Urine on mattress - please help!

Tim_Deegan

Primrose wrote: »

It's a bit after the event now but in an emergency, using a hairdryer to dry a mattress often works if it has to be put back into use within a few hours. You never know when accidents are likely to happen with small children or elderly visiting relatives etc so it's worth investing in permanent waterproof mattress protectors for all beds. The problem with some of them is that they can be uncomfortable to lie on in hot weather. Dunelm (try their website) sell fine towelling-type waterproof fitted mattress covers at reasonable prices and I find these do the job very well.

You should really use mattress protectors all the time, and not just for children and elderly. The breathable waterproof type aren't uncomfortable at all, in fact you can't even teel they are there........just don't get the plasticy type.

Drea

This is an odd one...

My flatmate had his sister stay over, she was very drunk and wet the bed. The wee was all the way through the mattress to the other side and then some, he was told he should scrub it with hot soapy water and it'd take a couple days to dry.

But, he was disgusted by it and didn't want to "scrub" so... he poured half a bottle of non-diluted white spirit on his mattress. Yes, I know, he is a bit daft with his ideas at times!

The whole flat now stinks of white spirit and gives a headache after 10 minutes so I hate to think how he found it sleeping on the stuff! It surely can't be good for him for a start?

I haven't managed to speak to him properly today yet but he has said he thinks he has to buy a new mattress, we are only renting and a new mattress for him is quite a big chunk of money that he hasn't got.

I just wondered if anyone knows of a way to get rid of the smell? And/or get the white spirit out somehow? Or will he definitely need to buy a new mattress?

Thanks!

Slinky_Malinky

Isn`t white spirit highly flammable?

Not unknown for folks to have a sneaky fag in bed - Makes me shudder to think of the possibility of accident.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I'd insist the stupid bint paid for a new mattress.

Mrs_Thrify

I would throw it out.

Drea

Thanks, have let him know the bad news.

zippychick

Hi Drea

Your poor friend! There is an older thread about removing white spririt smell from clothes . There was no real conclusion but certainly a few suggestions (lots of air being the main one)

Of course there are fire risks and I'm not sure if the white spirit would be ingested by the person sleeping on the mattress - so do bear that in mind.

Sorry I couldn't be more help:(

Zip

wssla00

It depends on how squemish your flat mate is but why not look on freecycle or gumtree for a freebie? It will save him some cash

Badger_Lady

Yes, there are lots of freebie mattresses out there. In fact, I've still never bought one for myself or any of the other rooms in my four-bedroom house... I upgrade every so often but only for another freebie.

Given the price of brand new mattresses, it really is worth a go. At worst, particularly if he's squeamish, buy a "topper" to go on top of a free base.

Drea

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. Will let him know when he gets home, I don't think he'd be too bothered by having someones old mattress so it could be an option!