How to Get Rid of an Ammonia Odor on Laundry

Ammonia is an effective cleaning agent. However, its pungent odor can set into fabrics, leaving behind an unpleasant aroma. An ammonia odor is also a characteristic of urine. Whether laundry has been soiled by urine, ammonia cleaners or another agent that causes a pungent odor, you will want to remove these smells before they take up residence in the fibers of your clothes. With a few added steps to your laundry routine, you can remove the odor and enjoy your clothes again.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Paper towels
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Dab any wet spots with a paper towel. Avoid a cloth towel, unless it is disposable; otherwise, you will have to remove the odor from the towel as well. Discard the paper towel.

2. Fill the washing machine with the soiled laundry and warm-to-hot water. Add 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. Let it soak for 20 minutes.

3. Add laundry detergent, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and run through a normal or heavy wash cycle.

4. Add another ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

5. Smell the clothing after the washing machine is finished. Repeat the steps or dry as you normally would.

Tips & Warnings

• Vinegar acts as a bleach, so be careful using it on a dark clothing.

References

• Michigan State University Extension
• Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Reader's Digest