Danger of Urine in Mattress – Detailed Guide

Worried with danger of Urine in mattress? How many of you have got that sinking feeling that comes after your kid (or pet) has peed on your mattress?

You can wash your blankets and bedsheets, but mattresses are a different matter, altogether.

You have just finished cleaning and drying out your mattress after the previous incident – and there, it happens again!

As parents (of humans and pets), most of us have gone through the whole cumbersome process of trying to remove urine stains on mattresses.

It’s tiresome but fret not. Accidents do happen no matter how careful we are.

Before we move on to find out how we can remove urine stains from mattresses, here is what you need to be aware of about the danger of urine on mattresses:

Danger of Urine in Mattress – Why?

Leads to mold buildup: Regular bed-wetting accidents can cause your mattress to stay wet continuously.

If you allow the wetness to accumulate and do not clean and dry your mattress under the sun, you risk the buildup of mold on your mattress.

Apart from being downright disgusting, molds are harmful to you and your family.

Mildew buildup is also common on mattresses, especially if they are subjected to frequent urination. 

If your mattress has excess mold and mildew buildup, then the next best place for it would be the dump yard.

Creates an Environment for Allergies

Molds and mildew create a conducive breeding ground for dust mites and germs.

Dust mites, those tiny eight-legged creatures, which thrive in places that have high humidity, multiply quickly on mattresses.

Dust mite feces are known to contain enzymes that trigger allergies in humans.

Emits Odor

Urine emits a strong smell and this can linger on your mattress if you do not clean or dry it completely.

The smell in urine is caused by the presence of ammonia in it.

Constant exposure to Ammonia is known to trigger respiratory problems and allergies. 

Once the smell of urine sets in, it becomes difficult to remove it. It is not only the urine smell that is unpleasant.

A urine-soaked mattress creates an environment for bacteria and fungus to grow.

Can Attract Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are irritating and love taking refuge on your bed.

They are attracted to Carbon dioxide, histamine, and heat.

Urine creates a warm environment for bed bugs, and also contains the hormone histamine.          

How To Remove Urine Stains From Mattress

Despite your best efforts, accidental bedwetting can still happen when you have young kids or pets at home.

Urine stain on mattress is not a pleasant sight to behold but you do not have to fret.

There are several easy and efficient home-based solutions that will help get rid of these stains.

Here are some simple steps you can follow to get rid of stains from your bed:

Step 1. Strip Your Mattress

Remove the covers and put your bed sheets and blankets into the washer, immediately.

This will also prevent the urine on the sheets and comforters from setting in.

Also, the longer the wet bedding stays on your mattress, the deeper the stains.

Step 2. Blot it Out

Take an absorbent paper towel or cloth and blot the urine from the mattress.

Pro Tip: Do not rub it in, this will only make the urine settle deeper into the fiber of your mattress.

Step 3. Spray it Down

Spray a vinegar solution on the affected area. Here is how you can make your own solution:

Ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray Bottle
• Detergent

Steps:

• Add one part of vinegar to two parts of water in a spray bottle.
• Add a bit of detergent (two teaspoons) to the mixture and mix well
• Spray liberally, ensuring that you cover the whole area with the solution.
• Don’t worry, the solution will dry off. The scent of the vinegar will also help neutralize the urine odor.

Step 4. Sprinkle Some Baking Soda

Over the affected area to soak up any persisting traces of urine and vinegar.

You can pour two generous heaps of baking soda over the stain, making sure that you cover all the stain. This will also help remove the vinegar smell.

Step 5. Allow it to Soak

Let it remain on the bed for at least 10 hours before you clean it off.

Step 6. Vacuum Clean

Remove the dry baking soda powder from the bed by using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

You can also use a handheld mini vacuum.

You may need to go over the surface multiple times to ensure that you have removed all traces of baking soda.

Step 7. Dry it Out

Prop your mattress against a few chairs on your patio, porch, or terrace if it is a bright and sunny day.

If it’s a rainy day or during the winter, see if you can prop it against chairs near a portable heater.

Vacuuming and drying out your mattress regularly, even when you do not have pee on it, keeps it free from dust mites, germs, and fungus.

Here is a video you can watch to learn more about removing urine stains from your mattress.

What If It Is A Cat or Dog Pee

Well, pet pee can be smellier than human pee, and so it may require a bit more effort.

Follow Steps 1 and 2 mentioned above.

Step 3: First cover the area with baking soda. This is to ensure that you absorb all the urine before spraying the area with the solution. 

Baking soda will darken in color as it absorbs the urine.

Step 4: Spray the area with the following solution:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz hydrogen peroxide
• 3 tbsp baking soda
• Liquid detergent

Add all the above in a spray bottle. You can also add some lemon/rose water or essential oil to bring on the fragrance.

Be careful while mixing the solution, though. Do not shake vigorously as it can bubble over.

Step 5: Vacuum the excess powder off after the mattress has dried.

How to Remove Dry Stains?

While the steps mentioned above work perfectly well for wet stains, what do you do with urine stains that are days old?

There is a solution for that as well:

Step 1. Spray Vinegar Solution

Cover the entire dried stain with the solution and ensure that you soak the stained portion with it.

Step 2: Use a Plastic Sheet to Cover the Area

Allow it to sit for 24-48 hours. This will ensure that the solution doesn’t dry off. Do not rub or blot the area dry.

Step 3.  Allow the Bedding to Air Dry

You can leave it overnight to ensure that it dries completely.

Step 4. Repeat

If the stain has still not gone, repeat the process one more time. Certain tough stains need two applications before they disappear completely.

Step 5. Clean with Damp Cloth

Once you have finished the cleaning process, you can inspect the mattress and clean it with a damp cloth as well if required.

Wipe or blot the water dry once you are done or let it sun dry again for a couple of hours.

If your pet had an accident on the bed, you need to ensure that it does not get repeated.

Dogs have a way of claiming their territory by peeing on it.

Once you are done with cleaning up, you can prevent your dog from peeing on the bed again by spraying a commercially bought dog repellent on it or using a home-made cayenne pepper spray mix.

This will irritate your dog but will not harm them in any way.

Also, make sure that you continue potty training your dog/pet so that they urinate only outdoors or in designated areas.

How to Prevent A Child from Bed Wetting

If the reason behind the urine stains on your mattress is your child, there are some pointers you can follow to reduce the number of times your child wets the bed:

1. Accept the issue

Bedwetting is more common than we think. According to the Mayo Clinic, 15 % of children wet their beds till the age of five. Around 85 percent of children stop bedwetting after the age of 5-6.

2. Regulate the water intake

 Reduce your child’s intake of water in the evening

3. Use the bathroom

Ensure your child goes to the bathroom before going to bed. Incorporate it into their nightly routine.

4. Set an alarm

Wake your child up in the night to go to the bathroom. As your child gets better control of their bladder, the need to urinate at night will reduce.

5. Provide easy access to the bathroom

Ensure your child’s bedroom has an attached bathroom so that your child has easy access to it.

6. Layer the mattress

Use a waterproof mattress cover, or a waterproof padding or flat sheet beneath the bed sheets so that the urine does not seep into the mattress.

7. Be kind

Do not scold your child if they bed wet. Instead, appreciate and reward your child if they do not wet their beds.

8. Get expert help

If bedwetting still happens frequently after the age of 6, you may need to visit a doctor who can recommend the next course of action.  

Points to Remember

• Act immediately: Don’t allow the urine to linger on the mattress for long as that will leave behind a nasty smell and a stain too.
• Do not use harsh chemicals: They don’t help and may just end up spoiling your mattress.
• Adding a drop of essential oil to your cleaning solution will freshen up your mattress
• Use a mattress protector to avoid stains, especially if you have small children/pets in the house.

Now that you understand the danger of urine in mattress and the process of cleaning it, get on with the job and gift yourself a good night’s sleep.

Read Next: Learn how to remove bad smell from your house in easy steps!