arents often face is dealing with urine-stained mattresses. Whether it’s during the potty training years or even after, nighttime accidents can leave mattresses looking and smelling less than fresh. Fortunately, one resourceful mom, Katelyn Fagan, found a simple yet highly effective method to clean and refresh mattresses, and her “secret formula” is both safe and easy to make using everyday household ingredients.
Katelyn, a mother of four, explained that although her daughter had been potty trained for over a year, she continued to wet the bed fairly regularly at night. Despite having a mattress protector in place, it just wasn’t enough to stop the mattress from absorbing the accidents. Over time, her daughter’s bed began to collect those unpleasant, musty-smelling urine stains that are tough to remove with standard cleaners. Determined to find a better solution, Katelyn developed a homemade cleaning mixture that worked wonders on her daughter’s mattress—and it’s a method that any parent can try at home.
To start, gather the necessary materials: an empty spray bottle, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, liquid dish soap, a handheld vacuum, and lavender essential oil if you’d like a fresh scent. In the spray bottle, mix together 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a drop of liquid dish soap. For added fragrance and a calming effect, feel free to include a drop or two of lavender essential oil. Instead of shaking the bottle, which can cause too much fizzing, gently swirl it to combine the ingredients. Once your cleaning solution is ready, generously spray it over the mattress, focusing on the areas where stains are visible. Don’t be afraid to saturate the spots thoroughly—this solution is meant to penetrate deep into the mattress fabric and break down the uric acid that causes stains and odor. Let the mattress air dry naturally, which can take about an hour or more depending on your room’s ventilation.
After the mattress is dry, use a handheld vacuum to clean up any remaining baking soda residue. What you’re left with is a mattress that looks cleaner, smells fresher, and feels much more hygienic for your child to sleep on. The results of Katelyn’s method speak for themselves—the transformation is often dramatic, with even old stains becoming noticeably lighter or disappearing altogether. This simple DIY method doesn’t just work well, it’s also inexpensive and non-toxic, making it a great option for parents who want to avoid harsh chemicals in their children’s bedrooms.
It’s also reassuring to know that this cleaning trick is quick and convenient enough to use repeatedly whenever needed. Not only does this hack save you from the cost of replacing a stained mattress, but it also spares you from the headache of trying to scrub out tough spots using store-bought cleaners that often don’t deliver the same results. Plus, using lavender essential oil adds a gentle, relaxing aroma that can even help your child sleep better. Katelyn’s solution is a game-changer for families, and it’s one of those smart parenting hacks that make life just a little bit easier. Whether you’re dealing with recurring bedwetting, a one-time accident, or even a spill, having this cleaning formula on hand can give you peace of mind. And if you ever do reach the point where it’s time to shop for a new mattress, Katelyn also recommends checking out helpful guides like “Best Mattress in Australia 2021” to make an informed choice. Until then, thanks to this clever mom’s insight, you can keep your mattresses looking clean, smelling fresh, and feeling as comfortable as the day you brought them home—no professional cleaning service required.
