Traces of urine on the mattress and its pungent odor are far from uncommon, especially if there are pets, small children and elderly people in the house. It is possible to clean a mattress from urine at home and eliminate its smell yourself using improvised means.
It is important not to forget that the cleaning method also depends on the type of mattress material and its filling. Of course, you can try to get rid of unpleasant stains and odors on your own, but it is still very easy to make a mistake and not only ruin the mattress, but also aggravate its condition.
Please note that only experienced dry cleaners will be able to easily determine the appropriate cleaning method for your mattress and eliminate all dirt and unpleasant odors without consequences for both it and your health.
Types of mattress materials: features
For each type of mattress filler, it is necessary to choose the right cleaning method and know its distinctive features - the final result depends on this. If you are planning to clean it yourself, study the characteristics of your mattress product.
How to clean the described mattress at home? Let's look at the most popular types of mattress filler before we begin to study this issue.
Coconut coir
Coconut coir is a truly natural material. This filler for the removable part of the bed absorbs and retains any liquid very well and quickly, be it spilled water or urine. In the case of the latter, a persistent unpleasant odor will also be added.
That is why products with such filling are not recommended for use as a basis for a sleeping place for both children and the elderly.
Polyurethane foam
Mattress products made from polyurethane foam can withstand moisture much better. But it is worth paying attention that such products come in varying degrees of hardness. The speed and depth of absorption of urine and other liquid depends on this indicator - the harder the mattress, the less and slower it penetrates into it.
Spring mattress
To begin with, it is worth noting that spring blocks in mattresses are divided into two types:
- dependent
- independent
Independent spring blocks are distinguished by the fact that each spring is in an individual case, and in dependent ones they are interconnected.
In mattresses where the springs are connected to each other, urine does not penetrate deeply into the fabric itself, but it damages the metal structures - they begin to rust. In the case of independent springs, urine penetrates deep into the mattress and it will be impossible to get rid of it on your own.
How to dry after washing?
You cannot use a mattress that is not dry. If you cover a wet product with sheets, mold microorganisms will multiply in it and an unpleasant odor will appear.
Helpful information:
The product should be dried on a flat surface so that there are no creases or dents on the mattress;- the product must be turned over regularly;
- It is not recommended to dry the item in direct sunlight or near a switched-on battery;
- While the mattress is wet, you need to evenly distribute the filler in it;
- Do not iron the product or blow it with a hairdryer.
Drying time depends on the thickness of the product and the type of filler. Cotton wool and foam rubber take the longest to dry. From holofiber and latex, water evaporates faster.
How and with what to remove a fresh stain and eliminate an unpleasant odor
What is the main principle for cleaning up any spilled liquid on a fabric surface? It's very simple - don't waste time. If you notice that the child has described the mattress, but the liquid has not had time to be absorbed, then it is necessary to remove it from the surface as soon as possible.
Take napkins or paper towels and then, without applying any pressure or force, allow the liquid to soak into the paper.
Is there a mattress pad or cover on the bed? Great! Remove it as soon as possible and throw it in the wash.
How to remove urine odor using vinegar and soda
It is known that vinegar and soda can eliminate unpleasant odors, and the latter can absorb remaining moisture.
So, before cleaning the described mattress and eliminating the resulting unpleasant odor, you need to prepare a solution of water and vinegar. For 30 ml of water, use 10 ml of vinegar, and the contaminated area is treated with a spray. After treating with a vinegar solution, it is necessary to fill the contaminated area with soda for a few minutes, and then remove its remains with a vacuum cleaner.
It is very important to dry the mattress in a well-ventilated area, otherwise the risk increases that the odor will remain, and undried material will become a favorable environment for the development of mold, fungi and other microorganisms.
Unsuccessful independent attempts to get rid of urine stains and its smell, when going to a dry cleaner, can cause it to be very difficult to remove the stain.
That is why professionals recommend contacting specialists, otherwise you perform all manipulations with available means at your own peril and risk without a 100% guarantee of results.
How to remove an old stain?
Old urine stains and odor are much more difficult to remove. The best way to cope with this task is borax .
It must be remembered that this substance is considered toxic. It must be used with great care (wear rubber gloves, protect your eyes and other mucous membranes from possible contact with borax).
To remove unwanted stains from a children's mattress, follow these steps step by step:
- the affected area is slightly moistened with water (a large amount of moisture can ruin the filler);
- the area of the stain is generously sprinkled with brown (it will help eliminate the unpleasant odor);
- the powder is thoroughly rubbed into the fabric of the mattress cover so that it penetrates between its fibers;
- the affected area is dried in the sun or using technical means (fan, hair dryer);
- the remaining borax is removed from the surface of the mattress using a vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning from baby urine
Before looking for tools and information on how to clean a mattress from children’s urine, you need to know that children’s urine does not have a strong odor and does not contain a large amount of uric acid.
Considering these facts, getting rid of a child’s urine from a sleeping place can be relatively easy. It is very important, if the stain is fresh, to remove the liquid with a dry paper or cloth towel.
Soap solution, salt and lemon juice
You can try to get rid of a recently appeared stain using a soap solution. It's quite simple to make - mix soap and water. You can treat the area of contamination with this solution, remembering to blot the soapy water with a dry towel.
You can try to remove an old baby urine stain by mixing salt and lemon juice. Having prepared the solution in equal proportions, it is necessary to apply it to the surface and leave for at least a day. After the time has passed, you need to wash the area with soapy water and blot the residue with a towel, and then dry the mattress well.
These methods do not guarantee complete removal of odors, stains and stains, so we recommend that you entrust the cleaning of the mattress to dry cleaners who will not only select the appropriate cleaning products and method, but will also carry out the work with a guaranteed result in the shortest possible time.
Adult urine
Removing urine stains from an adult on a mattress will be much more difficult and in some cases it will be impossible to do without chemicals.
- Borax can help get rid of stains and odor, mix the crystals with water to form a paste, apply to the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Then we remove the remaining product with a rag, brush or vacuum cleaner. This method may not remove the yellowness, but there will definitely be no smell.
- An ammonia solution can help with an already persistent odor. To do this, take 0.5 cups of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, as well as 2 cups of water, mix everything. We treat the stains with the resulting solution, then thoroughly wash and dry, preferably in the sun.
- You can try to remove the stain and smell with lemon juice and salt. Mix the two components, apply to the stain and leave for a day, then rinse and dry.
- A vinegar solution can also be used to remove urine stains and odor.
Chemicals can be called an effective way to get rid of dirt, but they are not safe, especially if the mattress is used by a sick person or an allergy sufferer. In this case, it is better to use a mattress cover, a cover, and for a sick person to purchase padding diapers.
Animal Urine Cleaning
Every pet has a different urine chemistry. This is why the smell and stains may vary.
If your pet has soiled the mattress, then you should take care not only to properly clean the product, but also to ensure that the animal no longer stains the surface. Special sprays that you can find in any pet store will help with this. The ingredients used in these products will repel the pet and wean it from repeated surface contamination.
Alcohol, vinegar and lemon juice
People know the use of alcohol, vinegar or lemon juice to rid and clean tissues of animal urine. You can moisten a cotton pad with alcohol and wipe the stained area. After mixing vinegar and lemon juice, spray and leave the mixture on the stain for a while, then dry thoroughly.
These methods are popular among pet owners, but their effect is rather questionable. It is very important to immediately accustom the animal to its place to avoid soiling the mattress of your bed or sofa. In case of contamination or unpleasant odor, it is recommended to contact a dry cleaner.
This is important to know!
Children's mattresses are made with various fillings. Particular attention should be paid
- coconut
- polyurethane foam
- spring blocks
It is not recommended to wet the listed materials heavily with water. It is better to use dry cleaning, which will help remove any stains and unpleasant odors from them. To remove urine stains, you can use a sponge, brush, or cloth lightly dampened with water. The latter can be wrapped around a mattress with coconut filling and beaten well. This method is effective for removing fresh stains.
A spring mattress is not recommended for small children. If you decide to buy it, you should remember that it cannot be washed at all. Moisture causes the springs to become rusty and begin to creak.
Ways to clean a mattress from old stains
Before you clean an orthopedic mattress from urine or any other, you should pay attention to how long the surface has been contaminated. Please note that old stains will be very difficult to remove from the mattress without causing any damage to it, especially on your own.
Experts recommend not to delay going to the dry cleaner, because a stain that is more than 2 days old will be much more difficult to remove. In the case of old stains, it is highly recommended to contact a professional. But if you are confident in your abilities and are not afraid of possible consequences, then pay attention to popular folk methods for eliminating old urine stains.
Using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Please note that hydrogen peroxide, like citric acid, must be used with caution on colored mattresses, as this product has the ability to discolor.
Pour baking soda onto the contaminated area and mix peroxide with water in a 1:2 ratio. Use a spray bottle and treat the area with baking soda with the prepared mixture. As a result of the reaction, foam is formed, which must be left on the surface for no more than 3 hours. After time has passed, the residue must be removed and the mattress dried thoroughly.
Lemon acid
Mix citric acid with water in equal proportions and apply to the stain for two hours. After the time has passed, it is necessary to remove any remaining moisture with a towel and dry the product.
Full wash
If there are a lot of stains, or the contamination has affected most of the product, it is easier to wash the mattress completely. Moreover, this can be done at home.
You can safely, quickly and effectively clean the material using the prepared solution. It includes warm water, powder and laundry soap. Don't forget that you'll have to wash it all off later, so you'll need a lot of clean water.
It is recommended to act in the following sequence:
- Prepare the solution. Not very concentrated, unless the product is particularly dirty. Lather it up and start applying;
- Application is best done with sponges or brushes;
- Rub the product over the surface and remove with well-wrung out rags;
- Never soak a mattress completely in water, regardless of the material it is made of;
- Otherwise, the springs may rust, the foam may rot, and the cotton wool may completely lose its shape;
- If you just need to get rid of the smell, you can sprinkle dry soda on top, let it sit for about an hour, and then vacuum it up.
Some people immediately use powerful stain removers and dry cleaning products when washing. It's better not to do this. Especially when cleaning a child's mattress. Laundry soap and a small amount of powder do the job perfectly.
Conclusion: important mattress care rules and recommendations
It is very important from the moment you purchase the product to monitor its cleanliness and provide high-quality care. Here are a few rules that will extend the freshness and life of your mattress:
- To protect the mattress product from liquids, dust and small crumbs, purchase a mattress protector, and a moisture-proof cover can protect the mattress from stains and moisture in it.
- Vacuum the product using the attachment every month.
- Do you make your bed immediately after sleeping and also change your bed linen? Get rid of this habit. Let the bed and mattress “breathe” when changing linen for 7-10 minutes.
- Change the position of the mattress once a quarter.
These recommendations will help extend the life of your sleeping place and preserve all its important qualities. And only professional dry cleaning for your mattress can prolong freshness, eliminate accumulated dust in the depths of the mattress, and get rid of dust mites and foreign odors.
Any folk methods will only create a visible effect of cleanliness, but are unlikely to cope with everything that is hidden from our view. Only professional hypoallergenic compounds that dry cleaners use in their work will be able to eliminate any type of contamination and extend the service life of the mattress product.
