Parenting is full of joys and challenges, and while raising children can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its fair share of messy situations. One such issue that many parents are all too familiar with is the struggle of cleaning urine-stained mattresses, especially during and even after the potty-training years. Katelyn Fagan, a mom of four, knows this struggle all too well. Despite the fact that one of her daughters had been fully potty trained for over a year, nighttime accidents were still a regular occurrence.
Even with a mattress protector in place, it didn’t seem to do the trick, and over time, the mattress became stained and began to emit a musty, unpleasant odor. Rather than resigning herself to living with the smell or purchasing a costly new mattress, Katelyn decided to come up with a solution. She experimented with household products and eventually discovered a “secret formula” that turned out to be remarkably effective in removing stains and eliminating odors. To try this method yourself, all you need are a few simple ingredients and tools: an empty spray bottle, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, liquid dish soap, lavender essential oil (which is optional but adds a pleasant scent), and a handheld vacuum. Start by mixing the cleaning solution. In the spray bottle, combine 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and just a drop of liquid dish soap. If desired, add a drop of lavender essential oil for its fresh scent and natural antibacterial properties.
Gently swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients—do not shake it vigorously, as the baking soda may cause the mixture to fizz and build pressure. Once the solution is mixed, spray it evenly across the mattress, focusing especially on the stained or smelly areas. Be generous with the spray and make sure to cover the problem spots thoroughly. As the mixture soaks into the mattress, it works to break down the uric acid found in urine, which is responsible for both the stain and the odor. After spraying, allow the mattress to dry naturally.
Depending on the air circulation in the room and the humidity levels, drying can take about an hour or possibly a bit longer. Once the mattress is completely dry, use your handheld vacuum to remove the baking soda residue that remains on the surface. The results should be immediately noticeable—your mattress will look significantly cleaner and smell fresher. Katelyn shared before-and-after photos to show just how effective her homemade cleaner was, and the difference was clear. The yellowish stains that had once plagued the mattress were gone, and the unpleasant smell had vanished. What makes this cleaning method so appealing is not only how simple and affordable it is but also how safe it is for use around children.
Unlike many commercial cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, this DIY solution uses gentle, non-toxic ingredients that you likely already have in your home. The addition of lavender essential oil also contributes to a calming aroma that can help kids sleep better at night. Whether you’re in the thick of potty training, dealing with the occasional nighttime accident, or simply want to freshen up your child’s mattress, this cleaning hack is a lifesaver. It can also be useful for tackling other types of mattress stains caused by spills, sweat, or pet accidents. If you’re in the market for a new mattress eventually, you may want to check out helpful buying guides, like “Best Mattress in Australia 2021,” but until then, this method is an easy way to make your current mattress feel like new again. Thanks to Katelyn Fagan’s creativity and willingness to share her experience, parents everywhere now have an effective, inexpensive tool in their cleaning arsenal. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can refresh your child’s bed and restore peace of mind, knowing that even the toughest stains can be conquered right at home.
