How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes

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Removing cat pee smell from clothes requires a combination of blotting, rinsing, enzymatic cleaners, vinegar, and baking soda. By following these steps, you can effectively neutralize the odor and restore your clothes to their original freshness. While dietary changes in cats, such as the supplementation of oligofructose, can influence urea metabolism and faecal odour components, they do not directly impact the removal of urine odor from fabrics1.

Cat urine can be notoriously difficult to remove from fabrics due to its strong odor and persistent nature. However, with the right approach and materials, you can effectively eliminate the smell from your clothes. This article will guide you through the steps to get rid of cat pee smell from your garments.

Understanding the Problem

Cat urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia, a compound responsible for the strong odor. Additionally, cat urine has other components that can contribute to the smell, making it challenging to remove with regular washing. Research has shown that dietary changes in cats, such as the supplementation of oligofructose, can affect urea metabolism and faecal odour components, although these changes do not directly impact the smell of urine on fabrics1.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Blot the Area

As soon as you notice the cat urine on your clothes, blot the area with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the urine and push it deeper into the fabric.

2. Rinse with Cold Water

Rinse the affected area with cold water to dilute the urine. Do not use hot water, as it can set the stain and odor, making it more difficult to remove.

3. Pre-Treat with Enzymatic Cleaner

Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins in cat urine, effectively neutralizing the odor. Apply the enzymatic cleaner to the stained area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or follow the instructions on the product label.

4. Wash with Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the ammonia smell in cat urine. Add one cup of white vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Wash the clothes on the cold setting.

5. Air Dry

After washing, air dry the clothes rather than using a dryer. The heat from the dryer can set any remaining odor, making it more difficult to remove. If the smell persists after the first wash, repeat the process.

6. Use Baking Soda

If the odor remains after washing, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before washing again. Baking soda is an effective odor absorber and can help eliminate any lingering smells.