Let’s be real, cat accidents happen. And when your furry friend decides your mattress is the new litter box, it’s not cute. It smells bad and can even cause respiratory problems. But fear not, fellow cat parent! We’ve got the lowdown on how to banish that nasty smell and those stubborn stains.
From enzyme cleaners to homemade solutions, we’ll guide you through the best methods to get your mattress back to its former glory. So, let’s dive in and get rid of that grossness!
How to Remove Cat Pee From a Mattress When It’s Wet?
Act Fast! The sooner you address the issue, the better your chances of completely removing the stain and odor. Here’s what to do, no matter what kind of mattress you have.
1. Remove Bedding
Strip the bed, including sheets, blankets, and any mattress cover. If the cover is machine washable, start washing it immediately.
2. Blot the Urine
Use fresh towels to blot up as much urine as possible. Avoid scrubbing to prevent pushing the liquid deeper into the mattress.
3. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Choose one of these mixtures for cleaning:
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Laundry Detergent Solution: Mix 3 tablespoons of laundry detergent with 1 cup of warm water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Combine 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap, and 3 tablespoons baking soda.
Note: Test on an inconspicuous spot first to check for discoloration.
4. Apply the Cleaning Solution
Spray your chosen cleaner over and slightly beyond the stained area. For the hydrogen peroxide mixture, pre-spray with vinegar to activate it.
5. Blot and Repeat
Blot the solution with a clean towel to remove excess moisture and urine. Continue spraying and blotting until the stain is gone.
6. Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the cleaned area. Let it sit for 8–10 hours (overnight is ideal) to absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
7. Vacuum the Mattress
Once the baking soda has fully dried, vacuum it thoroughly to remove all residue.
8. Replace Bedding
After vacuuming, remake the bed with fresh linens. Your mattress should now be clean, odor-free, and ready for use.
How To Clean & Remove Dry Pee/Urine On A Mattress?
Cat urine is the easiest to clean when it’s fresh, but what if you don’t catch it in time and discover the damage only after there’s been time to dry? You’ll need a strong clean-up method to remove the dried pee and its smell. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
To remove dry urine from a mattress, you will need:
- Spray bottle
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid dish soap
- Clean towels or cloths
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
2. Make A Cleaning Solution
In a bowl, mix together 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap, and 3 tablespoons baking soda until well combined.
3. Pre-treat the Stain
Spray the cleaning solution onto the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
4. Gently Scrub the Stain
Using a clean towel or cloth, gently scrub the stained area in circular motions. Be careful not to rub too vigorously as this can damage the mattress fibers.
5. Blot and Repeat
After scrubbing, use a clean towel or cloth to blot the solution and moisture from the mattress. Repeat this process until the stain is no longer visible.
6. Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over the cleaned area and let it sit for several hours (ideally overnight) to absorb any remaining moisture and neutralize odors.
7. Vacuum the Mattress
Once the baking soda has dried, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove all the baking soda from the mattress.
8. Air Out and Dry
After vacuuming, allow the mattress to air out and dry completely before putting on sheets or using it again.
Bonus Tips for Tough Stains
- If you still notice a lingering odor, try using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down pet urine.
- For older or set-in stains, you may need to use a carpet or upholstery cleaner with a steam function for deeper cleaning.
- To prevent future accidents, consider covering your mattress with a waterproof mattress protector.
How to Prevent Further Cat Accidents?
After going through the time and effort of cleaning your mattress, you’ll want to take measures to prevent any future accidents. Here are some tips to help keep your mattress clean:
- Use a good-quality mattress protector: This is key in preventing urine from seeping into your mattress and causing stains and odors.
- Clean up accidents immediately: The longer you wait to clean up a cat accident, the harder it will be to remove the stain and odor.
- Train your cat properly: If you have a new kitten or rescue cat, make sure to properly train them on where to go to the bathroom. This will help prevent any future accidents on your mattress.
- Provide a suitable litter box: Make sure your cat has access to a clean and easily accessible litter box. This will discourage them from finding alternative places to go to the bathroom.
- Use an enzymatic urine odor eliminator: In addition to cleaning up any accidents, using an enzymatic cleaner can help break down and eliminate lingering urine odors. This will also discourage your cat from returning to the same spot.
- Buy safe pet-repellent sprays: Pet-safe sprays are available that can be used to deter cats from going near certain areas, such as your mattress.