How to Clean Pee Off an RV Mattress: Having Kids and Pets on the Road

Life on the road in an RV brings adventure, freedom, and memorable experiences for the whole family—including your pets. But with the excitement of travel comes the occasional mess, and accidents on the mattress are bound to happen when traveling with kids or pets. Whether it's a toddler's nighttime mishap or a pet's unexpected accident, dealing with urine stains and odors on an RV mattress is an unavoidable part of RV living.

The key to keeping your RV mattress fresh and clean is acting fast and using the right cleaning techniques. Without proper care, urine stains can seep deep into the mattress layers, leading to persistent odors and bacteria buildup—particularly problematic issues in an RV's confined space. But, with the right approach, you can quickly and effectively remove urine stains, eliminate odors, and protect your mattress for the long haul.

At Dynasty Mattress, we understand the challenges of living with pets and children in an RV, so we designed our RV mattresses to be durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step cleaning methods, share pet-friendly and kid-safe solutions, and provide tips to keep your RV mattress fresh and protected from future accidents.

Act Fast: Cleaning Fresh Urine Stains As Soon As They Happen

The sooner you tackle a urine accident, the easier it is to prevent staining and lingering odors. If the accident just happened, follow these steps immediately:

1. Blot the Area: Grab a clean towel or paper towel and gently blot the urine spot. Avoid rubbing, which can push the liquid deeper into the mattress fibers.

2. Absorb Excess Moisture: Press dry towels over the stain to soak up as much liquid as possible. You can even place a heavy object on top of the towels to help absorb more moisture.

3. Apply a Cleaning Solution: A simple DIY cleaner made of equal parts white vinegar and water works well for breaking down urine stains. Spray or lightly dab the solution onto the stain. Vinegar neutralizes urine while also eliminating bacteria and odor.

4. Sprinkle Baking Soda: After applying the vinegar solution, generously sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors.

5. Let it Sit and Dry: Allow the baking soda and vinegar mixture to sit for 6–8 hours. This gives the cleaning agents time to work.

6. Vacuum the Residue: Once your mattress is completely dry, vacuum the baking soda to remove all residue.

What About Dried Stains?

If a urine stain has already dried, removing it requires a more assertive approach to break down the proteins and neutralize lingering odors. Simply blotting the area won't be effective, so you'll need a deep-cleaning solution to lift the stain and eliminate any residual smell.

Homemade Cleaner

To create an effective DIY urine cleaner, mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish or Castille soap in a small bowl or spray bottle. Hydrogen peroxide disinfects by breaking down urine molecules and eliminating bacteria while baking soda absorbs odors and lifts stains. Apply the solution to the stained area using a spray bottle or cloth, ensuring the liquid soaks into the mattress fibers. Once applied, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the stain in circular motions, allowing the cleaner to penetrate deeper into the mattress. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can push the urine deeper into the fabric and potentially damage the surface.

After lightly scrubbing, allow the mattress to fully air dry before putting the sheets back on. This step is crucial for preventing mold or mildew growth. If you're in an RV, open windows, turn on a fan, or—if possible—place the mattress in direct sunlight. Sunlight is an excellent natural disinfectant as it kills bacteria and helps freshen the fabric.

Pet Urine: Special Considerations

While the cleaning steps above work for kids and pet accidents, pet urine tends to be stronger due to higher ammonia and uric acid levels. These compounds make pet stains more difficult to remove, and if not appropriately cleaned, pets may return to the same spot to mark it again. An enzyme-based cleaner is the most effective solution for pet urine accidents. Unlike traditional cleaners, enzyme cleaners break down uric acid crystals, eliminating the odor at a molecular level rather than just masking it, preventing the lingering scent that can attract pets back to the same spot.

It's also essential to avoid ammonia-based cleaning products when dealing with pet urine. Since urine naturally contains ammonia, these cleaners may confuse your pet and encourage them to relieve themselves in the same area again. Instead, opt for vinegar, baking soda, or a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner to neutralize odors safely.

Natural and Kid-Safe Cleaning Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, several natural, non-toxic alternatives are safe for kids and pets and effectively remove urine stains. Natural options offer a safe and effective way to clean your mattress while ensuring no harmful chemicals are left behind. Health conscientiousness is especially important in a compact RV environment with limited ventilation.

• Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and odor neutralizer. Mixing it with baking soda creates a gentle yet effective cleaner that works well on RV mattresses. The acidity in lemon juice helps break down stains while leaving a fresh, citrus scent behind.

• Essential Oils: Adding a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to your cleaning mixture enhances the antibacterial properties of your solution. Lavender is known for its calming effects, while tea tree oil acts as a natural antifungal agent, making it ideal for preventing bacteria and mold growth in mattresses.

• Cornstarch and Vinegar: Cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture, while vinegar disinfects and neutralizes odors. Mixing the two into a paste and applying it to a stubborn urine stain can help lift deeper-set marks and restore freshness to your mattress.

Preventing Future Accidents and Mattress Damage

Taking preventative measures can save time and effort and extend the life of your RV mattress. Accidents may be inevitable, but simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of lasting damage. 

Mattress Protector

A high-quality waterproof mattress protector is one of the best ways to protect your mattress. These protectors prevent urine, spills, and other messes from soaking into the mattress, making cleanup much more manageable. Unlike older plastic protectors, which can feel uncomfortable, many modern versions are breathable and designed for comfort. They allow for a restful night's sleep without the noise or heat retention of older styles.

Routines

Establishing a routine for kids and pets is also essential in minimizing nighttime accidents. Encourage children to use the restroom before bed and, if necessary, implement overnight training solutions such as absorbent bed pads for younger kids. For pets, ensure they have frequent bathroom breaks, especially before bedtime, and consider setting up a designated nighttime potty area if traveling with a pet that isn't fully house-trained.

Ventilation

Another essential habit for RV mattress maintenance is airing it out regularly. Since RVs are small, enclosed spaces, mattresses can be more susceptible to moisture buildup, leading to mold and mildew growth. To prevent this, remove the sheets periodically and allow the mattress to breathe. If possible, place it in direct sunlight for a few hours, as UV rays naturally kill bacteria and freshen up the fabric.

Regular Maintenance

Also, sprinkling a light layer of baking soda on the mattress—for example, monthly—can help absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum it away to keep the sleeping surface fresh and odor-free.

Keeping Your RV Mattress Fresh with Dynasty Mattress

Accidents happen, but with the proper cleaning techniques and preventative measures, you can keep your RV mattress fresh, odor-free, and comfortable for years to come. Whether traveling with kids, pets, or both, a clean and well-maintained mattress ensures that every night on the road is as restful as possible.

At Dynasty Mattress, we understand the unique needs of RV owners and design our RV mattresses for durability, easy maintenance, and long-lasting comfort. Our gel-infused memory foam mattresses provide superior support and resist moisture buildup, helping to prevent odors and bacteria growth. Pairing your mattress with a waterproof protector protects against spills, pet accidents, and everyday wear and tear. Investing in a high-quality RV mattress and a proper care routine will make your on-the-road sleeping experience more comfortable and stress-free.

Explore our Dynasty Mattress collection today if you want to upgrade your RV sleeping setup. Experience comfort that travels with you!