How to get dog pee out of mattress?

Finding dog urine on a mattress is frustrating for any dog lover. The response should be practical and calm: understanding why it happened, acting quickly to reduce stain and smell, and then addressing underlying causes so it does not repeat. The steps below blend what I see in clinic and in behavior consultations with straightforward cleaning advice that is compatible with most mattress types.

Why dogs target mattresses: common causes and clues

Puppies learning bladder control and senior dogs with weakening muscles or incontinence are common reasons a mattress becomes a target. Illnesses such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or cognitive decline may make a previously housetrained dog more likely to have accidents overnight. Intact animals or dogs reacting to the presence of other animals or new people can mark bedding, especially if a guest stayed or another dog visited recently.

Owner situations also matter: traveling, disrupted routines, sleeping in unfamiliar places, or allowing a dog full bed access when routines change can increase accidents. I typically see more incidents when families are visiting, during holidays, or after a move—times when stress and schedule disruption combine.

Not all mattresses react the same. Innerspring mattresses tend to let urine run toward seams and edges, while memory foam and many boxed-foam mattresses wick liquid and trap it inside layers. Quilted pillowtops can soak into batting. The mattress material determines how fast the liquid spreads and how hard the odor will be to remove.

Right away — what to do in the first 10 minutes to limit damage

1. Blot the wet area immediately with absorbent towels or paper towels—press down firmly to lift urine rather than rubbing it into the surface.
2. Remove sheets, protectors, and any mattress pads and launder them promptly in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
3. Apply an enzymatic pet-urine cleaner to the affected mattress area per the product instructions, allow dwell time, then air-dry thoroughly with fans or a dehumidifier.

How urine interacts with mattress materials and why stains set

Urine is a mixture of water, urea, salts, and bacteria. When bacteria break down urea they produce ammonia and other volatile compounds that carry the persistent “urine” smell. That chemical change is the reason a surface can seem clean but still smell.

Liquids can wick into foam cells, sewn seams, and fabric layers where they meet dust and microbes. In foam mattresses the liquid may be carried along channels and trapped, and over time microbial growth can take hold in the moist environment. Seams, zippers, and the underside of mattress covers are especially vulnerable because they can trap moisture out of sight.

When it happens: common triggers, timing patterns and behavior cues

Age-related causes follow predictable patterns: very young dogs often lack control at night for a few months, and older dogs may have weakening sphincter control or medical conditions that lead to leaking. Changes in daily schedule—late nights, fewer outdoor potty breaks, or travel—can create situations where a dog cannot or will not wait.

Marking behavior tends to cluster around social changes: a new dog in the home, neighborhood dogs being walked by others, or guests who smell different. Nighttime access and sleeping location also matter: dogs that sleep on a human bed with ready access to multiple scents are more likely to urinate there if anxious or stimulated. Small, sudden changes in routine or environment are often the trigger rather than a single event.

When to contact a vet: medical red flags behind indoor accidents

If a dog who has been reliably housetrained suddenly starts having accidents, that change may suggest an underlying medical issue and should prompt a veterinary assessment. Look for blood in the urine, dogs straining to urinate, or frequent attempts that produce only small volumes—these signs may point to infection, bladder stones, or urinary obstruction. If the accident coincides with lethargy, fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary attention sooner rather than later; those systemic signs could indicate a condition that needs treatment.

From blotting to deodorizing: a complete cleaning sequence for mattresses

1. Remove soiled bedding and pads. Wash all washable layers immediately in hot water if the fabric allows; add an enzyme laundry additive if available. While the bedding is in the wash, keep the mattress exposed so you can treat it.
2. Blot the mattress surface with thick towels or paper towels to absorb as much liquid as you can. Pressing and repeating with dry towels is better than rubbing, which can spread the stain.
3. Lightly dilute the urine with cool water and blot again to pull more of the urine toward the surface. Avoid soaking the mattress—excess liquid forces urine deeper into layers.
4. Apply an enzymatic cleaner formulated for pet urine. Test a small, hidden area first to check for colorfastness. Use enough product to reach affected layers and allow the enzyme time to work—follow the label for dwell time; repeat if the initial application does not penetrate seams or deep spots.
5. After enzymes have done their work, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the treated area to absorb residual odors and moisture. Let the baking soda sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.
6. Dry the mattress completely. Use high-volume fans, a dehumidifier, or an air mover directed at the area. For foam mattresses, lift edges and allow airflow underneath where possible. Moisture left inside can let odor return and promote microbial growth; drying fully may take many hours.
7. Repeat cleaning and drying if odor remains. If, after repeated enzyme treatments and thorough drying, the smell persists—especially in foam mattresses that wick urine into inner layers—consider professional upholstery cleaning or mattress replacement. Mattress warranties and manufacturer care instructions may guide whether professional cleaning will void coverage.

Bedroom-proofing: environmental changes to reduce repeat incidents

Prevention reduces stress for both dog and owner. A waterproof mattress protector that zips under the mattress or fully encases it is the most reliable defense; quality protectors keep liquid from reaching the inner layers and are washable. A washable mattress topper can add comfort and an extra barrier that is cheaper to replace than the mattress itself.

Decide whether the bed should be off-limits. If the dog is allowed on the bed only sometimes, inconsistency can increase marking and accidents. Designate a comfortable, washable dog bed near the bedroom as an alternative and make that bed appealing with toys, a familiar blanket, and regular washing. Keep a consistent potty schedule with nighttime trips for dogs that need them, and maintain routines during travel or guest visits to minimize accidents.

Behavioral solutions: training strategies to keep your dog off the bed

Reinforce housetraining using positive reward-based methods. Praise and treats for successful outdoor elimination are more effective and less stressful than punishment after the fact. For puppies, increase the frequency of supervised outdoor trips and use crate training at night if the puppy tolerates a crate well—most dogs avoid soiling their sleeping den when properly introduced to and sized for a crate.

For marking behavior, neutering may reduce marking in some dogs, and behavior modification focused on reducing stress and reactivity to triggers can help. This often involves desensitization to the triggers (other dogs, visitors) and rewarding calm behavior. If accidents continue despite training and environment management, consult a certified trainer or a veterinary behaviorist; persistent elimination issues are frequently multifactorial and benefit from professional plans tailored to the dog and household.

Must-have supplies: cleaners, tools and mattress-safe products

Keep a small kit on hand: absorbent towels and paper towels for immediate blotting, an enzymatic pet-urine cleaner labeled for deep stains, baking soda for odor absorption, and a handheld vacuum or full-size vacuum for cleanup. For drying, portable fans or a dehumidifier make a big difference—air movers used by professionals are even more effective for stubborn cases.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on urine stains; ammonia can smell similar to urine and may reinforce the scent to a dog, encouraging repeat marking. Harsh solvents and bleach may damage mattress materials and discolor fabrics; if bleach is necessary for washable covers, use it only where the label permits. When in doubt, follow the mattress manufacturer’s care instructions so cleaning won’t void a warranty.

Expert voices: vets, trainers and professional cleaners we consulted

If you need help beyond home cleaning and training, these professionals can provide reliable guidance: veterinarians for medical causes and diagnostics; a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) for complex or persistent behavioral elimination; certified professional dog trainers (CPDT) for practical housetraining and behavior modification plans; and professional upholstery or mattress cleaners experienced with pet urine if the mattress requires deep remedial cleaning. Check your mattress manufacturer’s care guide before attempting any deep-cleaning method to protect warranty coverage.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Urinary Tract Infection (Bacterial)” — Merck Veterinary Manual online edition
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “House Soiling in Dogs” and resources on elimination behavior
• Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine: review articles on canine urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract disease
• ASPCA: “Housetraining Your Dog” guidance and behavior resources
• Tempur-Pedic: “Cleaning & Care Instructions” and Sealy: “Mattress Care & Maintenance” manufacturer guides