How to Clean Up After a Bedwetting Incident

My older daughter was a bed wetter for several years. After discussing the bedwetting situation with her pediatrician and assuring her that there was nothing to be concerned or embarrassed about, we simply dealt with the incidents and clean-up in a calm and patient manner. I was awakened many nights by her little voice and gentle nudging to let me know that she needed my assistance. I became very adept at swiftly and efficiently cleaning up both her and her bedding, no matter how exhausted and bleary eyed I was. Here are some tips on how to get the job done quickly and thoroughly.

Preventative measures. If you want to avoid the hassle of lengthy clean-up, consider preventative measures that reduce the amount of clean-up needed, such as bedwetting mattress pads and disposable underwear for children who wet the bed. Parents with children who wet the bed frequently might consider making the bed with two sets of sheets, and a waterproof pad or sheet in between. When a bedwetting incident occurs, simply remove the top layer and clean up the waterproof pad, and the bottom sheets will normally be dry, clean and ready for a sleepy child.

Time is of the essence. It is very important to clean up a bedwetting incident as quickly as possible. The more urine that seeps into the mattress, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain and odor. The more time that a child's delicate skin is exposed to the wetness and the properties of the urine, the more likely an irritating rash will develop. Strip the bed immediately and help the child to remove the wet pajamas and underclothing. Set those items aside for the moment.

Attend to the mattress immediately. After you have stripped the bed and while the child is changing out of the wet nightclothes, lay a cloth towel or a few layers of paper towels over the urine spot on the mattress. Press down firmly to expedite the process. It is vital to soak up as much of the wetness as quickly as possible. Keep a close eye on your child, but work quickly to absorb as much of the urine as possible. Don't ever compromise your child's safety by trying to accomplish two things at once, but the quicker the task of drying the mattress begins, the better. The longer the mattress stays wet, the higher the likelihood of stubborn odor or a lingering stain. To make the matress clean-up even easier, invest in a waterproof mattress pad

Hit the Bathroom. Lead your child to the bathroom while carrying the wet items from the wet bed. Run warm water in the sink and dampen a washcloth with the water and a bit of gentle soap that is suitable for children. Clean and dry the child thoroughly with a soft towel. Help him or her into dry and cozy pajamas. Fill the sink with cold water and place the wet bedding and pajamas into the basin. Allow these items to soak while finishing up in the bedroom.

Final Steps. After your son or daughter is warm and dry, head back to the bedroom to finish cleaning the mattress and settle him or her back in bed for the night. A cozy blanket and a pillow set up in a corner of the room can keep your child safe while you are working and help the little darling back to sleep. Continue blotting up the urine until it is relatively dry. A few sprays of enzymatic or carpet cleaner on the spot will ensure that there is no residual odor or staining. Wait a few minutes and blot again with a dry towel. Flip the mattress over and cover with a fresh sheet and blanket. Tuck the child back into bed. Wring out the pajamas and sheet in the sink and then place them in the washing machine. Use the appropriate amount of detergent for the size of the load and add a quarter of a cup of white vinegar to the machine. Run the cycle as normal. The vinegar will help to neutralize the odor of the urine. It is perfectly fine to leave the items in the washer overnight and then transfer to the dryer in the morning. As long as the bedclothes get washed immediately and with the right products, they should be clean and fresh after they are dried.