Apart from incidental incontinence cases, “The prevalence of incontinence known to the health and social service agencies was 0.2% in women and 0.1% in men aged 15-64 and 2.5% in women….”, published in British Medical Journal.
It is not only the children and pets who are used to wet the mattress, though they are more likely to do it. People from any age especially old age may suffer from urinary incontinence and the cleaning process can be troublesome for the caretakers. But bear in mind that those are just accidents and they happen.
Urine is not only destructive for your expensive mattress but its smell is also exasperating. Unlike sheets and covers, your memory foam can’t be washed in a washing machine but don’t you worry, we are going to provide the most effective tips and tricks to get rid of the smell and stains of urine.
After reading this article, you will be able to apply the methods to get urine smell and stains out of a memory foam mattress. These methods will help you keep your mattress clean, smell free and hygienic for subsequent uses. So, keep reading.
Different methods
There are a few different methods to get urine out of the memory foam. We will start with a very common method recommended by most of the people.
Method #1
As it is the most convenient method, it is widely recommended and in this article, we will explain it step by step so that you can understand each stepwell and incorporate it to protect your mattress.
Things you need for the cleaning project:
It doesn’t need anything you are not familiar with. This method employs the stuff you use in your daily routine and below is the list of things you should have before starting the cleaning job.
Distilled white vinegar
The reason we are suggesting white vinegar is that it is not harmful to the fabric. It will not only brighten and soften the fabric but it will also help to get rid of the smell. The white vinegar contains acetic acid which helps to remove the stains. There are many types of vinegar you will find on the market but they can be costlier. The distilled white vinegar is cheaper in terms of price and it doesn’t stain the fabric that other kinds of vinegar may do.
Paper Towels
You need to absorb the moisture from the mattress so you will be using paper towels. We suggest using paper towels because you are dealing with urine and you seriously won’t like to put a cloth towel into the laundry basket after use. A paper towel is absorbent and can be disposed of right after use.
Laundry Detergent
The detergents contain chemicals that separate dirt from the fabric and one of its chemicals called surfactants improves the ability of water to clean dirt the dirt. Therefore, we recommend using a laundry detergent to clean the mattress.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has more uses at home than you can imagine. It is used in the laundry as well. Baking soda is a mild alkali that balances the acidity of other chemicals used in laundry and it also an antiseptic that fights bacteria to keep your clothes smell-free. Some people also use it as a fabric softener during the rinse cycle of the washing machine. Using this material on your mattress means killing bacteria and smell and also keeping the fabric soft.
Water
We don’t think, we need to explain why water is useful in this process. It’s quite clear, right? Wait! We use water because water is used to clean everything. When you apply detergent, it separates the dirt from the fabric and keeps it for a long time so that it can be removed when rinsed. Water helps other elements to get their job done more effectively.
Enzyme wash (Only if you have a pet)
It is an optional ingredient and you would like to use it if your pet is the culprit. Even if he/she is not, you should use it. The human, as well as animal urine, contains uric acid crystals that don’t break up using detergents and other such products.
Pets have a natural instinct to urinate at a spot where they have already done before and that happens because of their strong-smelling sense to which uric acid crystals can’t be unexposed. The enzyme-based products are available on the market specifically made to get rid of urine smell. You will also find some for the pet’s urine.
Vacuum Cleaner
It will be required to give the final touch which will make your mattress ready to sleep.
Steps to follow
There are the following steps that you should follow to remove smell and stains out of the mattress. Make sure to remove the cover sheets to start the process.
Step 1: (Paper Towel)
First, you need to blot out the moisture from the memory foam. Dab the surface with a paper towel and make sure not to apply much pressure as the urine may go deep inside the memory foam. The paper towels are absorbent enough to take away the moisture out of the foam. Remember! You don’t have fully dry it with paper towels, but only try to blot as much moisture as you can.
Step 2: (Distilled White Vinegar)
After you have blotted out the moisture, apply white vinegar on the crime scene (Pun Intended) and make sure to cover a little bit area beyond the actual spot. Let the vinegar soak into the mattress for around 20 minutes so that it can soften the foam and fabric and kill the smell.
Step 3: (Paper Towel)
In this step, you will again use the paper towels to blot out the moisture from the mattress. As mentioned earlier, don’t apply too much pressure and dab the surface gently.
Step 4: (Laundry Detergent & Water)
Spread the mixture of water and laundry detergent on the spot. Make sure to apply a reasonable amount of mixture that will help clean and will get dried easily. Let the detergent soak in for 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the surface area.
Step 5: (Paper Towel)
Use paper towels again to blot out the surface.
Step 6: (Enzyme Was)
Use the enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize the smell only if you have a pet at home. You might not feel your mattress smelly anymore but your pet has a special sense of smell. So, enzyme wash will help prevent any future accidents.
Step 7: (Baking Soda)
Now, it’s time to use baking soda. As you were using the baking soda gently to keep moisture from entering deep into the foam, you will have residual moisture on the mattress. Sprinkle the baking soda on the spot and let it be there for few hours until it can soak all the moisture.
Step 8: (Vacuum cleaner)
Once the baking soda soaks all the moisture, vacuum cleans the memory foam. After vacuuming, your mattress will be free of smell and stain and will be ready to use.
Check out this awesome video guide:
Method #2
This method works almost the same as the first one except for adding a couple of different elements. Following is the list of stuff you need.
Things you need for the cleaning project:
The following are the items you have before starting the cleaning process.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The hydrogen peroxide is used to lend whitening to different materials. It can whiten your teeth, nails, clothes, floor tiles, dishes and everything that needs whitening at your home. It is an effective chemical compound and will remove the smell from your mattress as well as the stain.
Dishwashing Soap
Dishwashing soap is also good to remove stains and eliminate the smell.
Baking Soda
It will help brighten the surface of the mattress and will soak the moisture
Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar will help start the cleaning job and will prepare the foam for cleaning. It will also help remove the smell.
Paper Towel
You are going to use paper towels to absorb the moisture.
Enzyme Wash (Only if you have a pet)
Enzyme wash will help neutralize the smell so that your pet won’t smell it anymore and will keep from urinating on the spot
Vacuum Cleaner
It is required to finalize the cleaning project to make your mattress ready for sleep.
Steps to follow
The following are the eight steps that you will have to follow.
Step 1: (Solution)
The first step is to prepare a solution using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid dishwashing soap in the ratio of 16 tablespoons, 3 tablespoons, and half a teaspoon respectively. The solution should be mixed well to create foam out of it.
Step 2: (Vinegar)
Soak the stained spot with white vinegar which is even more effective when the urine gets dried. Give it 15 to 20 minutes to soak into the foam. It will neutralize the stinky smell.
Step 3: (Paper Towel)
Use a paper towel to blot out the vinegar from the mattress. Use paper towels gently to prevent moisture from going deep inside the memory foam.
Step 4: (Solution)
Now, it’s time to sprinkle the solution on the stained spot. After you sprinkle the solution, let the mattress soak it for 15 to 20 minutes. You can apply the solution even one more time if it is needed.
Step 5: (Paper Towels)
Use paper towels once more to blot the moisture and make sure you take maximum moisture out of it.
Step 6: (Enzyme Wash)
Enzymatic cleaners are used to neutralize the smell. If you have a pet, the enzyme-based wash will help prevent your pet from messing at the spot. Pets utilize their strong sense of smell to find the right spot. When they find a place where they have already messed, they will use the same spot considering it a designated place for the job. Enzyme-based cleaners help getting rid of the smell so that your pet won’t be able to trace it.
Step 7: (Baking Soda)
Spread the baking soda on the spot and cover the whole stained area. Baking soda is a useful item to kill a stubborn odor. In this case, it will work to kill the smell and will absorb all the moisture. Let it be there for 10 to 15 hours until the mattress dries up.
Step 8: (Vacuum Cleaner)
Oh! It’s almost done now. Just vacuum clean the surface of your mattress and your mattress is ready for sleep.
Conclusion:
Whether it is generated by the human body or animals, getting urine out of the mattress is not an easy task. But we don’t stop caring for our pets, children and other family members especially the ones who are old or sick. It’s life and things happen.
Above are the best methods that will help you cope with such unpleasant situations and keep your home clean.
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