How to Get Dog and Cat Urine Out of Your Mattress

Updated: Apr. 05, 2022

Pet accidents happen — sometimes on your bed — but that doesn't mean you have to live with the unpleasant stains and odors.

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Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

If you have an excitable puppy or a senior cat, chances are you will experience a few accidents. And yes, sometimes those accidents will happen on the bed. It's no secret that cleaning a mattress is a tricky task. But with the right supplies at your disposal, it is possible to get pet urine stains — and the smell that comes with them — out of your mattress.

Tools Required

  • Dry cotton towels
  • Spray Bottle
  • Vacuum

Materials Required

  • Baking soda
  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Lavender essential oil (optional)
  • White vinegar

Project step-by-step (7)

Step 1

Remove and Wash Bedding

Remove and wash beddingFamily Handyman

Step 2

Blot Up Liquid

  • If the pet stain is fresh, use a clean cotton towel to soak up as much of the urine as possible.
    • Press down firmly on the stained area, but do not rub.
    • Paper towels will also work for this step but you’ll likely use quite a few of them.
  • Skip this step if the stain is already dry.

Blot up liquidFamily Handyman

Step 3

Make Vinegar Solution

  • Mix together a homemade cleaning solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent cold water.
    • Use 1/2 cup of each ingredient to start.
    • Add a few drops of lavender essential oil if you can’t stand the vinegar smell.
  • Pour the solution into your spray bottle.

Make vinegar solutionFamily Handyman

Step 4

Apply the Vinegar Mixture

  • Spray a liberal amount of the vinegar solution over the affected area of your mattress.
    • Let the solution sit for five minutes, then blot it up with a fresh towel.
  • Repeat this step at least one more time.

Apply the vinegar mixtureFamily Handyman

Step 5

Treat Cat Urine With Enzymatic Cleaner

  • Cat urine contains ammonia and an amino acid called felinine, both of which cause strong household odors.
  • Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down urine molecules and destroy smells.
    • Follow the product’s instructions to treat your mattress.
Step 6

Use Baking Soda to Remove Odors

  • After the stain is removed, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the mattress.
    • Let the powder sit for eight to 10 hours
    • This will also help absorb lingering moisture.
  • Vacuum up the baking soda.
  • Repeat if needed.

Treat cat urine with an enzymatic cleanerFamily Handyman

Step 7

Dry the Mattress

Dry the mattressFamily Handyman