleaners introduce significant moisture and heat into the mattress, both of which can damage memory foam structure and encourage mold or mildew growth deep in the layers — especially if the mattress doesn't dry completely. Stick to light sprays and blotting methods for safe, effective cleaning on any Zinus memory foam or hybrid mattress.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress after cleaning it?

Yes — but only once it's completely dry. Sleeping on a damp mattress can compress moisture deeper into the foam and create conditions for mold and bacteria growth. After vacuuming up the baking soda, press a dry towel firmly against the surface to check for remaining moisture. When in doubt, give it another few hours with a fan running before putting sheets back on.

Does baking soda really remove urine odor from a mattress?

Yes, and it's one of the most effective options available. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural deodorizer that absorbs and neutralizes acidic odor compounds found in urine, including uric acid and ammonia. For best results, apply a generous layer, let it sit for at least 8 hours (overnight is ideal), then vacuum thoroughly. It works best in combination with a vinegar-water spray, which breaks down the stain before the baking soda absorbs the remaining odor.

The Bottom Line: Keep Calm and Clean On

Getting pee out of a mattress might sound daunting, but with these 6 easy steps, your bed will be fresh, clean, and odor-free in no time.
Pair your cleanup routine with Zinus's waterproof protectors and green tea–infused mattresses, and you'll sleep easy knowing your bed is always protected — from late-night spills to morning snuggles.