How to Clean Cat Pee from Mattress? Quick, Proven Cleaning Guide!

So, you walked into your bedroom, smelled something funky, and boom—it hit you. Yep, your adorable little fluff-ball just turned your mattress into a personal litter box. Been there, done that, and trust me—it’s not a fun discovery. But hey, before you panic and start Googling “new mattress sales near me,” let’s figure this out.

This guide is all about how to clean cat pee from a mattress—and actually get rid of the smell (because that smell? It doesn’t mess around). I’ll share step-by-step methods, products that really work, and little tricks that saved me from throwing away my bed more than once.

And don’t worry—I’ll keep it casual, straightforward, and maybe toss in a laugh or two (because if we can’t laugh about cat pee, what can we laugh about?).

What Does Cat Pee Smell Like?

Cat urine smells aggressively sharp, slightly sweet, and kinda animal—think ammonia mixed with a barnyard perfume. The longer it sits, the stronger and more complex the smell becomes. Fresh pee smells different from old pee; fresh urine gives you that ammonia-hit, while old urine carries a deeper, musky, ammoniacal stench that sticks to fabrics.

Why does it matter? Because the smell tells you two things: how long it’s been there and how deep the cleanup needs to be. Want that mattress actually clean and not just masked? Then treat based on the smell.

Why Does the Smell Return After Cleaning?

Good question. The smell comes back when the original cleaning didn’t actually neutralize the urine. Spraying perfume or soap only masks it temporarily. The urine salts remain inside the mattress fibers, and every time humidity hits—boom, stink explosion.

That’s why we need enzymes, deep cleaning, and a little patience to win this battle.

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of a Mattress

Ready for the play-by-play? I’ll keep it friendly, direct, and practical. Each step builds on the previous so you don’t waste time chasing the same stench.

Step 1: Find the Stain

• Check for wetness by pressing a white towel across the mattress; a discoloured or damp towel = targeted spot.
• Smell suspicious areas—your nose is a great tool here.
• Use a flashlight at a low angle to catch discolouration and drying patterns.

Ever wonder why you couldn’t find the spot earlier? Cat urine can soak into seams and under layers. Finding the exact area saves you time, product, and grief.

Step 2: Gear Up

You don’t need a chemistry degree—just sensible gear:

• White towels or paper towels (no colored dyes).
• Spray bottle with clean water.
• Enzymatic cleaner (must-have; read labels).
• Baking soda.
• Vacuum with upholstery attachment.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) and a few drops of dish soap (use carefully).
• Rubber gloves and maybe an apron if you’re dramatic like me.
• Fan or dehumidifier for fast drying.

FYI: Skip bleach and ammonia-based cleaners. They react poorly with urine scent and can make smells worse or ruin fabrics.

Step 3: Treat the Area

1. Blot up as much moisture as possible with paper towels or a white towel. Press down, don’t rub; rubbing spreads the problem.
2. If the pee is still wet, apply cool water lightly and blot again to dilute.
3. Spray an enzymatic cleaner generously according to the label and let it sit. These cleaners break down urine proteins and odour-causing compounds.

Question: What if you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner? Keep reading—I’ll show alternatives, but enzymes work best.

Step 4: Neutralize Smell

• After enzyme treatment, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area. Baking soda soaks up odors and residual moisture.
• Leave baking soda for several hours, ideally overnight.
• Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

If you want to try the hydrogen peroxide method (use cautiously): Mix 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide + 1 tablespoon baking soda + a few drops of dish soap, spray lightly, blot, then let dry. Test on a hidden spot first—hydrogen peroxide can bleach some fabrics.

Step 5: Finish Off

• Vacuum the area thoroughly.
• Use fans or a dehumidifier to completely dry the mattress. A mattress should never be left wet because moisture breeds mildew.
• If odor lingers, repeat enzyme treatment. Two rounds beat one sloppy attempt.
• To avoid repeat drama, think about getting a mattress protector.

Bold takeaway: Your best chance of permanently eliminating cat pee odor is to combine enzyme cleaner, baking soda, and thorough drying.

Step 6: Prevention

• Apply a waterproof mattress protector right away.
• Keep litter boxes clean every day and put them in easily accessible, peaceful areas.
• If your cat suddenly begins to urinate outside the litter box, take them to the veterinarian; medical problems are frequently the cause of this.

Preventing accidents saves you time, money, and olfactory trauma.

Which Products to Use to Clean Cat Urine

I’ll separate the must-haves from the optional stuff. Short list, big impact.

It Has Urine Destroying Enzymes

You want enzyme-based cleaners. Brands like Nature’s Miracle or Rocco & Roxie are gold. They actually break down urine crystals instead of just covering the smell.

Oxy Cleaners and Deodorizers Have a Role

Oxygen-based cleaners help brighten stains and deodorize. But don’t rely on them alone—they need backup from enzymes.

Consider an Air Purifier

I know, sounds extra. But if your house smells like Eau de Cat Pee, an air purifier with a HEPA filter works wonders.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

The classic combo. Vinegar neutralizes ammonia, and baking soda absorbs odors. Cheap, natural, effective.

Detergent and Club Soda

Weird but true: mild detergent + club soda can help lift fresh stains. But it won’t do much for old, set-in pee.

Best Practices for Cleaning Cat Pee

General Cleaning Process

Always keep these fundamental rules in mind, regardless of the surface you’re cleaning.

• Work from the Outside In: When blotting or scrubbing, always start at the edges of the stain and move toward the center. This stops the stain from spreading and becoming a bigger problem.
• Be Patient: Enzyme cleaners take time to work their magic. They are not instant-fixes. Give them the recommended time to fully dry and destroy those uric acid crystals.
• Don’t Use Heat: Never, ever use a steam cleaner or heat to dry the area. Heat will permanently set the proteins in the urine, making the stain and odor virtually impossible to remove.

Things to Avoid

• Bleach or Ammonia: The smell of ammonia is chemically similar to that of cat pee, which can actually attract your cat to pee in the same spot again. Bleach is just a disaster waiting to happen on fabric and can create toxic fumes when mixed with urine. Hard pass.
• Strong, Scented Cleaners: They only mask the odor temporarily. Once the strong perfume fades, that nasty urine smell returns, having had time to soak even deeper.

Cleaning Furniture and Mattresses

Because these items have porous stuffing, you need to go deep with your cleaning solution.

• Saturation is Key: You must apply at least as much enzyme cleaner as the amount of urine that was deposited. If the urine is soaked deeply, your cleaner needs to follow it down.
• Air Dry Thoroughly: This is critical. You must ensure the entire depth of the treated spot is dry before using the item again. Place a fan next to the mattress or furniture piece to facilitate airflow.

Cleaning Cat Urine from Flooring

Different surfaces require slightly different approaches.

• Hardwood/Laminate: Clean immediately, as the urine can warp and permanently stain wood. Clean with a light enzymatic solution, then immediately dry the area. You can’t let it soak like a mattress.
• Tile/Grout: Grout is porous and will hold the smell. Use an enzymatic cleaner and let it sit on the grout lines for a longer time before wiping up.

What If My Attempts at Cleaning Cat Pee Don’t Work?

If the odor persists after a couple of proper treatments, consider these options:

• Repeat enzyme treatments—sometimes urine penetrates deep into foam.
• Rent a wet-dry vacuum or carpet extractor to extract deeper.
• Hire a professional upholstery cleaner that uses truck-mounted extraction.
• If the mattress still stinks, consider replacing it; heavily soaked foam sadly often holds smell forever.

Real talk: I tried to save one mattress for three weeks and lost. Sometimes replacement is the sane call.

How to Stop Your Cat from Peeing In The House

This part’s just as important as cleaning. Because if your cat keeps peeing on your bed, you’ll be stuck in a cycle of cleaning forever.

• Rule out medical issues (UTI, kidney issues).
• Keep litter boxes clean.
• Add more litter boxes if you have multiple cats.

Reduce stress—sometimes cats pee out of anxiety.

Getting your cat to use the litter box

• Place boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas.
• Scoop daily and wash boxes weekly.
• Use unscented, clumping litter for most cats.
• Try a covered box if your cat likes privacy, but monitor preference.
• Praise or treat when your cat uses the box—positive reinforcement works.

Patience wins here. Try subtle changes rather than dramatic overhauls.

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Cushions

Cushions are tricky because they soak everything up. Remove covers if washable. Treat the insert with vinegar + enzyme cleaner. Air dry in the sun if possible.

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of a Carpet 

Basically, the mattress method: blot, enzyme, baking soda. It might take a few rounds for deep carpets.

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothing

Wash ASAP. Add vinegar to the wash cycle. Use enzyme laundry additives. Don’t use fabric softener—it can lock in the smell.

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Wood

Wipe with a vinegar + water mix. Then use an enzyme cleaner safe for wood. Sand and refinish if the stain is old and stubborn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will vinegar get cat pee smell out of mattresses?

Vinegar helps neutralize ammonia and reduces smell temporarily, but vinegar alone won’t break down urine proteins. Use vinegar for a first pass and then follow with an enzymatic cleaner for permanent odor removal. Vinegar + enzymes = better results.

How to clean cat pee from a mattress with baking soda?

Blot the area first, spray enzyme cleaner, let sit, then sprinkle baking soda liberally. Let baking soda sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odor; pairing it with enzymes attacks the source.

How to clean cat pee from the floor?

Blot fresh urine, clean with a vinegar solution if it’s tile or vinyl, then apply an enzymatic cleaner. For wood, dry fast and avoid soaking. For carpets, use enzyme cleaners and extraction; replace padding if needed.

How to clean cat pee from clothes?

Rinse cold, soak in an enzymatic cleaner or vinegar solution, then wash on a regular cycle with a good detergent. Avoid hot water until the smell disappears and air dry to ensure you don’t set any odor.

How to clean cat pee from a mattress Reddit?

Reddit threads often recommend the enzyme + baking soda approach because it actually works. People also suggest using a carpet extractor for deep-soaked mattresses. Take advice with caution and choose products that explicitly target pet urine proteins.

How to clean urine from a mattress without baking soda or vinegar?

Use an enzymatic cleaner as the staple solution. Blot, apply enzyme solution, let it work, extract excess moisture, and dry thoroughly. You can also use professional extraction services if you avoid household ingredients.

Final Words

You found this guide because you needed real answers to How to Clean Cat Pee from Mattress? and you got them—practical, honest, and a little cheeky. The bottom line: act fast, use an enzymatic cleaner, follow up with baking soda, and dry thoroughly. Prevention matters: use a mattress protector and keep litter boxes clean. If the smell refuses to budge despite your best efforts, call a pro or accept that some mattresses retire with dignity.

Got more questions about a stubborn stain or a picky cat? Ask away—I’ve got tips, product recommendations, and more sarcastic commentary ready 😉