Bedwetting is a normal, albeit frustrating, part of parenting and growing up. Nighttime accidents happen, it can feel like a big, daunting task to clean up. Whether it’s a toddler’s mishap during potty training or an unexpected leak, knowing how to tackle pee stains on your mattress is key to keeping the bed fresh and comfortable.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the every step of the process, from the initial blotting to using effective cleaning solutions and deodorizing techniques. We’ve even got some tips and tricks for preventing future accidents and keeping your mattress in top shape.
Why You Should Clean up ASAP
No one enjoys the task of cleaning a soiled mattress in the middle of the night, especially when all you want to do is comfort your little one and crawl back into bed.
While it’s tempting to leave the job for the morning, pee on a mattress can dry in as little as two to four hours. By tackling the issue right away, you prevent the urine from seeping further, making it easier to clean and lessening the chance of lasting stains and odours – saving you time and effort in the long run.
Read More: Faster treatment of bedwetting
Cleaning Up After A Fresh Accident
Having the right tools and products on hand can make the process of cleaning a soiled mattress much simpler. Fortunately, you likely already have many of these common household items or can easily pick them up at your local store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Clean towels
- Cold water
- Laundry detergent
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Vacuum
Step 1: Remove Your Bedding
Start by stripping the mattress of all bedding. Get your sheets, pillowcases, and comforter into the washing machine as quickly as possible. It’s crucial to wash these items right away to prevent stains from setting in. If the urine stain or smell persists after the first wash, add a cup of white vinegar and run another cycle.
Step 2: Blot The Area
Grab a clean, dry towel and gently blot the soiled area to soak up as much excess liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the liquid deeper into the mattress, making it harder to remove.
Step 3: Spray Vinegar Solution on the Stain
In your spray bottle, mix two parts cold water with one part white vinegar and a small amount of laundry detergent. Spray the solution generously on the stained area. Don’t hesitate to really soak it—this helps break down the urine.
Step 4: Let Vinegar Solution Soak
Allow the solution to sit on the mattress for 10–15 minutes. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be. After the soaking period, blot the area with a new clean cloth to soak up any excess liquid.
Step 5: Cover Area with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area. Let it sit for 8–10 hours—ideally overnight. To avoid a baking soda mess, close the room off from pets and kids, and open a window to keep the room well-ventilated. Baking soda is great for this purpose because it neutralizes the urine and absorbs moisture that may have seeped deeper into the mattress.
Step 6: Vacuum Up the Dry Baking Soda
Once the baking soda has dried, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove it from the mattress. Ensure that the baking soda is completely dry before vacuuming to avoid damaging your vacuum cleaner. If the stain or smell persists, repeat the process until it’s fully gone.
Getting Rid Of Stains
Sometimes you many only discover an accident long after it has dried and set in. While this makes cleanup more challenging, there is still a solution to getting rid of ghosts of accidents past.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Laundry detergent
- Cold water
- Plastic wrap
- Towels
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix together two parts cold water, one part white vinegar, and a small amount of laundry detergent. This solution will help break down the stain and lift it from the mattress.
Step 2: Apply The Solution
Instead of blotting or rubbing, which can push the stain deeper, gently pour or apply the solution directly onto the stained area. Ensure the area is well-soaked to penetrate the stain thoroughly. Cover the wet area with plastic wrap and let it sit undisturbed for 24–48 hours. This helps break down the stain more effectively.
Step 3: Allow the Mattress to Dry
After removing the plastic wrap, let the mattress air dry completely. It’s best to leave it overnight to ensure that the fabric dries thoroughly. This is crucial to avoid any remaining moisture, which could lead to new stains or odors.
Step 4: Repeat If Necessary
It is normal for some stains to be more stubborn than others. Deep stains often require multiple treatments to fully disappear. Simply repeat the process as needed until the stain is no longer noticeable.
Neutralising Odour
Even after cleaning a pee stain, the smell can sometimes linger, which can be frustrating. Thankfully, getting rid of the odour doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With just a few simple items, you can effectively neutralize the urine smell and refresh your mattress.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
Baking soda is surprisingly effective at neutralizing odours due to its basic pH, which counteracts the acidic smell of urine. Unlike other solutions that just cover up the scent, baking soda works to eliminate it at the source.
Step 1: Sprinkle With Baking Soda
Begin by sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress, with extra focus on the areas that are stained.
Step 2: Give It Some Time
Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress for at least 5–10 hours. For best results, leave it on overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at absorbing and neutralizing the odour.
Step 3: Vacuum The Mattress
After letting the baking soda work overnight, use a vacuum to remove the powder. While vacuuming won’t remove stains, it will effectively remove the baking soda and, with it, the unwanted smell. If the odour persists, repeat the process to ensure it’s completely gone.
Tips & Tricks For Future Accidents
Studies show that bedwetting affects 7,3% of all primary school-aged children. So, for many families, it’s unavoidable. Fortunately there are ways to protect your mattress and prevent future mishaps.
Invest in a Waterproof Mattress Cover: One of the best ways to protect your mattress from spills and accidents is to use a waterproof mattress cover. This protective layer acts as a barrier, preventing liquids from seeping into the mattress and making cleanup much easier.
Regularly Wash Your Bedding: Keep your sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding clean by washing them regularly. This not only helps maintain a fresh environment but also prevents unpleasant odours from building up on your mattress.
Read More: Causes of bedwetting – how to treat bedwetting?
Use a Bedwetting Alarm
For families navigating potty training or dealing with bedwetting, a bedwetting alarm can be a game-changer. Nighthawk is a state-of-the-art enuresis alarm is a proven solution with a success rate of over 90%!
How It Works
The Nighthawk is a small, discreet, wireless wearable device designed to detect even the slightest trace of moisture. It emits a gentle sound and vibration when urine is first detected, waking your child and helping them develop the habit of waking up to use the bathroom. Over time, this conditioned response helps reduce and eventually eliminate bedwetting.
- Effective and Discreet: Its small size and wireless functionality make it easy to wear without interfering with their nighttime rest.
- 90% success rate: Many users see significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent use.
- Encourages Independence: The alarm helps children connect the sensation of a full bladder with the need to wake up and use the toilet, fostering self-reliance and reducing accidents.
- Trusted By Parents And Backed By Paediatricians: Its proven track record and professional backing provide reassurance that it is a reliable and effective tool for managing bedwetting.
Tackle Bedwetting With Confidence!
Cleaning pee out of a mattress can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and a bit of effort, you can ensure your mattress stays clean and fresh.
But, remember, prevention is just as important as cleaning. Investing in a waterproof mattress cover and maintaining good hygiene practices with your bedding can help safeguard against future accidents.
Don’t let bedwetting keep you up at night. Explore the benefits of the Nighthawk Bedwetting Alarm and see how it can make a positive difference in your child’s life. Learn more about the Nighthawk Bedwetting Alarm and find out how it can help today!
