Unfortunately, a urine stained mattress is not an uncommon sight. Young children and pets often have accidents in the most inconvenient places imaginable, and those accidents can leave behind unsightly stains and unpleasant smells.
Urine on a Mattress
Most parents and pet owners have at one time or another been faced with the unpleasant task of trying to remove urine from a mattress. It's important to keep in mind that actually cleaning the urine stain is important. Since bacteria is found in urine, leaving a stain untreated for an extended period can result in the growth of fungus and mold in the mattress. In some cases, this can completely ruin a mattress.
Tips & Tricks to Remove Urine from a Mattress
While some products sold commercially are designed for removing urine smells from most furniture, there are several household tips and products that can work just as effectively as those expensive sprays and products.
1. Vinegar:
Many parents and pet owners report that vinegar works wonders in removing the smell of urine from a mattress. Pour a moderate amount of vinegar on the soiled area, and absorb excess liquid with a large towel or wet vacuum. Keep in mind that this method is designed to remove the smell and kill bacteria, so spot treating the actual stain will be necessary to lift or fade the urine stain.
2. Alcohol:
Rubbing alcohol and other grain alcohols often have the same effect as vinegar. Like vinegar, though, alcohol may not remove the stain, so other methods for stain fighting should be used.
3. Shampoo:
Liquid Laundry Detergent: For new urine stains, many mattress owners have found that simply using detergent or shampoo and a small amount of water will remove the stain. This is often less effective for stains that have set for some period of time, and may not be completely effective in removing the smells.
4. Steam Cleaning:
Whenever possible, consider using a hot steam cleaner on mattresses with urine stains. Used with a cleansing agent, steam cleaning is usually quite effective at removing the physical stain, eliminating the smell of urine, and killing bacteria that may otherwise grow and spread.