How to remove pee stains from the mattress? Techniques, cleaning products, how to prevent the mattress from getting dirty.
Every parent will, in all likelihood, have been faced with the problem of small children wetting the bed. A situation that can also occur when caring for very old people or people with serious health problems.
Sometimes, however, it is our dear four-legged friend and mistake the bed for a lawn. Without prejudice to who is responsible, the important thing is to promptly remove the stain and prevent urine from penetrating into the inner layers. We must also not forget that a stained mattress may no longer be covered by the guarantee.
Let’s find out a do-it-yourself procedure that we can carry out without particular problems and some tips to clean the mattress and eliminate the bad smell.
Materials needed
For the removal of the stain we must obtain:
- 1 empty spray bottle;
- sodium bicarbonate;
- White vinegar;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- liquid dish soap;
- lavender essential oil (optional).
The first step is to prepare the cleaning solution by combining approximately 300ml of hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of dish soap. We can complete the mix by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil or other fragrance that we prefer.
This last step is optional but allows you to better neutralize the bad smell and offer a feeling of greater freshness. Once all the ingredients have been combined, simply shake but without applying excessive force, in order to prevent the soap from producing too much foam.
Always give it a try
Regardless of the method used, before starting cleaning it is a good idea to test the cleaning solution on a small portion of the mattress.
Initial cleaning with vinegar
Before using the homemade detergent we must treat the stain with white vinegar which is an excellent natural sanitizer. Remember not to use red vinegar which would further stain the coating.
If the mattress has just been wet, we must blot with absorbent paper or a cotton cloth to remove as much moisture as possible. When the area is dry enough we apply white vinegar, let it act for a few minutes and always dab with absorbent paper.
Apply the cleaner
Using the spray bottle, spray the solution on the entire affected area and leave it to act for about 10 minutes. If we have to treat a very old dry spot, applying the product for at least 20 minutes.
Always with a cloth or absorbent paper we provide to dab (avoid rubbing) and leave the mattress in the air until it is completely dry. The procedure can be repeated until the stain has finally disappeared.
Allow the mattress to dry before use
To evaporate all the moisture, it is good practice to let the mattress dry for four to six hours. If we have the possibility to move it to a ventilated place or outdoors, perhaps taking advantage of a beautiful sunny day, in a couple of hours it could already be perfectly dry.
When the pee is from an animal
When the urine stain was caused by a pet, the DIY solution just explained may not be effective. The problem is that the pee of dogs and cats has a very strong and persistent odor; if in appearance it seems to have disappeared, in reality the animal is still able to perceive it and is pushed to urinate in the same place.
One solution is to use an enzymatic detergent, i.e. with the presence of specific molecules capable of eliminating certain substances. Consequently we have to purchase a product suitable for dog and cat urine.
Sprinkle the baking soda on
Baking soda has the ability to absorb both moisture and bad odors. So it might be a good solution to sprinkle a generous amount all over the stain. The baking soda tends to become grainy as it absorbs moisture and we can remove it by vacuuming the entire affected area.
Use a waterproof mattress cover
The mattress cover is, in my opinion, an indispensable accessory that must never be missing. Only in this way can we adequately protect the mattress and extend its life cycle as well.
All the more so if we have to deal with the problem of bedwetting with some frequency. In this case it is advisable to buy a model in waterproof fabric that prevents urine from staining the lining and penetrating the outer layer.