Parenting can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it definitely comes with its fair share of messy responsibilities—especially if you have young children. One of the most common and frustrating challenges parents face is dealing with mattress stains, particularly those caused by nighttime accidents.

Even with mattress protectors, sometimes moisture still manages to seep through, leaving behind stubborn, musty-smelling stains that can be hard to eliminate. Thankfully, a clever mom of four, Katelyn Fagan, shared her tried-and-true method for effectively cleaning urine stains from mattresses, and the results are surprisingly impressive. Katelyn, who blogs at What’s Up Fagans, shared that despite one of her daughters being potty trained for over a year, nighttime bedwetting was still a frequent issue. Like many parents, she had a mattress protector on the bed, but it didn’t seem to be doing its job. The mattress became stained with old urine spots that not only looked unsightly but also gave off a lingering, unpleasant odor.

Faced with this problem, Katelyn searched for a solution that was not only effective but also safe and budget-friendly. After some experimentation, she came up with a homemade cleaning formula that worked wonders. To replicate Katelyn’s cleaning method, you’ll need a few household items: an empty spray bottle, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, liquid dish soap, and optionally, lavender essential oil to add a fresh, calming scent. You’ll also need a handheld vacuum to complete the process. Begin by mixing 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and just a drop of liquid dish soap in the spray bottle. If you like, you can also add a drop or two of lavender essential oil for a more pleasant aroma.

Be sure not to shake the bottle too vigorously—just a gentle swirl will do, enough to mix the ingredients without causing the baking soda to foam up excessively. Once your solution is ready, generously spray it onto the mattress, concentrating especially on the stained areas. Don’t be afraid to really soak the spots that need attention, as the solution is designed to break down and lift the urine from the fabric. After applying the mixture, let the mattress air dry completely. Depending on the room’s humidity and ventilation, this could take around an hour or longer. Once it’s fully dry, you’ll notice some residue from the baking soda remaining on the mattress surface. That’s where your handheld vacuum comes into play—use it to thoroughly vacuum up the residue.

What you’ll be left with is a mattress that looks and smells remarkably cleaner. The stains will be visibly reduced or gone, and the musty smell that often lingers after accidents will be eliminated, thanks to the odor-neutralizing power of baking soda and the disinfecting properties of hydrogen peroxide. The optional lavender oil gives a nice finishing touch, making the mattress smell fresh and inviting. The before-and-after photos that Katelyn shared show just how effective this homemade cleaner can be. It’s a practical and affordable solution for any parent dealing with similar problems, and it’s far safer than using harsh chemicals that may not be suitable around children. This hack is not only easy to do with items most households already have but is also a great way to keep your child’s mattress in good shape for longer. If you’re a parent dealing with occasional nighttime accidents, this method is definitely worth trying. It’s fast, affordable, and gets the job done without requiring any professional cleaning services. And if you find yourself in the market for a new mattress down the road, there are plenty of resources available online, including helpful guides like “Best Mattress in Australia 2021” that Katelyn also mentioned. Until then, this DIY cleaning method might just save your child’s mattress—and your peace of mind.