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How To Remove Urine Stains From Your Mattress


No matter how hard we try to prevent leakages as a result of bladder weakness or urinary incontinence, sometimes they just happen.

When this happens, what we really don’t want, is any leaks getting through to our furniture. 

So, what can we do if we have a leak that seeps through and causes a stain? 

Unsightly stains can sometimes be difficult to lift. But, before you spend your time arranging for someone to come round and take your furniture away, why not try a cheap and easy cleaning solution?

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to remove stains from a mattress and what you can do to help prevent getting them in the future!

The Best Cleaning Products For Mattress Stains

Mattress Stain Removers

Nobody wants stains on their mattress. But, what products can you use to get rid of them?

Lots of people swear by natural solutions like baking soda, but they don’t always get the job done and they need a bit of manual labour to put together.

Not ideal for someone looking for something simple and effective. 

The Vivactive Mattress Stain Remover is a fantastic choice for anyone trying to get those hard to remove stains out of their mattress. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a mild antiseptic and a powerful disinfectant that can brighten dull and stained surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide is also much gentler than bleach, so there is no risk of causing damage or discolouration to the bedding. 

Not only will it remove stains, it leaves a light and refreshing scent. The last thing you want is a mattress that stinks of bleach.

How To Use Mattress Stain Remover:

Our Vivactive Mattress Stain Remover is also very easy to use, you don’t even need to rub it into the stained area.

  • Step 1: Spray onto the stained area
  • Step 2: Now you wait (make a cup of tea)
  • Step 3: The stain is gone

It actually is as simple as that, no heavy lifting required.

We've referred specifically to mattresses throughout so far, but you can actually also use this stain remover on other furnishings, such as rugs, carpet and chairs. 

You can find Vivactive Mattress Stain Remover here.

Hydrogen Peroxide For Mattress Stains

Hydrogen peroxide is well-known for its stain-fighting properties, making it ideal for cleaning urine from a mattress.

It works by breaking down the uric acid found in urine, effectively lifting the stain and neutralising odors. Compared to bleach, hydrogen peroxide is much gentler on fabric and won't cause unwanted damage to your mattress.

This remains one of the most effective cleaning solutions for urine stains on a mattress.

DIY Mattress Stain Removal Techniques

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can try using household ingredients.

Baking soda, for example, is often used to remove odors and stains from mattresses.

You can simply sprinkle it directly onto the stained area, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum it up.

While this method works for lighter stains, it may not be effective for larger or more deeply ingrained stains. Consider combining baking soda with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for better results.

How To Prevent Urine From Getting Onto Your Mattress

Once the stains are gone, you’ll probably want to try your best to keep it that way.

As the old saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure ’. If you've got a decent solution in place to stop urine getting into your furniture, you won't need to clean up stains!

Disposable Bed Pads

Disposable bed pads are thin sheets of absorbent material which you can lay on top of.

They sit above the mattress and the bedsheet, so that liquids don’t soak through and ruin your linen. If you experience any leaks, you can simply pop the pad in the bin and replace it with a new one. 

Using a super-absorbent bed pad like the Vivactive Bed Pad Maxi adds an extra layer of protection for your sheets and mattresses. By abosrbing liquids and locking them away, your sheets will stay fresh and dry. No smells, no stains. 

They’re also great if you travel a lot.

Frequenting hotels and other people's houses can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare if you experience nocturia (nighttime leakage) or frequent urine leaks.

Their small size means they can be carried around easily and discreetly. Once soiled, they’re simply rolled up and disposed of.

You can find our range of disposable bed pads here.

Washable Bed Pads

These reusuable pads work almost exactly like disposable bed pads, resting on top of your mattress and bedsheet, protecting them from leaks.

The big difference here between washable pads and disposable pads is the former's ability to be washed and reused.  

Unlike disposable pads, you won’t need to keep stocking up, as they can be washed and reused after every use. Whilst there’s a higher initial cost, over time, you’ll find you save a bit of money. 

This is especially useful if you find you experience leaks infrequently, saving you having to wash them every day. 

They also come with a much greater absorption capacity. If you’re someone who experiences larger leaks or full voids, you’ll probably want to use something with the best absorption.

As an example, this King-Size Washable Bed Pad can absorb up to a whopping 5000ml of liquid. 

You can find our range of Washable Bed Pads here.

Washable Mattress Protector

Waterproof mattress protectors are a bit more of a heavy-duty solution for protecting your bedding.

They’re typically made from plastics and might be slightly more uncomfortable than the bed pads mentioned above. They do however have their place.

Protectors like the Super Soft Microfibre Waterproof Mattress Protector are 100% waterproof, which provides complete protection.

They’re super-strong, so won’t crack, discolour or harden over time and they’re really easy to clean. Thanks to their smooth surface you can simply wipe them clean without any fuss.

You can find our range of waterproof mattress protectors here.

FAQs: How To Get The Smell Of Urine Out Of Your Mattress

  • Why does urine leave a persistent strong odour?

    Urine contains compounds like ammonia and urea, which, when absorbed into your mattress, can create a strong and lingering smell. 

    The longer the urine sits on the mattress without cleaning, the more difficult it becomes to remove both the stain and the odour. 

    To effectively remove urine smell from a mattress, it’s crucial to act quickly and use the right cleaning methods.

  • What is the best natural deodorising combo?

    One of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of the urine smell on a mattress is by using baking soda and vinegar. 

    First, blot the stained area to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, spray white vinegar over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. 

    Afterward, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area. The vinegar will neutralise the odour-causing compounds, while the baking soda will absorb the moisture and freshen up the mattress. 

    Leave the baking soda to sit for several hours before vacuuming it up.

  • What chemicals can I use to eliminate odours?

    Hydrogen peroxide is not only effective for removing stains but also for deodorising a mattress. As an antiseptic, it breaks down the compounds in urine that cause odours.

    To eliminate urine smells from a mattress, mix hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of dish soap and water. 

    Spray the solution onto the stained area and let it sit for about 15 minutes before blotting it up. 

    This method helps neutralise both the stain and the unpleasant smell, leaving your mattress fresh and clean.

  • What are enzyme cleaners and how do they work?

    If home remedies don’t work, consider using a commercial enzyme cleaner. 

    These cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins and acids found in urine, which are responsible for both stains and odours. 

    By using an enzyme-based cleaner on your mattress, you can ensure that the smell is fully eradicated and that the mattress is properly disinfected. Follow the product instructions for the best results.

  • How should I care for my mattress after cleaning it?

    After cleaning your mattress, it’s important to allow it to dry thoroughly. 

    Air drying your mattress in a well-ventilated room or placing it outside in the sun can help speed up the drying process and further reduce any remaining smells. 

    The sun’s UV rays naturally help to kill bacteria and neutralise odours. Be sure to let your mattress dry completely to avoid mould growth, which can be a problem if moisture is trapped inside.

Prevent Urine Stains With Incontinence Products

Now you know how to remove urine stains from a mattress, and how you can protect them, why not see our product range to see if our solutions can support you?

At Incontinence Choice, we have a wide range of mattress cleaning products including the Vivactive 4-in-1 disinfectant cleaner, as well as our collection of preventative products like our waterproof mattress protectors.

We have a huge selection of products for both males and females from brands such as Vivactive, TENA, iD, Always, Attends, and more.

Find the right products for you today!