How to clean a mattress after bedwetting

Step by step

• Remove the sheets and wash them at 60°C if the fabric allows.
• Blot the wet area with dry towels. Press — do not rub.
• Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and lightly spray the area. Let it work for ten minutes and blot again.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave it for several hours, ideally overnight.
• Vacuum up the baking soda.
• Let the mattress dry fully, with an open window or a fan, before making the bed.

Memory foam mattresses

Use as little liquid as possible, as foam absorbs it deeply. Blot thoroughly, use a light spray of vinegar solution, and give it plenty of time to dry. Check the manufacturer's advice.

Removing old urine smell

An enzyme cleaner made for urine breaks down the compounds that cause the smell. Follow the instructions and let the mattress dry completely.

Protect the bed from now on

• A waterproof, breathable mattress protector.
• Two layers of sheets with a protector between them — at night you just remove the top layer.
• Absorbent sleepwear during treatment.
• A bedwetting alarm, which catches wetting early so less reaches the bed.