How to Clean a Mattress After Bedwetting: Step-by-Step Guide
A bedwetting accident means damp sheets, clothes and a wet mattress to deal with. Start by getting the soiled laundry into the wash, then tackle the mattress. Cleaning a mattress after bedwetting can be simple if the right steps are followed.
What to do first after a bedwetting accident
Following a bedwetting incident your first job is to reassure your child, who is probably feeling self-conscious, that everything is okay. Explain that it is common in children their age, and even adults can do it occasionally. Reassure them that you will work through it together as a team.
How to wash bedwetting sheets and clothes
- Get all soiled clothes and sheets into the washing machine quickly.
- Wash sheets at a temperature above 60 degrees to kill germs.
- If the smell is strong, add a little white vinegar to help neutralise odours.
- For stains, pour hot water on the area with a little detergent mixed in, then wash normally.
- If you are not worried about colour mixing, wash clothes and sheets together to save energy, water and time.
How to clean wee off your child's mattress
Once your child is calm and the sheets are in the wash, it is time to clean the mattress. Although urine is 95% water, the remaining portion (urea) is a waste product made in the liver and can give off a smell. Follow these three steps to clean a mattress after bedwetting.
Step 1: Blot the urine spot
Use a dry towel and press down repeatedly to soak up the urine. Remember the saying "dab, don't rub". Rubbing will only push the urine deeper into the mattress and make cleaning it much tougher.
Step 2: Mix up a simple cleaning solution
- Create an effective cleaning solution from two kitchen ingredients: white vinegar and warm water.
- Mix a 50/50 blend, equal parts vinegar and water, in a spray bottle and apply to the mattress.
- Blot the mattress with a dry towel and repeat; keep going until the stain has gone.
- Vinegar has a strong smell, so air the room out afterwards. Turn on a fan and open the windows wide.
Step 3: Neutralise the urine smell
- After the vinegar, add baking soda to the spot and leave it overnight.
- Allow as much drying time as possible, aiming for about 10 hours.
- The next day, vacuum the remaining baking soda off the mattress.
- If you can still smell urine, repeat the process again.
How to clean a serious bedwetting stain
Some stains are bigger than others and need heavier-duty treatment. P.S. You are going to need some specialist ingredients for this one.
- Mix 8 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 3 teaspoons of baking soda, and 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid (the kind for your sink, not a dishwasher) into a spray bottle.
- Spray a generous amount onto the stain and wait until it dries.
- Once dry, vacuum up the baking soda residue left on top.
Remember: always keep and store chemicals away from children for their safety. For your safety, follow the manufacturer's instructions while handling chemicals, and wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Make future bed changes easier with DryNites®
The hard bit is done. Remember, nothing here is your fault or your child's fault; it is just a developmental stage that most children grow out of. You might have forgotten to fit your bed mat or put your child in their DryNites® Pyjama Pants. Make sure you have the right gear to hand for an easier next clean up.
1. Introduce your child to DryNites® Pyjama Pants
Introduce your little one to DryNites® Pyjama Pants. They are specifically designed for night-time, looking and feeling just like real underwear, so your child can feel comfortable and confident at bed. They help make bedtime more exciting and keep them dry too.
2. Use DryNites® Bed Mats to stop leaks reaching the mattress
Another option is to fit a DryNites® Bed Mat to your child's mattress before they go to sleep. Perfect for older children and more infrequent bedwetters, these disposable bed mats stick to the mattress and provide up to 12 hours of bed protection against night-time accidents, helping your child and mattress stay dry.
