Accidents happen — whether it’s a child’s potty training mishap, pet urine on laundry, or an unexpected spill. Unfortunately, urine odours can linger in clothes long after washing if they are not treated properly.
The good news? With the right methods, you can eliminate the odour, restore freshness, and even prevent it from returning. In this guide, we’ll cover why pee smell sticks to fabrics and how to get rid of it using both quick fixes and deep-cleaning solutions.
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Why Does Pee Smell Linger in Clothes?
Urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia over time. Ammonia is what causes that strong, unpleasant smell. Once it seeps into fabric fibres, standard detergent often isn’t enough to break it down completely.
Other factors that make the smell stick:
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Porous fabrics like cotton absorb more liquid.
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Drying before cleaning can “set” the smell.
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Low wash temperatures may not kill the bacteria causing odours.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Pee Smell from Clothes
Here’s how to completely remove the odour — whether it’s from human or pet accidents.
1. Rinse the Fabric Immediately
The faster you act, the easier it will be to remove the smell.
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Hold the garment under cold running water.
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Avoid hot water at this stage — it can set the smell in.
2. Pre-Soak in Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a natural deodoriser that neutralises ammonia.
How to do it:
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Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cold water.
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Soak clothes for at least 30 minutes.
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For heavy odours, soak for up to 4 hours.
3. Use Baking Soda for Odour Absorption
Baking soda is excellent for pulling smells out of fabric.
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After the vinegar soak, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into your washing machine drum.
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Add your regular detergent and wash as usual.
4. Add an Enzyme Cleaner for Stubborn Smells
For strong or set-in urine smells (common with pet accidents), an enzyme-based laundry cleaner is your best bet.
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These break down uric acid crystals that normal detergents can’t touch.
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Look for pet-safe formulas if washing animal bedding or clothes.
5. Wash on the Hottest Safe Setting
Check the clothing label and use the highest temperature allowed. Heat helps kill bacteria and ensures the cleaning agents work more effectively.
6. Air Dry in Sunlight
Sunlight naturally deodorises and kills bacteria thanks to UV rays.
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Hang clothes outside until completely dry.
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If air drying indoors, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation.
Natural Remedies to Remove Pee Smell
If you prefer eco-friendly solutions, these household items work wonders:
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Lemon Juice – Add half a cup to the wash cycle for freshness.
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Hydrogen Peroxide – Great for white fabrics, but test first on colours.
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Castile Soap – Gentle, plant-based cleaner that lifts odours.
What to Avoid
Some cleaning mistakes can make the smell worse:
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Using bleach on pet urine – It can react with ammonia and release harmful fumes.
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Skipping pre-treatment – Washing without soaking usually won’t fully remove the smell.
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Drying before the odour is gone – Heat sets the smell into fabric.
Preventing Urine Odour in the Future
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Wash promptly – Don’t let soiled clothes sit in a laundry basket.
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Use moisture-proof bedding covers if dealing with recurring accidents.
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Train pets with positive reinforcement to avoid repeat incidents.
When to Call in a Professional
If the fabric is delicate, expensive, or the odour persists after several washes, a professional cleaner may be the best option. They have industrial-grade enzyme treatments that can fully restore your clothes.
Key Takeaways
Getting pee smell out of clothes is about neutralising the ammonia and breaking down uric acid crystals before they set in.
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Act fast with cold water rinsing.
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Soak in vinegar to neutralise odour.
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Wash with baking soda or enzyme cleaner for a deep clean.
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Dry in sunlight to naturally deodorise.