How to Clean Dog Pee from a Mattress

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Your dog might be your best friend, but when they potty on your bed, you might not be feeling very warm and fuzzy about them. Fortunately, there’s no need to run out and buy a brand new mattress—cleaning up dog pee, even off of a mattress, is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll tell you the step by step process for tackling fresh urine, tough stains, and odors so you can sleep peacefully again.

1

Remove any bedding from the mattress.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take off any blankets, comforters, and sheets, and throw them into the wash. Wash your bedding right away to avoid any stains from the urine. [1]
    • If the urine is old, treat your bedding with a stain remover before putting it in the wash.
    • Wash your bedding in hot or warm water to sanitize it and clean it completely.
    2. Advertisement
2

Blot up wet urine with a paper towel.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the urine is fresh, grab a paper towel and gently blot the urine up. Don’t rub or scrub the urine, since that can push it further into the fibers of your mattress. Keep blotting until the majority of the wetness is off of your mattress. [2]
    • If you’re worried about getting urine on your hands, wear disposable gloves.
3

Combine warm water and vinegar to make a cleaning solution.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a spray bottle 2/3 of the way full with warm water, then fill the rest up with white vinegar . Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, so it’s a great way to get urine out of a mattress. [3]
    2. Advertisement
4

Spray the area with your cleaning solution.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab your spray bottle and spray a liberal amount of cleaner over the entire urine spot. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to give your cleaning spray a chance to work. [4]
5

Blot the area again with a paper towel.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab another clean paper towel and gently blot the wet spot. Again, try not to rub or scrub the urine, since that could drive it further into your mattress fibers. [5]
    2. Advertisement
6

Reapply the vinegar-water cleaner if you need to.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your mattress still smells a little funny or has a dark spot, do the same thing again: spray it with cleaner, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot it with a paper towel. [6]
7

Sprinkle baking soda over the wet spot.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab your baking soda and sprinkle a thick layer onto your mattress, covering the entire wet spot. You can’t put too much baking soda onto your mattress, so in this case, the more, the better. [7]
    • Baking soda is also naturally absorbent, so it will help soak up any urine that has penetrated deep into the fibers of your mattress.
    2. Advertisement
8

Vacuum the mattress after 8 hours.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the morning, grab a vacuum and carefully vacuum up all of the baking soda. When the baking soda is gone, most of the urine and the cleaner you used should be gone, too. [8]
    • Be sure to empty the vacuum out after you’re done to avoid clogging your vacuum’s filter.
9

Let the mattress air dry for 24 hours.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you’ve cleaned your mattress, don’t put the sheets back on it just yet. Leave it uncovered to dry in the sun for about 24 hours to avoid any moisture problems in the future. [9]
    • Even if your mattress doesn’t look wet, it could still be moist on the inside.
    2. Advertisement
10

Use an enzymatic cleaner on urine stains.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your mattress still smells like urine or has a dark spot on it, buy an enzymatic cleaner that’s made specifically for pet stains. Spray a liberal amount on the urine spot on the mattress, then wait the recommended amount of time on the bottle (usually 10 to 20 minutes). Blot the cleaner up with a paper towel, then let your mattress air dry again. [10]
    • It’s important to remove the urine smell completely from your mattress. If your dog can still smell their pee on the bed, they might think that it’s a potty spot, and continue to have accidents on it in the future.
11

Protect your mattress with a mattress cover.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-Dog-Pee-from-Mattress-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you have pets or little kids around, accidents happen—it’s just a fact of life. If you want to avoid cleaning urine off your mattress in the future, invest in a mattress cover . These thin plastic covers protect the outside of your mattress, and they’re comfortable to sleep on, too. [11]
    • Be sure you’re buying a mattress cover that fits your specific bed size.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Encourage your dog to pee outside (and not on your bed) by immediately bringing them outside if they urinate inside the house.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • It's essential not to use any harsh chemical cleaners like hydrogen peroxide to clean up pet stains because they could be toxic to your pets. Make sure any cleaner you use is labeled as "non-hazardous."
      • Keep your pets off your bed by spritzing your mattress with a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar along with a few drops of citrus essential oil.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home
      How to
      Clean a Derma Roller
      How to
      Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Your House
      How to
      Clean Your Sink with Baking Soda
      How to
      Clean Up Vomit & Diarrhea (Plus, Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces)
      How to
      Clean Vomit from a Mattress
      How to
      Clean Your Own Pool
      The Best Ways to Clean Copper or Zinc Pennies
      How to
      Clean Rubber
      How to
      Neutralize Bleach
      How to
      Remove Odor from Bags
      How to
      Clean Up Spilled Gas: The Do's & Don'ts
      How to
      Clean a Tower Fan with or without Opening It
      How to
      Get Rid of Vomit Smell
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning up after your pets, check out our in-depth interview with James Sears .

      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bed-sheets
      2. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/parents-and-caregivers/pets-and-clean-home
      3. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-get-urine-smell-and-stains-out-of-a-mattress
      4. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/parents-and-caregivers/pets-and-clean-home
      5. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      6. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-get-urine-smell-and-stains-out-of-a-mattress
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/diy-dog-safe-cleaning-solutions/
      8. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-clean-a-mattress
      9. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-clean-a-mattress
      1. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      2. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/technology-in-the-bedroom

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,165 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement