Dog accidents on mattresses can leave stubborn odors that are hard to remove. This is especially tricky in apartments where you may not have access to outdoor cleaning options.
Don’t worry—there are effective ways to get rid of that unpleasant smell.
Let’s look at some simple steps to tackle this smelly problem in your apartment.
1. Baking Soda and Vacuuming
Baking soda is a great tool for getting rid of dog pee smells in your mattress. Start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For tough odors, you can leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb the smell and moisture.
After waiting, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean up the baking soda. Make sure to go over the area multiple times to get all of it.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Cat Odor in Apartment?
2. White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is cheap, easy to find, and really effective. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Then, spray this solution on the pee spot. Don’t soak the mattress—just dampen it.
Let the vinegar solution sit for about 15 minutes. This gives it time to break down the urine and neutralize the odor.
After 15 minutes, blot the area with a clean cloth to soak up excess moisture. Open windows to help the mattress dry faster.
3. Enzyme Cleaner
These cleaners use special proteins to break down urine and remove odors.
You can buy enzyme cleaners made just for pet accidents at most stores. Look for ones that say they work on dog urine.
To use an enzyme cleaner, spray it on the stained area. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then blot it up with a clean cloth. You might need to do this a few times for tough stains.
Related article: 10 Ways to Make Your Apartment Smell Amazing
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Mix
You can make a powerful urine odor remover using hydrogen peroxide. Mix 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and a drop of dish soap.
After the foam settles, pour this solution into a spray bottle. Then, spray it on the urine-stained area of your mattress.
Let the mixture sit for a few hours. It will pull the urine out of the mattress fibers as it evaporates. This method is great for breaking down stubborn odors.
5. Essential Oil Sprays
Essential oil sprays can help fight dog urine odors in your mattress. Mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle.
Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils work well for this purpose. They smell nice and have antibacterial properties.
Lightly mist the mattress with your homemade spray. Let the mattress air dry completely before using it again.
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6. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is super absorbent and can soak up odors really well. You can find this at pet stores or online.
Sprinkle it over the smelly area on your mattress. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The charcoal will absorb the urine odor. When you’re done, vacuum it up. Your mattress should smell much better.
For tough smells, you might need to repeat this a few times. It’s a safe, natural way to freshen up your mattress.
7. Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight can be a powerful ally in fighting dog urine smells on your mattress. After cleaning, take your mattress outside if possible. Let it sit in direct sunlight for a few hours.
The sun’s UV rays help kill bacteria that cause odors. They also dry out any remaining moisture in the mattress.
8. Cornstarch Sprinkle
Cornstarch is another helpful tool for tackling dog urine smells on your mattress. Start by sprinkling a generous amount of cornstarch over the affected area.
Let it sit for several hours or overnight. The cornstarch will absorb moisture and odors. After waiting, vacuum up the cornstarch thoroughly. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn smells.
This method works best on dry urine stains. For fresh accidents, blot up as much liquid as possible first.
9. Borax Paste
Borax paste can be a powerful tool for removing dog urine smells from your mattress. To make it, mix borax powder with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stained area of your mattress. Gently rub it in with a cloth or soft brush. Let the paste sit for about 30 minutes. This gives it time to absorb odors and break down stains.
After waiting, use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste. You may need to repeat this process for stubborn smells.
Continue reading: 6 Effective Tips to Potty Train Older Dogs in Apartment
10. Using a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a must-have for dog owners in apartments. It acts as a shield between your dog’s accidents and your mattress.
Look for a waterproof protector that covers the entire mattress. This will stop urine from seeping through to the mattress below.