Removing Pet Odors From Bedding

Washable Bedding

• 1

  Place sheets, blankets and pillows that are machine-washable into the washing machine.

• 2

  Add 16 ounces -- which equals 2 cups -- of baking soda to the wash with your regular detergent. The baking soda will help eliminate the pet odor and clean away stains.

• 3

  Hang the bedding outside to dry if possible. If urine stains or smells are still in the fabrics after drying, wash them again with an enzymatic cleaner, which you can purchase at most pet stores.

New Odors and Stains in Mattresses

• 4

  Press paper towels over the wet stains to soak up as much of the moisture as possible. If the stain has dried, moisten it slightly with a damp cloth and then apply paper towels.

• 5

  Continue blotting with paper towels until all or most of the moisture is removed.

• 6

  Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and blot it dry using paper towels. An extractor or a wet vac will also work to remove the moisture.

• 7

  Apply an odor neutralizer, which you can purchase at most pet stores, to eliminate urine odors that might linger in the fibers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Set-In Mattress Odors

• 8

  Rent or buy an extractor or a wet vac. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use on mattresses or upholstery. Extractors work by forcing clean water through the material and then pulling it back out, bringing the soils out with the dirty water.

• 9

  Avoid using chemicals to clean the odor away. Extractors don’t require chemicals to work.

• 10

  Apply a pet odor neutralizer to the mattress once it is clean. Test the neutralizer on a small area first to make sure it won’t stain or damage your mattress.

• 11

  Take the mattress outside to dry if possible. If you can’t move it outside, apply air to the mattress using a fan, or set a dehumidifier in the room to remove the moisture. Do not replace bedding until the mattress is completely dry.