Pre-treat the Clothes
Before washing the clothes, it is essential to pre-treat them. Start by soaking the clothes in cold water for 30 minutes. Then, apply a pre-treatment solution directly to the urine stains. You can use a commercial stain remover or make your own by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water.
Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective natural remedy to get rid of urine smell in clothes. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. It will neutralize the urine odor and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Use Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are specially designed to break down the urine molecules and eliminate the odor. Add an enzyme cleaner to the wash cycle and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run the clothes through a regular wash cycle.
Wash with Hot Water
Hot water is more effective in removing urine odor than cold water. Wash your clothes in hot water to kill the bacteria and remove the smell. However, make sure to check the care label of your clothes before using hot water. Some fabrics may shrink or fade in hot water.
Avoid Using Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your clothes, making it harder to remove urine smell. Instead, use a cup of baking soda or half a cup of white vinegar as a natural fabric softener. It will also help eliminate the urine odor.
Dry the Clothes in Sunlight
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight to dry. The UV rays will kill the bacteria and remove the urine smell. However, avoid drying colored clothes in direct sunlight as it may cause fading.
Tips and Tricks
– Always check the care label of your clothes before washing them. – Avoid using bleach as it may react with the urine and create harmful fumes. – Add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle for extra odor-fighting power. – Use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate clothes during the wash cycle. – Add a few drops of essential oil to the rinse cycle for a fresh scent.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent to remove urine smell?
A: Yes, you can use regular laundry detergent to wash urine-stained clothes. However, it may not be effective in removing the urine smell entirely.
Q: How do I remove urine smell from a mattress?
A: Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the urine stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb the moisture.
Q: Can I use a dryer to remove urine smell from clothes?
A: Yes, you can use a dryer to remove urine smell from clothes. However, make sure to dry them on high heat to kill the bacteria and remove the odor.
Conclusion
Getting urine smell out of clothes in washer can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With the right techniques and products, you can eliminate the odor and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Remember to pre-treat the clothes, use hot water, and avoid fabric softeners. If the smell persists, try using a natural remedy like white vinegar or an enzyme cleaner.