If there are children and pets in your home, you may find traces of urine on the mattress. In these situations, therefore, your intervention is necessary. While it may seem like a difficult task, don't worry - all you need to get your mattress back is a few simple household cleaners. For fresh stains, blot to absorb excess liquid, pour in some baking soda and apply a vinegar-based solution to neutralize the odor. In the case of old stains, however, it is better to use a solution based on hydrogen peroxide.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove Fresh Stains
Step 1. Absorb excess urine with a cloth
Take an old cloth and blot the stain to remove as much liquid as possible. Continue until the mattress feels just slightly damp. If it's soaked, use an old towel.
- Alternatively, you can also use blotting paper.
- Change the cloth, towel, or paper towel when soaking.
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda to absorb urine residue
Take a spoon and pour the baking soda all over the stain. Don't be afraid to overdo it because you don't risk damaging the mattress. Make sure the stain is completely covered.
Step 3. Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle
Pour the ingredients directly into the vaporizer. Use the largest bottle you can find because, depending on the size of the stain, you may need a large dose of the solution.
- To enhance its action, reduce or eliminate water. You could spray pure white vinegar. Although it has a strong odor, it will dissipate within a short time.
- White vinegar neutralizes bad odors and helps remove stains.
Step 4. Spray a generous amount of solution and let it sit for 5 minutes
The mattress should be damp enough, but not so much that it gets completely wet. If the solution is not enough to cover the entire stain, you will probably need to prepare another dose.
However, if you have any leftover you can leave it in the spray bottle and use it again
Step 5. Use an old cloth to absorb excess moisture
Dab on the stain to remove the solution as much as possible. Don't worry if the baking soda doesn't come off completely as you'll need to add more. Try to dry the mattress as well as possible.
Step 6. Sprinkle the baking soda
Pour it generously trying to cover the entire mattress. This treatment will also allow you to neutralize any unpleasant odors.
Step 7. Let the mattress dry for about 18 hours before using the vacuum cleaner
Open all windows and doors and, if possible, keep a fan running in the room. After 18 hours, see if it is completely dry before removing the baking soda. Vacuum all crevices and in different directions to make sure you get rid of any baking soda residue.
- Do not use the mattress until it dries and the baking soda has finished working.
- The drying time depends on the temperature and how wet it is.
Method 2 of 2: Remove the now dry stains
Step 1. Make a hydrogen peroxide solution
Even old urine stains can be removed! Combine 240ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons (40g) of baking soda, and 2 drops of washing up liquid in a small bowl. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- It is best to use hydrogen peroxide only on white mattresses as it may fade colored fabrics. If you are concerned that this may happen, simply use white vinegar to remove stains.
- This solution is also effective against blood stains.
- Since hydrogen peroxide degrades quickly, you need to use the solution immediately. If it is older than 1-2 hours, throw it away and prepare another dose.
Step 2. Blot the stain with the hydrogen peroxide solution
Lightly wet a white cloth with the solution. Dab it carefully on the stain to absorb it and wait until the mattress is completely dry before using it again.
Although you should use the solution generously, avoid soaking the mattress completely or it will take longer to dry
Step 3. Use a foaming cleaner to remove stubborn stains
Combine 50 g of powdered laundry detergent and 15 ml of water in a small bowl. Use a spoon to spread the paste all over the stain.
- For larger spots you may need a larger amount of foaming solution.
- Do not use powder detergent containing oxygen-based bleaching agents as they can damage the mattress.
Step 4. Let the cleansing foam sit for 30 minutes, then remove it
After half an hour he should have removed the stain. Use a spoon to gently scrape the foam residue off the mattress. Be careful not to press too hard as you could ruin it.
Step 5. Vacuum to remove any residual baking soda or cleaning foam
Wipe it all over the mattress in different directions to make sure you remove all the baking soda or foam. It is best to remove the floor brush and use only the narrow nozzle that allows you to vacuum in the crevices.
If you still see traces of foam, dip a white cloth in the hydrogen peroxide and pat it gently until they are all off
Advice
- You can deodorize the mattress by adding a few drops of essential oil to the cleaning solution. For example, if you like a relaxing fragrance, you could use lavender oil.
- If you prefer to use a product specially formulated for removing urine stains, try an enzymatic cleaner; it is generally sold to eliminate the liquid manure of domestic animals. You can find it in pet stores or on the Internet.
- To prevent urine stains, try using a waterproof mattress cover. It protects it entirely by preventing liquids from penetrating.
