Accidents happen, and when it comes to dealing with urine stains on a mattress, it's important to act swiftly. This is one of those accidents that even a mattress deep clean won't be able to resolve on it's own.
However, if you've discovered dried urine stains on your mattress, don't worry. While it may require a bit more effort to remove dried urine stains compared to fresh ones, it is still possible to restore your mattress to its clean and odour-free state.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove dried urine stains from a mattress, leaving it fresh and stain-free.
Removing Urine Stains When They Have Already Dried
To remove already dried urine stains, you need to use a mixture of baking soda hydrogen peroxide. We are going to explain step by step the process so that you can confidently remove the urine odour and stain.
*Top tip: If you own a steam cleaner, these processes become more easier and less time consuming. Steam cleaning a mattress is safe if you know how.
Assess the Stain
Before you begin the cleaning process, assess the size and severity of the dried urine stain.
Depending on the size, you may need to adjust the cleaning methods. For example, using a more potent mixture of hydrogen peroxide may be required.
It is also true that if the urine stain is gigantic, you would need to hire a professional as they have equipment available to them, such as a water claw attachment that can penetrate deep into the fibres of the mattress.
What You Need
To remove dried urine stains from a mattress, gather the following supplies:
White vinegar
Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Liquid dish soap
Warm water
Spray bottle
Clean towels or rags
Wet and dry vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
Vacuum the Mattress (Ideally with a wet and dry)
Start by vacuuming the mattress using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. This step will help remove any loose debris and surface dirt.
The reason you will want a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is for later on when the stain becomes wet from all of the products you will be using. Using a normal vacuum cleaner will potentially break it.
Create a Cleaning Solution
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Vinegar is effective in neutralizing odours and breaking down the urine particles.
Many professional products are vinegar based, while they do a similar job, they also cost a lot more and since you are only doing this once (hopefully) it's well worth making your own mixture.
Spray the Stain
Spray the vinegar and water solution generously onto the dried urine stain. Ensure that the stain is thoroughly saturated with the solution.
This will prime the stain getting it ready for removal. Once the stain is saturated, consider using an upholstery brush to work the stain in. Gently scrub the solution into the mattress and then allow it to sit for 3 minutes.
Blot the Stain
Using a clean towel or rag, gently blot the stain, applying slight pressure to absorb as much moisture as possible.
This will bring a lot of the urine out and works wonders on it's own, but you are not done yet!
Avoid blotting using too much pressure as you can only serve to drive it further into the mattress. The goal here is to just tackle the surface.
Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the damp stain. Baking soda helps absorb odours and further neutralizes the urine.
Create a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Stir the solution gently to combine.
Apply the Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Using a clean towel or sponge, apply the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap solution onto the baking soda-covered stain.
Work the solution into the stain gently, ensuring it reaches the deeper layers of the mattress.
This step is the most effective in tackling the urine stain. You might want to repeat this process a few time to ensure that all of the solution has been fed into the urine.
Allow the Solution to Sit
Let the hydrogen peroxide solution sit on the stain for approximately 15 minutes. This will give it time to break down the dried urine particles and lift the stain.
While you wait, you can get the next few steps ready. Make sure you get those rags in the wash.
Blot and Rinse
After the solution has had time to work, blot the stain again with a clean towel or rag to remove excess moisture. Then,
dampen a clean cloth with plain water and gently blot the area to rinse away any remaining cleaning solution.
Of course you won't be able to remove all of the solution but getting rid of the majority is important. If you don't you can risk clogging the pores and even damaging the mattress. It can also leave a chemical type smell for a while after.
Dry the Mattress
Allow the mattress to air dry completely. Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation and speed up the drying process.
Again, if you own a wet and dry vacuum cleaner you can use it to speed the drying process up while at the same time moving onto the next step simultaneously.
Avoid using a hairdryer or exposing the mattress to direct heat, as this may damage the fabric or foam.
Vacuum and Deodorize
Once the mattress is completely dry, vacuum the surface again to remove any remaining baking soda residue. This will leave your mattress fresh and clean.
If for whatever reason some of the stain or odour persists, you will have to repeat the steps found in this blog until it's completely gone (bummer i know). Make sure you are thorough the first time and this won't be a problem.
Prevent Future Stains
To protect your mattress from future accidents, consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover or a mattress protector. These will provide an additional layer of defence against spills and stains.
Conclusion
Dealing with dried urine stains on a mattress may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it is possible to effectively remove the stains and eliminate odours.
By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing common household items, such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, you can restore your mattress to a clean and fresh state.
Remember to act quickly, be patient throughout the process, and take preventative measures to protect your mattress from future accidents. With proper care and maintenance, your mattress will continue to provide a comfortable and hygienic sleep environment.