How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out Of Clothes

Jul 24, 2023
How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out Of Clothes


Do you have a stinky problem? Does your clothing smell like urine, but it’s not yours? 

Is there only one culprit–your beloved pet cat–that has left its mark on your wardrobe? Finding the source of any smell can be difficult, especially when it comes to cats and their notoriously notorious potties. 

Not to worry! In this blog post, we will walk you through all of the steps that are necessary to remove the cat pee smell from clothes once and for all. 

We will provide helpful tips on how to treat stains and odors so that the article of clothing is good as new again.


Invest in an enzyme cleaner to break down the urine and remove stains

The most important step to effectively removing the cat pee smell from your clothing is by using a good quality enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down the proteins in urine or other sources of odors, neutralizing and eliminating them. These cleaners are widely available at pet stores and will help remove stains as well as odor.

The key is to let the cleaner sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing, as this will allow the enzymes to do their job more effectively. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to treat it multiple times to fully remove it. Be sure to follow the instructions on the enzyme cleaner for the best results.


Wash the clothes in cold water with detergent and a cup of vinegar

Once you’ve treated the clothing with an enzyme cleaner, it’s time to wash them. Use cold water and mild laundry detergent, and add a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar acts as a natural odor eliminator, helping to break down any urine molecules that may still be lingering even after treatment with the enzyme cleaner. 

After washing, air dry the clothing. This will help to ensure that any remaining odors or stains are completely gone. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to treat it with an enzyme cleaner and/or vinegar one more time before drying.


How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out Of Clothes

There are a few extra steps you can take to make sure your clothing is free of any lingering odors. First, consider sprinkling baking soda on the clothing before placing it in the dryer. Baking soda helps to absorb any remaining odors and will help freshen up the item of clothing.

Also, place a clean towel inside the dryer with the clothes being dried. The towel will help to absorb any remaining odors, and you can wash it afterward with another laundry.

Finally, if the odor is still persistent after washing and drying several times, consider using a fabric spray that has been specifically formulated to eliminate odors. These sprays are available at pet stores and will provide an extra layer of protection against stubborn odors.


Hang the items outside to dry, or use a fan to help circulate fresh air

Another great way to help eliminate lingering odours is to hang the item outside in a well-ventilated area. This will allow fresh air and sunlight to naturally remove any odors or stains. If you’re unable to hang the items outdoors, try using a fan in the room with your clothing instead. This will help circulate fresh air throughout the space, which can also help to eliminate odors.

Plus, sunlight has natural deodorizing properties that will help neutralize lingering odors on clothing. Just be sure to check the item often as direct exposure to sunlight can cause colors to fade over time.


Use baking soda to absorb odors

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of the smell, try sprinkling baking soda over the item and letting it sit overnight. Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer and can help to absorb any remaining odors.

Additionally, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to pre-treat the item before washing. Simply mix equal parts of both ingredients into a paste and rub it onto the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes before laundering as usual.


Vacuum up any remaining baking soda residue

Once your item has been laundered, it’s important to remove any remaining baking soda residue. Vacuuming the item will help to ensure that all of the powdery residue is removed before wearing or using the garment again. 

It’s also a good idea to give the item a final sniff test to make sure that all odors are gone. If you still detect a faint smell of urine, try treating the item with an enzyme cleaner one more time before laundering again.


Try using a pet-odor-neutralizing spray for extra odor control

One final tip for removing the cat pee smell from clothes is to use a pet-odor-neutralizing spray. These sprays are specifically formulated to help eliminate odors on fabrics and can provide an extra layer of odor control if needed. 

Spray the item liberally with the neutralizer and let it sit for 10 minutes before laundering it as usual. This will help to further eliminate any lingering odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Plus, many pet odor neutralizers also have stain-fighting properties that can help to remove any remaining discoloration from the fabric. 


FAQs

Do I need to use a special laundry detergent when washing urine-stained items?

No, you can use any mild liquid or powder laundry detergent for washing urine-soaked clothing. However, it’s best to avoid using bleach or any other harsh chemicals on these items as they may cause discoloration or further damage. 


Is it safe to hang urine-stained items in the sun?

Yes, it is perfectly safe and can be very helpful for eliminating odors. However, you should make sure to check the item every few hours as direct exposure to sunlight can cause colors to fade over time. 


Can I use fabric softener when washing clothing that has been stained with cat pee?

No, it’s best to avoid using fabric softener when washing urine-soiled items as this can make the odor worse. Instead, opt for a laundry detergent that has enzymes and bacteria-fighting properties which will help break down the proteins in urine and neutralize odors.


Conclusion

In conclusion, eliminating the cat pee smell from your clothes can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the help of our solutions outlined above, you too can get them smelling fresh in no time.

If you find that any of these methods don't work for your particular circumstances, remember that there are plenty of other ways to tackle the problem, such as using vinegar and baking soda. 

Whatever method you end up choosing, it's important to act swiftly and thoroughly to preserve your clothing pieces and save yourself an expensive replacement cost in the future. 

So go out there and tackle even the most stubborn pet odor infestation with confidence!


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