How to Get Pee Out of Memory Foam Mattress Fast and Easy

You just woke up or walked into the room and saw a wet, yellow stain on your memory foam mattress. That smell? Yes, it’s pee. Maybe your child had an accident or your pet couldn't wait. Whatever happened, don’t panic. You can clean it up without ruining your mattress. The secret is quick action and using simple things you already have at home. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to get pee out of a memory foam mattress with easy steps, using gentle cleaning tricks that really work.

Blot the Pee As Soon As You Can

When you first see that pee on your mattress, the most important thing is to act fast. Memory foam is soft and absorbent. That means it will soak up the pee quickly if you don’t do something right away. You want to stop the pee from going deep into the mattress. That makes it harder to clean and can leave a smell behind. So the first thing to do is blot.

Take clean paper towels, or a dry cloth, and gently press them down on the wet spot. Don't rub or scrub. That will push the pee deeper. Just press and lift, press and lift. Use fresh paper towels or switch to a dry part of the cloth as you go. Keep doing this until you don't see any more liquid coming up. It might take a few rounds.

If you have a wet vacuum cleaner, you can also use it for this part. A wet vac can pull out more moisture than a towel. Just use it slowly over the wet area. If you don't have one, towels will work just fine. The goal is to remove as much pee as possible before it dries or soaks in deep.

After blotting, don't leave the mattress wet. If you can move it, take it outside in the sun. The sun helps with drying and can kill some bacteria. If not, turn on a fan in the room and let it blow over the mattress. This helps dry the top layer before moving on to deeper cleaning.

• Act fast before the pee soaks in
• Use dry towels or paper towels to blot, not rub
• Switch to a clean towel often
• Try a wet vacuum if you have one
• Use a fan or sunlight to help dry the area

Use a Simple Vinegar Solution for Deep Cleaning

Now that you've removed as much pee as possible from the surface, it's time to clean deeper. Memory foam holds moisture and odors, so you need something that breaks down the urine and kills the smell. One of the best and safest things you can use is vinegar.

White vinegar is a great cleaner. It's natural, cheap, and strong enough to kill smells and bacteria. To make your vinegar cleaning solution, mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water. You can put this mix into a spray bottle, which makes it easier to apply.

Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the stained area. Don't pour it. Just spray enough so that it's damp, but not soaking wet. The goal is to cover the spot where the pee went. Once you spray it, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to break down the urine and clean deep inside the foam.

After the wait, use dry towels again to blot up the vinegar solution. You may still see a little yellow color on the towel. That's normal. It means the cleaner is pulling out the pee from the foam. Keep blotting until the area feels drier.

Then, let the mattress air dry again. Open windows or use a fan. If it's sunny outside, sunlight will help too. This part might take a few hours. Don't rush it. A fully dry mattress is less likely to grow mold or smell bad later.

• Mix vinegar and water (1:1) in a spray bottle
• Spray on the stained area, not too much
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
• Blot up with clean towels
• Let the mattress dry fully

Sprinkle Baking Soda to Remove Leftover Smell

Even after using vinegar, you might notice a light smell left behind. That's okay. Pee has strong proteins and ammonia that can hang around. This is where baking soda comes in. Baking soda is great at removing odors. It soaks them up and leaves things fresh.

Once the mattress is dry after using vinegar, sprinkle baking soda all over the area where the pee was. Use a lot — don't be shy. You want to cover the full area and even a bit more, just in case the pee spread out underneath.

Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours. If you can leave it overnight, that's even better. During this time, the baking soda pulls out the remaining smell and moisture from deep inside the foam.

When time is up, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove the baking soda. Go slowly so you get all the powder out of the tiny holes in the foam. You may need to go over the spot a few times.

If the smell is still there, you can repeat the process. Baking soda is safe and gentle, so you can use it more than once without hurting the mattress.

• Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda
• Let it sit for 8 hours or overnight
• Vacuum slowly with a hose tool
• Repeat if needed for strong smells

Try Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains

Sometimes the yellow stain from pee doesn't go away after vinegar and baking soda. In this case, you can try hydrogen peroxide. It's stronger, but still safe if used the right way. Hydrogen peroxide can remove tough stains and kill germs.

Get 3% hydrogen peroxide — the kind from the pharmacy. Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. Stir this gently. Then, put it in a spray bottle if you have one.

Spray this mix lightly over the stained area. Do not pour it or soak the mattress. Use just enough to cover the yellow parts. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You might see bubbles — that means it’s working.

After waiting, use a dry cloth to blot up any leftover mix. You can then let it air dry. Make sure it's fully dry before sleeping on it again. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some fabric, so test a small area first. It's usually fine on memory foam, but better to be safe.

• Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3 tbsp baking soda, and dish soap
• Spray on the stained spot
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes
• Blot dry with cloth
• Let mattress air dry fully

Use Enzyme Cleaner for Pet or Old Pee

If the pee is from a pet or has been sitting for a long time, it may be harder to clean. Old pee can smell worse and go deeper into the mattress. In this case, an enzyme cleaner can help. Enzyme cleaners are made to break down the urine proteins fully. You can find these at pet stores or online.

Read the bottle and follow the directions. Usually, you spray the enzyme cleaner on the stained spot and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Some types need to sit even longer. Then, blot with clean towels and let it dry.

Enzyme cleaners go deep into the foam. That's why they work better for old pee that won't go away. If one use doesn't fix it, you can try again. They are gentle and made for this kind of problem.

If the smell is really bad, use enzyme cleaner first, then baking soda the next day. This double treatment works for most deep, old pee problems.

• Use enzyme cleaner for pet or old urine
• Spray and let it sit 10–15 minutes
• Blot and let dry fully
• Repeat or add baking soda if needed

Protect the Mattress to Prevent Future Accidents

After going through all this cleaning, you probably don't want to do it again. One of the smartest things you can do now is protect your mattress. A waterproof mattress cover is the best way to do that. It keeps pee, sweat, and spills from going into the memory foam.

Look for one that is soft, breathable, and fully covers your mattress like a fitted sheet. Some even cover the whole mattress like a zipper case. This keeps both kids and pets from causing future messes.

Wash the cover often to keep your bed fresh. You can also use a second layer like a washable pad if needed. That way, even if there's an accident, it's much easier to clean up — just wash the cover, and you're done.

Also, teach kids and pets better habits if you can. Take your dog out before bedtime. Use nighttime diapers or training pants for young children. Little changes like this help a lot.

• Buy a waterproof mattress cover
• Wash it often and use a second layer if needed
• Teach good habits to kids and pets
• Clean spills quickly to avoid deep stains

Final Thoughts

Cleaning pee out of a memory foam mattress may feel stressful, but it doesn't have to be. The sooner you act, the better the results. From blotting with towels to using vinegar, baking soda, or enzyme cleaners, you have many ways to fix the problem. Always dry the mattress well and protect it for the future. With patience and the right steps, your bed will be clean and fresh again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use vinegar on a memory foam mattress?

Yes, it is safe to use vinegar on a memory foam mattress as long as you do it the right way. Always mix vinegar with water, and never pour it directly on the mattress. Use a spray bottle to lightly spray the stained area, then blot it dry. Vinegar helps kill bacteria and remove smells without harming the foam. Just make sure to let it dry fully afterward, so the moisture doesn't get trapped inside.

Can baking soda remove pee smell completely?

Baking soda can remove most or even all of the pee smell if used correctly. It works by pulling the odor out of the foam and trapping it in the powder. To get the best results, sprinkle a thick layer over the area and leave it for at least 8 hours. Then vacuum it up slowly. If the smell is strong, you may need to repeat the process a few times. It’s a gentle and natural way to refresh your mattress.

Do I need to use enzyme cleaner for dog pee?

Yes, if your dog peed on the bed, enzyme cleaner is the best choice. Dog urine has strong proteins that normal cleaners can't break down. Enzyme cleaners are made to break these down and remove both the stain and the smell. Spray the area and let it sit for a while, then blot and let it dry. You might need to use it more than once for old or strong smells. It works better than vinegar or baking soda alone for pet accidents.

Is it okay to sleep on the mattress after cleaning?

You should not sleep on the mattress until it is fully dry. Memory foam can hold moisture inside, and sleeping on it too soon can cause mold or bad smells. Always let it dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight. Use fans or sunlight to speed up drying. Once it feels dry to the touch and doesn't smell, it's safe to sleep on again. Sleeping on a wet mattress can also be uncomfortable and bad for your health.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on colored mattress fabric?

Hydrogen peroxide can bleach colored fabrics, so it's important to test a small hidden spot first. If you see any color change, don't use it. For white or light-colored mattresses, it's usually safe. Peroxide is very good at removing yellow stains and killing germs, but always be careful with colored fabric covers. If you’re not sure, use vinegar and baking soda instead, which are safer for all colors.

Do I need a waterproof mattress cover?

Yes, a waterproof mattress cover is a smart way to protect your bed. It keeps accidents, spills, and even sweat from soaking into the memory foam. This makes clean-up easier and keeps your mattress fresh for a long time. You can take it off and wash it whenever you need. It’s also a good idea if you have kids or pets in the house. Once you've cleaned pee from a mattress, you'll really see how helpful a cover is.

Is it better to use natural cleaners than strong ones?

Yes, natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are often better for memory foam. They are gentle and safe to use, and they won't damage the foam or leave strong smells behind. Strong chemical cleaners can sometimes be too harsh and might cause the foam to break down over time. Natural options are also safer for pets and kids. And they usually work just as well if you follow the steps carefully and give them enough time.

Can I use a hairdryer to dry the mattress?

You can use a hairdryer on the mattress, but be careful. Use it on the cool or low heat setting. High heat might damage the foam or make the smell worse. A better way to dry the mattress is to use a fan or put it in the sun. But if you're in a hurry, a hairdryer can help dry the top layer. Just make sure you don't keep it too close to one spot, and move it around as you dry.