Getting urine smell out of clothes in a washer requires a few simple steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you eliminate the odor effectively:
Pre-Treatment: If the clothes are still wet with urine, gently blot the affected area with paper towels or a clean cloth to soak up as much of the urine as possible before washing.
Rinse with Cold Water: Before washing the clothes, rinse them with cold water. This will help remove some of the urine and dilute the odor.
Add Vinegar or Baking Soda: For a natural odor-fighting solution, add either white vinegar or baking soda to the washing machine. You can use one cup of vinegar or half a cup of baking soda. Both are effective at neutralizing odors.
- If using vinegar: Pour it directly into the fabric softener compartment or the main detergent dispenser of the washing machine.
- If using baking soda: Add it to the drum of the washer before loading the clothes.
Wash with an Enzyme-based Detergent: Choose an enzyme-based laundry detergent. These detergents are specifically designed to break down and eliminate organic stains and odors, including urine.
Wash on the Appropriate Setting: Select the appropriate water temperature and wash cycle for the clothes. Hot water can set the stain and make the odor more challenging to remove, so it's best to use cold or warm water.
Check for Odor After Washing: Once the washing cycle is complete, check the clothes for any remaining urine odor before transferring them to the dryer. If the odor persists, do not put the clothes in the dryer, as the heat can set the smell further. Instead, repeat the washing process.
Air Dry in Sunlight (Optional): If possible, consider air-drying the clothes in direct sunlight. The sun's natural UV rays can help further neutralize and eliminate odors.
Repeat If Necessary: For stubborn urine odors, you may need to repeat the process or try using a specialized enzymatic cleaner, which can be found at pet supply stores.
Remember, the sooner you can treat and wash the clothes after the urine incident, the better the chances of removing the odor completely. If the smell persists despite your efforts, it may be best to take the clothes to a professional cleaner for specialized treatment.