We have had a ton of views on our old blog about bedwetting so we thought we would give it an update for those of you in search of the answer about how to clean pee out of a mattress. If you’re a parent, dealing with bedwetting accidents is likely part of your parenting journey. Nighttime enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common occurrence for many children, and it can persist into the teenage years for some.

Before diving into cleanup methods, it’s crucial to understand that bedwetting is not an intentional behavior. It often occurs due to deep sleep, where the brain doesn’t respond to signals indicating the need to use the bathroom. Even if you’ve seemingly tackled the issue, relapses can happen during stressful times, such as transitioning to a new bed or mattress.

Helping your potty-trained child stay dry through the night can be a gradual process. Here are some tips to encourage nighttime dryness:

1. Establish a routine: Encourage your child to use the bathroom before bedtime to empty their bladder. Make it a consistent part of their bedtime routine.
2. Limit fluids before bed: Reduce the amount of liquid your child consumes in the evening, especially close to bedtime. This can help minimize the need to urinate during the night.
3. Use protective bedding: Invest in a waterproof mattress cover or protector to safeguard the mattress in case accidents occur. This can make cleanup easier and protect the mattress from stains and odors.
4. Encourage nighttime bathroom trips: If your child wakes up during the night to use the bathroom, praise them for taking initiative and reinforce the behavior positively. Eventually, they may learn to wake up on their own to use the toilet.
5. Wake them for a bathroom break: Consider gently waking your child before you go to bed to take them to the bathroom. This can help empty their bladder and reduce the likelihood of bedwetting.
6. Offer incentives: Create a reward system to motivate your child to stay dry through the night. Offer small rewards or praise when they wake up dry in the morning.
7. Be patient and supportive: Nighttime dryness can take time to achieve, and accidents may happen along the way. Remain patient and supportive, reassuring your child that bedwetting is common and they are not alone.
8. Consult a healthcare provider if needed: If bedwetting persists despite your efforts, or if your child is older and struggling with nighttime dryness, consider consulting a pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can help rule out any underlying medical issues and provide further guidance and support.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive and supportive attitude, you can help your potty-trained child transition to staying dry through the night. The key to managing bedwetting is patience and adherence to simple daytime and evening routines. 

However, accidents do occur, and it’s essential to know how to effectively clean urine from a mattress:

1. Act quickly: The sooner you address the stain, the easier it is to remove.
2. Remove bedding: Strip the bed and wash the sheets and bedding as usual. If there’s a persistent urine scent, consider adding vinegar to the wash cycle.
3. Gather supplies: You’ll need cold water, vinegar, baking soda, a small amount of detergent, a cloth, a spray bottle, and a vacuum with a hose attachment. Upholstery cleaner can be an alternative if preferred.
4. Blot the stain: Use a cloth to blot the stained area, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing.
5. Apply cleaning solution: Mix two parts cold water, one part vinegar, and a bit of detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the stained area generously and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the stain and odor.
6. Absorb moisture: After the waiting period, blot the area again to absorb excess moisture.
7. Use baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the wet area and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes to absorb moisture and lift the stain.
8. Dab and vacuum: Dab away the baking soda with a wet cloth, then use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove any remaining residue.
9. Dry thoroughly: Use a fan or blow dryer on a low setting to dry the mattress completely.
10. Repeat if necessary: If the stain or odor persists, repeat the cleaning process until satisfied.
11. For additional deodorizing, consider adding essential oils to baking soda for a fresh scent boost. Simply combine baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a jar, shake well, and apply as directed.

Remember, bedwetting is common in children and should be approached with patience and understanding. Having a reliable cleanup plan in place can ease the process for both you and your child. And when it’s time for a new mattress, consider options like Simmons Beautyrest Black or Stearns & Foster known for their quality and durability.