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To clean dog pee on a mattress at home, start by blotting the liquid. After that, use an enzyme-based cleaner or vinegar solution to remove the stain, and lastly, apply baking soda before drying out the mattress. You can use this same process to lift old stains and odors. Avoid using any harsh chemicals like bleach/ammonia and soaking the mattress, as it can damage the surface.
When you live with a pet, getting dog pee on your mattress is a scenario you may eventually face. If it has already happened, do not worry, you don’t have to get a new replacement. You just need to follow simple steps on how to clean dog pee out of a mattress with a few common household items. The main issue is that dog urine quickly soaks into fabric and foam, which results in permanent yellow stains and unbearable stench. However, if you treat the accidental urine immediately, it is possible to avoid this situation and maintain the bedding’s hygiene.
In addition to acting fast, you must know the right tools to use and make sure you do not use harsh chemicals and avoid oversoaking the mattress. Instead, use safe and pet-friendly solutions like an enzyme cleaner or vinegar and baking soda to break down the stain easily. This guide will walk you through step by step how to clean dog pee out of a mattress with prevention tips.
Step 1: Strip the Bed, Act Fast, and Check Your Mattress
If you are searching “dog peed on bed how to clean” on Google, relax, all you need to do is blot the urine spill immediately. This will prevent it from seeping too deep into the foam layers and leaving a permanent stain or odor in the mattress. Follow these steps:
- Strip It Down: Pull off all bedding, sheets, duvet covers, and mattress protectors immediately. Place them in a laundry basket or a washing machine to prevent urine from dripping.
- Assess the Mess: Gently press the mattress to see how much of the surface has been affected. See if it has reached the seams or edges. This assessment will help you create a cleaning plan.
- Check the Tag: Before you grab a cleaning solution, check the care label of your mattress. Most brands list their memory foam and latex models for spot cleaning only, and not for soaking. See if it displays a symbol of a crossed-out tub, meaning it specifically mentions not to wash it.
Note: Fresh dog pee mattress cleanup is far easier than cleaning dried stains. Hence, following these immediate steps helps you minimize the mess and prevent any permanent damage.
Step 2: Blot Up As Much Dog Urine As Possible (No Rubbing)
When cleaning up dog urine, your first goal should be to remove as much liquid as possible physically. This will not let it get into deeper layers of the fabric and the core padding of the mattress. This will also help keep the bad odor away, so follow these steps:
- Press and Absorb: Create a layer of thick and clean towels or paper towels directly over the wet spot on the bed. Firmly press down with your hands on top of towels to blot the area and wick up the moisture.
- Keep Going: Once the towels seem to be saturated, replace them with a new set. Repeat the process of blotting until they come up almost dry.
- Do Not Rub: Your first instinct can be to scrub the spill, but rubbing it too hard may further push the liquid into porous foam. This will make it harder to clean dog urine from a memory foam mattress.
Pro Tip: You can always keep a stack of old “pet towels” handy so you can reach out for them immediately. You will not have to sacrifice your new linens to clean such pet accidents.
Step 3: Treat the Stain with a Pet-Safe Cleaning Solution
Once you have blotted and removed the excess urine from the mattress, it is time to break down the organic components of the urine. For this, you will need a pet-safe cleaning solution. Here are the important steps you must follow to clean your mattress:
3A. Use an Enzyme Cleaner (Best Option for Dog Urine)
Using an enzyme cleaner for dog urine in mattress fabrics is one of the most popular methods to get started. These contain bio-enzymes that break down the proteins and uric acid crystals that leave a lingering odor in the mattress. Let us discuss how to use enzyme cleaner on a mattress for dog urine:
- Apply: Before applying, shake the bottle thoroughly and spray it lightly on the stained area. Make sure the spot is damp enough to reach the urine, but avoid oversoaking it.
- Wait: Most enzyme cleaners mention a waiting time of at least 10 to 15 minutes. Let it sit for the recommended time to allow the enzymes to break down the stain components.
- Blot Again: Use clean towels to lift away the dissolved urine and excess cleaner.
3B. DIY Backup: Vinegar and Water Solution
If an enzyme cleaner is not readily available, you can use vinegar and baking soda for urine as an alternative. Follow these steps:
- Mix: Take about 50% distilled white vinegar and 50% cold water, and mix them in a spray bottle.
- Mist: Using the spray water, mist the stained area and make sure you do not make it too wet. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to break down the ammonia.
- Blot: Use a clean napkin to gently and thoroughly blot the sprayed area.
3C. Products and Methods to Avoid
If you are wondering, can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean dog pee from my mattress? Is it safe to use it if you have pets? The answer is yes, these cleaning solutions are absolutely pet-friendly. However, if you are considering using harsher chemicals, they may damage your memory foam or latex mattress. Moreover, they may leave residues that may irritate your and your pet’s skin. Hence, you must avoid using the following on a mattress:
- Bleach: This is too harsh for most mattress fabrics and foam, and may break down the foam materials.
- Ammonia-Based Cleaners: Since dog urine contains ammonia, using these cleaners leaves a scent that smells like a fresh “bathroom spot” to your dog. This may encourage them to pee there again.
- Harsh Solvents: Strong chemical solvents can dissolve the cellular structure of memory foam.
- Steam Cleaners and Very Hot Water: High heat bonds the protein in the urine to the fabric fibers. This may lead to permanently setting the stain and smell.
The table below lists safe cleaners for foam mattress and harsh chemicals you must avoid:
| YES: Safe to Use | NO: Avoid Completely |
| Enzyme Cleaners | Bleach |
| Vinegar & Water Solution | Ammonia-Based Cleaners |
| Cold Water | Steam Cleaners |
| Harsh Solvents | |
| Very Hot Water |
Step 4: Deodorize Deeply with Baking Soda and Let it Sit
After the cleaning solution has broken down the organic matter of the stain, the next step is to remove the odor. For this, you will use baking soda to deodorize mattress after dog urine. It works by absorbing trapped dampness and smells. Follow these steps on how to clean dried dog pee from a mattress without ruining it, and remove dog urine smell from a mattress:
- Sprinkle Generously: After the application of the cleaning solution, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the damp and affected area. Make sure that you layer the baking soda evenly over the treated spot and extend it to the area larger than the visible spot.
- Pat Instead of Scrubbing: Pat the powder gently with your hand so that it remains in contact with the fabric. However, make sure you don’t grind it into the fibers of the mattress fabric.
- Waiting Time: Leave the baking soda on for several hours, or for about 8+ hours, or overnight. This waiting time will help in the complete pet urine odor removal.
- Check the Results: If you notice that the baking soda has turned yellow or is clumping together, this is normal. It is a good sign that the powder has absorbed the residue.
Note: If you are cleaning dried dog urine stains on mattress, repeat the enzyme and baking soda process until you completely remove yellow urine stains from mattress.
Step 5: Vacuum Thoroughly, Air-Dry the Mattress, and Recheck
The difficult part of the cleaning process is now done. Now, the next step is to clean the baking powder residue and dry out the clean mattress. These steps will make sure your mattress stays fresh and free from mold and mildew:
- Vacuum: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck up all the baking soda. Go over the seams and crevices slowly to ensure no gritty powder is left on the surface.
- The Sniff Test: Bring the freshly vacuumed affected area near your nose and sniff it. If you still feel a dog urine smell in memory foam, repeat the process on that specific spot.
- Dry It Out: How to dry a mattress after cleaning? Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room and let it air dry completely. Use fans, open windows, or a dehumidifier to circulate air and speed up the process.
- Verify Dryness: Check if the treated area is evenly dry (not cool or damp). It should not feel “heavier” than the rest of the bed.
Step 6: Sanitize Gently and Wash All Bedding and Covers
While waiting for your mattress to get air dry, use this time to clean the rest of the bedding and covers. As important as it is to sanitize mattress after dog pee, your linens require equal attention. The process of sanitizing them without damaging delicate materials involves these steps:
- Wash Bedding: Wash all affected items, sheets, blankets, and mattress pads in lukewarm water. For the safety of fabric fibres, use a quality detergent.
- Check the Cover: If your mattress has a removable cover, check the care label before washing. See if the label mentions machine-washable fabric or dry-clean only, and clean accordingly.
- Skip Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach or heavy disinfectants directly on the foam. These can break down the material. Instead, use an enzyme cleaner and fresh air.
- Routine Care: Make sure you follow a regular cleaning routine to wash your bedding. This will control pet dander and keep your sleeping environment fresh and allergen-free.
Step 7: Protect Your Mattress and Prevent Future Accidents
Now that your bed is fresh and clean like before, you may wonder, “How to protect my mattress from future dog pee accidents?” You can prevent any further damage in the future by investing in the right tools and accessories for your bed. It is also important to create a routine to deep clean mattress after pet accident again. Follow these recommendations and mattress cleaning tips for pet owners:
- Invest in Mattress Protection: Add a waterproof mattress protector for pets to create a barrier between the bedsheet and mattress surface. These protectors are washable and resist moisture from seeping into the fabric.
- Routine Maintenance: Make it a weekly routine to wash your bedding and protector. This will eliminate the pet dander and the buildup of other bodily fluids from the mattress.
- Address the Root Cause: If you are looking for the solution to hat to do if my dog keeps peeing on my bed? Take your pet to a vet, as frequent accidents may be a sign of a medical issue. These may range from a UTI to behavioral anxiety. Hence, getting your furry friend checked will rule out health problems.
- Know When to Replace: If the mattress is very old, heavily stained, or still smells strongly of urine. These are the signs that your mattress is oversaturated, and despite your best efforts, replacing it is the healthiest choice.
It may not be possible to prevent dog from peeing on bed, but investing in a waterproof protector can reduce damage to the mattress. This mattress will address all your cleaning woes and keep your mattress fresh and hygienic over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I clean dog pee from a mattress?
The moment you notice that your dog’s urine is on the mattress, immediately remove the bedding to prevent further damage. Act as fast as possible in stripping the bed and blotting the liquid, as mentioned in steps 1 and 2 of this guide. This will not let the urine get too deep into the mattress fabric and create a permanent stain or odor in the future.
Can I use the same method on a memory foam mattress?
Yes, you can use the same methods on a memory foam mattress. However, make sure to use a minimal liquid solution of enzyme cleaner or vinegar. Avoid soaking the foam as it can ruin its layers by trapping moisture, leading to mold growth. Always blot thoroughly and allow for extra drying time. Use baking soda in the end, as it is the best way to get dog urine smell out of a memory foam mattress.
How do I get rid of a strong dog urine smell that won’t go away?
If the dog urine has dried up on the mattress and it is giving off a strong smell, repeat the cleaning process until it is gone. Take a more powerful enzyme cleaner and follow it up with even application of baking soda, as shown in steps 3 and 4 of this guide. This process will break down the remaining uric acid crystals that are causing the lingering stench.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or ammonia on a mattress?
These chemicals come under the category of harsh chemicals that are not ideal for use on your mattress. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide can damage and discolor the fabric of the mattress. Moreover, ammonia-based cleaners have an odor similar to urine. These may attract your dog to pee in the same spot again and are not considered pet-safe.
How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning dog urine?
A mattress takes between 8 to 24 hours to dry completely after cleaning. The exact time depends on the humidity in your location and the airflow of the room it is in. Make sure you do not put sheets back on until the area feels dry to the touch to prevent mold growth.
What if my dog keeps peeing on my bed even after I clean it?
If you notice dog pee accidents have become more frequent than before and find it unusual, it is better to consult a vet. This may be due to medical issues, like a possible urinary infection, or behavioral issues like anxiety. It is also wise to invest in a water-resistant mattress protector to prevent your mattress from further damage.
When to replace a mattress after multiple dog urine accidents?
After multiple dog urine accidents, your mattress may become oversaturated and may have a lingering urine odor. This means that the dog’s pee has seeped into the core that can not be removed even after several deep-cleaning efforts. If this is the case, the compromised foam may also lead to mold growth, making replacement a viable and healthy option.
Conclusion
This guide on how to clean dog pee out of a mattress shows how easy it is to care for your mattress. All you need to do is act fast and follow the systematic approach of disinfecting the bedding. Start by stripping off your bed linens right away, blot the stained area, and treat it with an enzyme cleaner or vinegar. To remove the bad odor, sprinkle baking soda evenly on the damp surface. After this, vacuum the mattress surface and air-dry it for at least a day before using it again. Additionally, wash and clean the fitted sheets and covers to completely sanitize your sleeping surface.
Invest in a mattress protector to create a physical barrier between the spill and the mattress, preventing future damage. However, if you find the frequency of your dog’s pee on the bed unusual, consult a vet immediately. Finally, assemble a “pet accident kit” with old towels, enzyme spray, vinegar, and baking soda to handle whatever life (or your dog) throws your way.
