Parenting can be incredibly rewarding—and just as challenging. Some of the most glorious moments can be followed by some of the lowest in quick succession. The potty-training phase can be especially challenging and demanding. When children stop wearing diapers, there is often a transition period when they are prone to wetting the bed. Learning how to get pee out of a mattress can be a real lifesaver during such phases. With the help of Molly Maid experts, cleaning up after an accident doesn’t have to be a big deal. Follow our guide for keeping your children’s bedding feeling and smelling fresh.
Best Products for Pee on a Mattress
If bed-wetting is an ongoing issue in your household, you may find yourself repeatedly searching for tips on how to get pee stains out of a mattress. The answer lies in the products you use for the job. When you’re equipped with the right tools, it’s much easier to tackle such stains. The good news is that you don’t need to shell out for expensive products to get the job done.
Keep a steady supply of white cleaning vinegar on hand for accidents. It’s cheap, can be purchased in bulk, and doesn’t ever truly expire. Just be sure to keep it separate from the vinegar you use for cooking. The combination of vinegar and laundry detergent works well to remove stains and odor. You’ll also want to keep baking soda handy, as it will help pull up any remaining moisture in the bed and does a great job of absorbing odors.
A wet/dry vacuum can also prove instrumental in cleaning up a urine-soaked bed. Be sure to pre-treat the mattress and soak up as much moisture as you can before breaking out the vacuum, though. The last thing you want to deal with is a urine-soaked vacuum on top of a wet bed!
How to Clean Pee Out of a Mattress
There’s no need to panic when your child wets the bed. Armed with the necessary supplies and information on how to clean pee out of a mattress and bedding, you won’t skip a beat. You’ll know exactly what to do. The following are effective steps you can take to clean up a wet bed before stains and smells set in:
- Tackle the problem the minute you see it.
- Remove the sheets, bedding, comforter, and mattress pad, and launder as usual. If the odor of urine remains after the first wash, run the load again, adding one cup of vinegar.
- Use a clean, dry towel to blot the mattress and soak up as much of the urine as possible. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this will only push the liquid deeper into the mattress.
- Gather your cleaning supplies, including:
- Baking soda
- Clean clothes or towels
- Cold water
- A small amount of laundry detergent
- Vinegar
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Make a solution of two parts cold water, one part vinegar, and a small amount of detergent, and spray the affected area liberally.
- Allow the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and blot it with a clean, dry towel to remove as much of the liquid as possible.
- Sprinkle the wet area with baking soda to absorb the residual moisture and help with odor control.
- Let the baking soda sit for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove it by blotting it with a clean, damp cloth.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out any remaining liquid and baking soda.
- Allow the mattress to dry fully before reapplying the bedding, providing extra airflow by using a hairdryer or fan in addition to air drying.
- To protect the surface from future accidents, apply a waterproof mattress pad.
How Long Does It Take for Pee to Dry on a Mattress?
Urine can dry fairly quickly. In fact, it may virtually disappear within about two to four hours. But even if the mattress is no longer damp, the odds are good that you’ll still be able to smell the presence of urine. Understanding how to get the pee smell out of a mattress starts with patience. Many kids try to hide their accidents out of shame or fear. This delay can make it more difficult to remove stains. Children may also develop self-esteem issues, depending on how you react to the discovery. While frustration is understandable, try not to show your anger and remain supportive that things will get better. Instead, focus on cleaning up and employing better strategies to help eliminate the issue, including:
- Have your child regularly use the restroom throughout the day.
- Encouraging your child to go to the bathroom as soon as they feel the urge rather than delaying.
- Not allowing liquids after the evening meal.
- Make sure your child uses the restroom right before going to bed.
- Provide a nightlight so your child is comfortable making their way to the bathroom at night.
The Hidden Dangers of Pee on a Mattress
Pee on a mattress feels and smells bad, but there are even more reasons to act fast and clean it up quickly. When urine isn’t cleaned up effectively, it can pose some real health risks.
Urine contains bacteria, and when left long enough, mold can develop. It also contains urea, uric acid, and other dangerous compounds. The smell of ammonia that is trapped in your bed is caused by bacteria eating away at the urine residue. Ammonia left to soak into the mattress can cause irritation to the nose, lungs, and throat. This may lead to breathing difficulties. That’s no place for a child—or anyone— to sleep.
Make an effort to clean up urine as soon as possible. Symptoms worsen the longer someone is exposed to mold. It enters the body through skin contact, the digestive tract, and the lungs. When left untreated, mold can even cause long-term damage to your respiratory system. So, it’s important to know how to get pee out of a mattress quickly.
Now that you know how to get pee out of a mattress, you may be thinking about other cleaning challenges you’d like to conquer. Review some expert tips for guidance and reach out to Molly Maid if you’d like us to take care of your cleaning needs for you. You can give us a call or request a free house cleaning estimate online from a local Molly Maid professional.
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