So you had a nightmare and woke up screaming… only to realize that you accidentally… had an accident! Or at least that’s the story you’re sticking to. This however generally applies to kids. Either way, it can be quite a challenge to properly remove the stain due to its colour, toxins and chemical makeup.
How to remove urine stains and odours.
So you had a nightmare and woke up screaming… only to realize that you accidentally… had an accident! Or at least that’s the story you’re sticking to. This however generally applies to kids. Either way, it can be quite a challenge to properly remove the stain due to its colour, toxins and chemical makeup.
Here’s how to clean up the evidence.
If you have the patience to deal with the stain immediately, follow this procedure, and be prepared to hit the couch for the night (or your child).
For a wet stain:
Blotch up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels or a sponge. Go over the area several times. Dampen the area again, as this will dilute the area.
Repeat the process until the odour is negligible and the stain is lifted. You may be concerned with bacteria, so it is suggested to either use rubbing alcohol or even vinegar for this part. The best way to apply it is to pour some into a spray bottle and lightly spray the area, and leave it to dry completely.
If you decided to hit the couch instead, then let the stain dry and follow this procedure in the morning.
For a dry stain:
Find an empty spray bottle, fill it with lukewarm water and lightly spray the affected area. It just needs to be moist, not soaked in water otherwise the water draws the stain deeper into the mattress. Next you will generously apply bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), or borax, to the area. Don’t be shy with the application.
Leave this for a few hours with open doors and windows and a fan on, or preferably in the sunshine if possible.
The powder will draw the stains and odour out of the mattress. The best way to remove the powder is to thoroughly vacuum the area. You will immediately notice the difference. If you find it hasn’t drawn it out completely then reapply the process.
TIP: Borax is non-toxic, but just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.
Now, urine is not the only fluid that can get onto your bed. Coffee, hot chocolate, juice, for the most part, are other culprits. Here’s how to deal with these stains:
You will need the following:
- Spray bottle
- Measuring cup
- Funnel
- 8 ounces (237ml) of hydrogen peroxide (can be found in the first aid aisle)
- 3 table spoons (45g) of baking soda or borax
- 1 drop of dish washing liquid
Mix the ingredients into the spray bottle. Be sure to add the dish wash liquid last after the baking soda has dissolved. Shake it up and then generously spray the area. You should be able to see the stain lift and disappear after 5-10 minutes. If you leave it to dry with a fan blowing over it, this will enhance the effects.
You may have a film of baking soda left over, just vacuum up the area.
The same methods can be applied to the bed sheets, thereafter throwing them into the washing machine will do the trick.