The “smell of urine” doesn’t seem to wash out, so my clothes have a faint urinrey smell even after I do laundry (especially my underwear as the pee may have soaked really deep into the fabric.) Just adding extra scents to laundry won’t get rid of the residue that makes the clothes have a urine smell in the first place.
If you are learning how to get pee smell out of clothes, the most useful approach is to treat the clothing as a stain-and-odor problem rather than simply a bad-smell problem. Urine can leave both visible residue and odor-producing compounds behind, so the cleaning process needs to reach the affected fibers.
The good news is that many washable garments are restorable by using appropriate laundering procedures. The American Cleaning Institute recommends using enzyme-containing products for removing bodily-fluid stains and always follow the care instructions for the garments and the products, particularly when using enzyme-based laundry stain removers.
This guide explains how to get pee smell out of clothes, including what to do with fresh and dried stains, how enzyme-based cleaners work, what to avoid, and how to prevent the smell from returning.
Why Does Urine Smell Stay in Clothes?
Urine odor may be present due to the liquid remaining trapped in the fabric.
A brief rinse may help remove some of the liquid from the fabric but not all of it, leaving some of the liquid in the fibers. In addition, a quick wash may be ineffective to clean the fibers in case of heavy staining.
Furthermore, the nature of the fabric plays a role in the ability to wash and dry the garment. Heavy materials like cotton, towels, fleeces, upholstery, and other thick fabrics are more difficult to wash and dry than lighter and thinner synthetic materials.
One more factor that affects the ability to eliminate urine smell from clothes is that the smell may still be present after washing.
Drying the garment after washing does not remove the staining, so the odor will be detected again when the clothes are damp. Therefore, the process of eliminating the smell is essential in dealing with the issue rather than just trying to make the garment smell better after it has been washed and dried.
What You Need Before Cleaning
For most washable clothing, gather:
- Laundry detergent
- Clean water
- An enzyme-based laundry product, if appropriate
- A clean bucket or sink for soaking
- Clean towels if needed
- A washing machine
- A well-ventilated drying area
Always read the clothing care label first.
The care label indicates temperature for washing, drying, bleaching, and other restrictions. The American Cleaning Institute recommends that you follow the fabric-care instructions and test for colorfastness when needed.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Clothes Step by Step
The most efficient washing process is usually straightforward:
Rinse → Pretreat → Soak (if needed) → Wash → Check → Dry
Every step has a purpose.
1. Separate your dirty laundry
Keep the clothing that is heavily spotted from the rest of the laundry. That way, you can decide on the suitable washing cycle for the former.
If the garment is washable (according to the care label), proceed to the next step.
2. Rinse the spots
If the urine is fresh, rinse the affected area with cold or warm water, depending on the fabric’s needs.
You want to get rid of some of the liquid and residue before washing to remove the smell for good.
However, make sure not to rub the garment harshly.
It is better to be gentle not to harm the fabric and spread the spot further.
3. Pretreat the spot
To get rid of the persistent smell, consider using a laundry product with enzymes.
They are active molecules that clean your clothes from the inside. According to the American Cleaning Institute, enzymes make specific stains and deposits simpler to remove.
Choose a suitable laundry pretreatment product and follow the instructions on the packaging.
4. Let the product work
Some products need time to affect the stain’s structure.
Therefore, do not skip this step and try to wash the garment immediately after spotting the treatment.
Instead, let the instructions tell you how long you should wait before washing.
The American Cleaning Institute points out that enzymatic laundry products need time to work.
That is why you should follow the guidelines that come with your favorite enzymatic cleaner.
5. Wash the garment
It is time to toss your garment in a washing machine and let it do its job.
Make sure to add the recommended amount of laundry detergent to the mix.
Do not overdo it since it will not hurt the spots’ removal but ruin the clothing’s texture.
The American Cleaning Institute suggests that you use the right amount of detergent and follow the instructions that come with your garment.
Moreover, if possible, choose the hottest washing water in accordance with the care label.
6. Do a smell test
This step is crucial when you learn how to wash clothes with the smell of urine.
Right after the washing cycle, check whether the garment still stinks.
If it does, repeat the process of treating and washing until you manage to get rid of the foul odor.
Do not put the clothing in a dryer if the smell is still there.
Some washing instructions recommend that you do not dry the garment at all.
7. Dry the garment
Now that you have removed the smell and spots, it is time to dry the clothing according to the care label.
Always remember that garments made from thick fabric need more time to dry than thin ones.
Besides, ensure not to store the garment when it is still wet.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Clothes With Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme-based products can be particularly useful for organic stains and bodily-fluid residues.
Their benefit lies in their targeted action. Instead of just masking unpleasant odors, enzymes allow to break down certain parts of the stain so that they can be removed during washing
When using an enzyme product:
- Confirm that it is designed for laundry.
- Check the fabric-care label.
- Test the product if recommended.
- Apply the product according to its directions.
- Allow the recommended contact time.
- Wash the garment.
- Inspect before drying.
A second treatment may sometimes be necessary for stubborn odors. The American Cleaning Institute notes that some difficult stains require repeated treatment.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Clothes After Washing
Sometimes garments emerge from the washing process clean but still smelling strongly of urine.
This means the cleaning process was not complete, and that residual odor-causing proteins were left behind.
Before trying to mask the smell by adding a perfume, fabric freshener, or another fragrance, try repeating the pretreatment/laundering process.
In the case of a washable garment, an enzyme-containing product might help remove the odor if it persists after the initial cleaning.
Always check garments for odor before drying, so you don’t end up with an item that still needs further cleaning after the drying process is complete.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Clothes That Have Dried
Dried urine can be more challenging to remove from clothes since the longer it stays in the fabric, the more difficult removal becomes.
First, the care label must be checked.
If the garment is machine washable, it should be rinsed or treated accordingly.
A good enzymatic laundry detergent may help cut through such resistant stains if it is suitable for the fabric type.
The garment should then be washed following the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is essential to repeat the process if an odor remains on the fabric instead of trying to use a more potent detergent.
It is easier to work with patience than to try to use a more aggressive approach.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of White Clothes
White clothing generally lends itself to more options in laundry products, but always check care labels to see what is allowed.
Use a suitable detergent and temperature, and if a bleach is specifically called for, use it according to the instructions on the packaging.
Not all whiteners are safe for all fabrics, and some are actually harmful to certain materials or finishes.
To prevent odors, consider an enzyme laundry detergent, instead of using bleach on a regular basis.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Colored Clothes
It can be said that colored clothes need special care due to the possibility of discoloration caused by some laundry detergents and bleach.
Before using any particular stain-removing or bleaching composition, it is vital to examine the instruction on its packaging and conduct a preliminary check for colorfastness in case it is possible.
The American Cleaning Institute recommends performing this procedure in an invisible part of the garment, if available, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding washing or drying. It is also critical to use a suitable synthetic detergent for the type of textile and try to avoid using chlorine bleach, especially if it is not recommended for the clothes.
In case of failure to get rid of unwanted odors, it might be worth trying an enzymatic laundry detergent designed for colored garments.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Towels Naturally and Effectively
Towels can be particularly difficult because their thick loops can hold significant amounts of liquid.
If your towel has an odor of urine, rinse or pretreat it before washing.
When washing the towel, use detergent as instructed and hot as possible wash temperature suitable for the fabric.
In addition to washing, make sure the towel is completely dried.
If the smell comes back after each wash with a damp towel, re-cleaning and checking the storage of the towel before drying can help solve the problem.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Bedding and Blankets
Bedding and blankets need to be handled very carefully due to the possibility of moisture penetration into the deep fibers of the fabric.
Separate the contaminated bedding from the rest of the laundry.
Make sure to read the care label on the blanket before attempting to remove the stain.
If necessary, pretreat the spot with a suitable household cleaner, then rinse and wash the fabric according to the care instructions.
When washing a large piece of bedding such as a blanket, avoid overcrowding the washing machine in order to allow free movement of the fibers.
Remember to remove the blanket from the washer and dryer after it has been washed and dried completely because a wet blanket will quickly develop a musty odor, even after the elimination of the initial smell of urine.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Delicate Clothes
Delicate materials need to be treated differently.
If your clothing is made of silk, wool, lace, or other delicate fibers, or if the garment is labeled “dry clean only,” do not attempt to remove the smell the way you would with cotton t-shirts and jeans.
Consult the washing care instructions and, if necessary, bring the clothing to a professional cleaner and inform him or her about the reason for the visit.
Don’t risk damaging the garment with harsh chemical treatments, bleach, or home remedies. After all, the value of the clothing is as important as the foul smell it is giving off.
Can Baking Soda Remove Urine Smell From Clothes?
While baking soda is often used in home odor management, it should not be relied on to replace laundering
When using a laundry additive, it is crucial to first follow the care instructions for the clothing and the product.
In addition,
urine odor requires removal of the offending residue through proper laundering and pretreatment; simply masking the odor with a different scent does not constitute adequate cleaning.
This is especially true with powders or other scented products, which may leave behind a perfumed aroma that masks the true scent of the garment.
Can Vinegar Help With Urine Odor?
Vinegar is yet another remedy, which is popular among housewives.
It is believed that the solution of this acid helps get rid of bad odors in laundry, but it is definitely not suitable for all kinds of fabrics or stains.
It is necessary to carefully study the instructions for care and use of each product.
By all means, do not mix vinegar with bleach or other substances.
The American Cleaning Institute warns that mixing laundry detergents with ammonia or other household chemicals can lead to the formation of toxic gases, reinforcing the importance of following household cleaning chemical safety guidelines.
Therefore, if there is a problem with the smell of laundry, it is better to use specialized detergents rather than try to use a combination of several different household chemicals.
Why You Should Not Just Use More Detergent
A common misconception about how to get pee smell out of clothes is that more detergent equals better cleaning.
That is not necessarily true.
Using too much detergent can cause excessive suds that leave a residue on clothes and can affect the rinse process.
The American Cleaning Institute recommends using the amount specified by the manufacturer and/or as directed by the garment care.
Instead of adding more detergent, use the recommended amount and then change your treatment approach.
If a smell remains after washing, think about how else you might be able to remove it.
Should You Use Hot Water?
Water temperature in washing machine should be according to garment cleaning instructions.
Some require warm water, others- cold.
American Cleaning Institute recommends using hottest water possible for certain stains, but you shouldn’t ignore care label instructions because some stains are particularly persistent.
It’s better to risk getting a slight odor away from a properly washed garment then risk damaging the fabric trying to get out a stain.
Why the Smell Sometimes Comes Back
A garment can smell clean immediately after washing and then develop an odor again after becoming damp.
This may happen when residue remains inside the fibers.
It can also happen when the clothing was not thoroughly cleaned or dried.
If the smell repeatedly returns, consider:
- Pretreating before washing
- Using a suitable enzyme-based product
- Washing again
- Checking the washing machine for odor buildup
- Drying the garment completely
- Inspecting thick seams and layers
Repeated odor is a signal that something in the cleaning process needs to change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drying Too Soon
If the garment still smells, do not automatically put it in the dryer.
Inspect it first.
Masking the Smell With Fragrance
Perfume and scented products can make a garment smell different without actually removing the residue.
Using Excessive Detergent
More detergent is not automatically better.
Ignoring the Care Label
A treatment that works on cotton may damage delicate materials.
Mixing Cleaning Chemicals
Never combine bleach with ammonia or other incompatible products.
Repeating the Same Ineffective Method
If one normal wash does not solve the problem, simply repeating that exact wash may not be enough.
Consider appropriate pretreatment or an enzyme-containing product instead.
Fresh vs. Dried Urine Odor
| Situation | Recommended Approach | Main Consideration |
| Fresh urine | Rinse and pretreat promptly | Prevent residue from drying |
| Recently dried | Pretreat and wash | May need additional treatment |
| Odor after one wash | Re-treat before drying | Identify remaining residue |
| Thick fabric | Pretreat and wash thoroughly | Residue may penetrate deeper |
| Delicate fabric | Follow specialized care | Avoid damaging fibers |
| Persistent odor | Consider enzyme-based treatment | Follow product instructions |
This comparison shows why how to get pee smell out of clothes depends on both the condition of the garment and the fabric itself.
How to Prevent Urine Odor From Returning
Once you know how to get pee smell out of clothes, prevention becomes much easier.
Do not make the mistake of leaving wet or dirty clothes in a closed laundry basket for a long period of time.
Clothes should be washed as soon as possible after they have been worn.
Especially bulky items such as towels and blankets should be completely dry before being put back into a closet or dresser.
If the washing machine starts to smell, it should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Proper laundry care prevents odors from forming on clothing.
A Simple Laundry Routine to Remember
If you need a quick reminder of how to get pee smell out of clothes, remember this sequence:
1. Separate the clothing.
2. Check the care label.
3. Rinse fresh residue when appropriate.
4. Pretreat with a compatible product.
5. Consider an enzyme-containing laundry treatment for persistent bodily-fluid residue.
6. Wash with the correct amount of detergent.
7. Inspect before drying.
8. Repeat treatment if necessary.
9. Dry completely.
This approach is more reliable than simply adding fragrance to the washing machine.
When Should You Stop Treating the Clothing?
Most of the washable garments can resist standard laundry procedures, but the repeated exposure to aggressive washing or drying can ruin the fabric or color.
If the garment is made of fragile material, is expensive or antique, or the care instructions indicate that it should be taken to a professional cleaner, no further experiments of the domestic treatments should be performed.
A professional cleaner will advise on which type of processing of the garment is suitable.
In addition, if the fabric remains significantly tainted after any appropriate laundry procedures, it may be worth considering getting rid of it and buying a new one instead of spending money on repeated chemical treatments.
The Main Lesson
The most important lesson behind how to get pee smell out of clothes is that odor removal begins with residue removal through proper clothing stain removal techniques.
A scent may mask clothing odor for a time,
but a thorough washing removes the cause of the problem.
Products containing enzymes, in particular, are designed to break down many organic stains and residues.
Pretreatment, plus proper washing and the use of effective products, plus careful drying, can go a long way toward solving the issue.
Conclusion
Learning how to get pee smell out of clothes does not require an unnecessarily complicated laundry routine. The key is to treat the source of the odor rather than simply trying to cover it.
The first step is to remove the clothing and read the care instructions. Rinse the fresh spot on the clothing if required. Pretreat the stained spot. Use an enzymatic laundry detergent to remove the body fluid. Wash the clothing with the appropriate amount of laundry detergent in the hottest water allowed by the care instructions.
Most importantly, check the clothing after washing and before putting it in a dryer. If there is a smell, wash it again. Do not put the garment in the dryer because the smell will remain.
With the right process, how to get pee smell out of clothes becomes a straightforward fabric-care task: remove the residue, wash appropriately, dry completely, and avoid practices that damage the garment or merely mask the odor.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to get pee smell out of clothes?
Check the care instructions, rinse any fresh deposits, and pretreat the spot. For set-in body fluid stains and odors that have been absorbed into the fabric, an enzyme laundry product may be helpful and safe for the specific fabric type. Wash and examine the garment.
2. Why do my clothes still smell like pee after washing?
The reason might be that some deposits were not removed at the first attempt, and a thick layer of fabric might have been left on the clothing. It may be necessary to pretreat the spot again and wash the garment in the appropriate solution.
3. Can I use an enzyme cleaner on clothing?
Some enzyme cleaners are designed specially for laundry purposes. It may be essential to look at the specific cleaner’s instructions and ensure that the fabric is suitable for the chosen enzyme solution.
4. Should I dry the clothes if they still smell like urine?
It might be a good idea to examine the garment before drying. If the smell is persistent, more pretreatment and washing might be helpful instead of trying to dry the clothes.
5. Can I use baking soda to get rid of the smell of pee in clothing?
Baking soda might be a helpful addition to laundry products in some cases but is not meant to remove the stain itself. The most crucial step to take care of the smell is to eliminate the cause that provokes it.
