How to Remove Urine Odor From Clothes

Urine odor may linger on clothes even after a thorough wash in a washing machine. Whether the source of the odor is pet or human, this odor can be very unpleasant and embarrassing. This situation does not have to be permanent, however. There are a few laundering steps you can take to rid clothes and other fabric items of this scent. It takes a little extra time and an extra cleaning product, but the results are usually well worth it.

Things You'll Need

• Nature's Miracle or similar enzymatic spray cleaner Laundry detergent Vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the article of clothing on a flat surface (such as the top of the washing machine). Spray the clothing with an enzymatic cleaner. Be sure to saturate the area of urine with the spray.

2. Let the clothes sit long enough for the enzyme to work. The time will vary, depending on the product used.

3. Soak the clothing in warm water with detergent. A half-hour soak is usually sufficient.
   After this, wash the clothing in warm or hot water (if the fabric permits hot water) and detergent.

4. Rinse the clothing again. This time add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse water.

5. Dry clothing in the dryer. Use a scented fabric softener sheet for extra freshness.

Tips & Warnings

• If urine on clothing is still wet, rinse it out as best as you can before applying the enzymatic cleaner. Many enzyme-based cleaners work best at room temperature. Treat the article of clothing indoors in a moderate temperature room. If you still detect a urine smell, try leaving the enzymatic cleaner on longer or rinse the clothing again in vinegar and water. Adding bleach for whites and nonchlorine bleach for colors may also help reduce urine odor.

• Always check colored clothing for colorfastness before using any cleaner to remove odor. Make sure you use the enzymatic cleaner before other products--otherwise, the cleaner will not work.

References

• More About Removing Urine Odor
• More About Urine Odor and Enzymatic Cleaners