How to Remove Dog Urine from a Memory Foam Mattress: Fresh and Set-In Odor

Follow these steps for a fresh accident. Work in a well-ventilated room.

1. Blot up the urine. Place paper towels over the wet area and press down with your hands or a heavy object. Replace the towels until they come up mostly dry.
2. Mix a cleaning solution. In a spray bottle, combine one cup of cold water, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Shake gently.
3. Spray the stained area. Lightly mist the solution over the urine spot. Do not soak the mattress; you want it damp, not wet.
4. Blot again. Use clean paper towels to blot the area, lifting out the urine and cleaning solution. Repeat spraying and blotting until the stain lightens.
5. Apply baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp area. It will help absorb remaining moisture and neutralize odors.
6. Let it sit. Leave the baking soda on for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight for a strong smell.
7. Vacuum it up. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum away the baking soda. The area should be dry and smell fresher.

How to Remove Set-In Dog Urine Odor from a Memory Foam Mattress

If the urine has dried and left a lingering odor, you need to re-wet the area to reactivate the salts and bacteria. Here is a method that works for set-in smells.

1. Re-wet the stained area. Spray the spot with cold water until it is damp. This helps dissolve the dried urine crystals.
2. Apply an enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in urine and are the most effective for set-in odors. You can buy a commercial enzyme cleaner or make a homemade version with equal parts water and white vinegar. (Note: Vinegar is not an enzyme, but it helps neutralize odors.)
3. Blot and repeat. Blot the area with paper towels, then reapply the cleaner. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water. Lightly spray the area with cold water to rinse out the cleaning solution.
5. Blot dry. Press paper towels over the area to remove as much moisture as possible.
6. Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area and let it sit overnight.
7. Vacuum. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day. Repeat the process if the odor persists.

What Not to Do

• Do not use heat. Avoid hair dryers, irons, or hot water. Heat can set the stain and odor into the foam.
• Do not soak the mattress. Memory foam can hold water for a long time, leading to mold and mildew. Use minimal moisture.
• Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals. These can damage the foam and create toxic fumes, especially in a bedroom.
• Do not rub the stain. Rubbing can break down the foam structure and push the urine deeper.

Memory Foam-Specific Warnings