How to Get Cat Pee Stains & Odors Out of Your Clothes

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Sometimes your cat might have an accident or miss the litter box and pee on your clothes instead! It’s a common problem for cat parents, and thankfully, you can solve it without needing to throw your clothes away—especially if you wash the clothing before the urine can dry. From start to finish, here's a complete guide to getting cat urine smells out of your clothes. We'll also share a few tips for how to prevent your cat from having accidents in the future.

Things You Should Know

  • Rinse out the urine spots and blot them dry before soaking them in oxygen bleach .
  • Coat your clothes in a white vinegar solution. Then, apply baking soda to the stains before putting them through the laundry and air-drying them.
  • Clean your clothes a second time by washing them with an enzyme detergent that can destroy urine odors for good.
1

Rinse the spot with cool water.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take the affected garment to the sink and run a stream of cool water over the stain for a few minutes. Before treating the fabric for odor, it’s important to pretreat it by washing away as much of the urine as possible. Cat urine sets into fabric easily otherwise. [1]
    • Be sure you’re using cool water (not hot or warm) because heat can set odors into the fabric and make them even harder to get out.
    2. Advertisement
2

Blot the fabric with a paper towel.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rubbing the stain will just set it deeper into your clothing. Instead, use paper towels to dab at the stain until it’s as dry as possible. Rinsing and blotting your clothes while the stain is fresh gives you a better chance of removing the odor during the first wash! [2]
3

Soak the item in oxygen bleach.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a sink with water, add a 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of oxygen bleach , and mix it in thoroughly. Then, place the stained clothing in the sink and let it soak in the bleach. If the clothing is colored, let it sit for at least one hour; if it's white, soak it for up to four hours. [3]
    • Oxygen bleach is often sold as Oxiclean, Vanish, or simply oxygen bleach.
    • Avoid using chlorine bleach. When combined with ammonia in urine, it can create harmful gases.
    2. Advertisement
4

Coat the stain with a vinegar solution.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Essentially, the acid in vinegar kills the urine bacteria, so it doesn’t smell anymore. Create a vinegar solution by mixing 1 cup (240 mL) of water with 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar . Coat your fabric with the solution and let it sit and soak in for a few minutes before moving to the next step. [4]
    • White vinegar is the most effective cleaner because it won’t stain any fabric.
    • You can use vinegar to eliminate many odors, not just cat urine! [5] If a piece of clothing or fabric smells bad, treat it with white vinegar.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 216 wikiHow readers what their go-to cleaning product is for removing cat spray odor, and 59% said a homemade natural cleaning solution. [Take Poll]
5

Apply baking soda to the stained area.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cover the urine stains with baking soda ; you likely won’t need more than 1 cup (237 g) to prep a garment for washing. While baking soda is optional, it’s a useful addition to the cleaning process because it works with vinegar to neutralize the cat urine smell. [6]
    2. Advertisement
6

Machine wash each item without detergent.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Toss your stained clothing in the washing machine and wash it using a cool or cold setting—warm or hot water will set in the urine odor. It’s okay to wash more than 1 urine-stained item if you need to, but don’t wash a full load all at once; this allows each garment to get as clean as possible. [7]
    • You’ll use detergent on the second wash (this process involves 2 washes total). However, it’s best to let the vinegar and baking soda do their jobs on the first wash.
    • Try not to mix urine-stained clothing with other clothes in the same load. Cat urine odor is powerful and can spread to your other clothes too.
7

Let the clothing air dry.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hang up your clothes to dry. Either dry your garments indoors, which will take 24 to 36 hours, or leave them outside to dry for about 3 hours. Either way, it’s important to air-dry instead of using a clothes dryer; the heat from the dryer will make the urine smell permanent and ruin your clothing. [8]
    2. Advertisement
8

Re-wash the clothes with enzyme detergent.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After the initial wash, purchase an enzyme detergent , which is designed to fight stains at a much lower temperature than traditional detergents. Then, run the garment through the laundry again, setting the washing machine to a cool or cold water cycle. [9]
    • Most detergents labeled as cold-water detergents contain enzymes. However, read the ingredients on the detergent container just to be sure.
    • If possible, choose a detergent that lists protease as an active enzyme ingredient. It's the best at removing urine stains.
9

Wash your clothes multiple times if necessary.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t give up if your clothing comes out of the wash still faintly smelling of cat urine! Remember: it’s a strong scent and doesn’t come out easily if the urine dries before you can wash it, but multiple cycles in the washing machine can do the trick. Wash your garments with enzyme detergent until the smell is gone. [10]
    • Vinegar, baking soda, and oxygen bleach are all great for pre-treating fabric, but enzyme detergent gets rid of smells for good—which is why it’s such an important part of the process.
    2. Advertisement
10

Check your cat’s health if they have frequent accidents.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Cat-Urine-Smell-Out-of-Clothes-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ensure your cat is happy and healthy (and prevent future accidents outside the litter box) by taking your cat to the vet. A veterinarian can verify whether there are any problems and give your cat the medical treatment they need to get them peeing in the litter box once again. [11] Possible issues include:
    • Your cat might have a urinary tract problem causing them to avoid the litter box, or they might feel pain in their joints that makes climbing into a box difficult.
    • Bathroom difficulties could just be a part of old age. Cat dementia and cognitive dysfunction in elderly cats often makes them do their business outside the litter box.
    • Changes like a new family member, a new pet, or even just moving the litter box can stress your cat out. Reduce your cat’s stress by rewarding them with treats and attention when they use the litter box correctly.
    • Check the litter box! It might be as simple as your cat not wanting to use a dirty litter box, or not liking the litter in it. Clean the litter box more often and try new kinds of litter to see if your cat responds positively.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I make my clothes smell good?
    Susan Stocker
    Green Cleaning Expert
    Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
    Susan Stocker
    Green Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    Using a scented laundry detergent can help your clothes smell good. I personally don't like the smell of artificial fragrances, so I like to use an all-natural scented laundry detergent. Zum Clean's all-natural detergent smells great.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What if my clothes went through the washer and dryer before I realized they had been sprayed? Is there any hope of getting the smell out?
    Miss Sun
    Community Answer
    It's going to take a while, but every night, soak your clothes in a bath of cold water, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tbsp baking powder, a touch of hydrogen peroxide, and a couple of generous squirts of liquid dish soap. Scrub thoroughly, then chuck them in the dryer, and repeat for at least two weeks. The smell will go away, but it will also smell strongly of vinegar, so be sure to wash them again in a cold water bath with some kind of scented soap.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Can laundry ammonia take out urine smell in clothes?
    Community Answer
    It isn't the best product to use. Other laundry detergents and cleaners would do a better job.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you clean the urine smell out of your clothes but still smell it around the house, search for urine stains stains with a blacklight flashlight . Scan the walls, floor, furniture, and any other surfaces in parts of the house, and mark any you find with chalk or a sticky note. Then, treat them all with an odor-removal product, so your home smells fresh again. [12]
        Thanks
      • For best results, choose a detergent containing enzymes and oxygen bleach. Use it in the wash and as a pre-soak agent.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean a Litter Box
      How to
      Eliminate Cat Odors Around the House
      3 Best Methods for Getting the Smell of Pet Pee out of Your Couch
      4+ Home Remedies To Remove the Smell of Cat Pee From Your Carpet
      How to
      Get Rid of Cat Spray Odor
      How to
      Remove Cat Spray or Pee from a Leather Couch
      How to
      Clean Cat Urine
      How to
      Remove Cat Urine Smell
      How to
      Get Motor Oil Off a Cat
      How to
      Remove the Smell of Cat Urine from Running Shoes
      How to
      Remove Cat Spray
      How to
      Clean Up Cat Hair
      How to
      Remove Cat Hairball Stains from Carpet
      How to
      Clean Cat Beds
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/pet/how-to-get-rid-of-cat-pee-smell-a-guide/
      2. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/pet/how-to-get-rid-of-cat-pee-smell-a-guide/
      3. ↑ https://catsinternational.org/booklet/eliminating-cat-urine-odor-using-oxyclean/
      4. ↑ https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-get-cat-pee-smell-out-of-clothes-and-linens/
      5. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      6. ↑ https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-get-cat-pee-smell-out-of-clothes-and-linens/
      7. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/pet/how-to-get-rid-of-cat-pee-smell-a-guide/
      8. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/pet/how-to-get-rid-of-cat-pee-smell-a-guide/
      9. ↑ https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-get-cat-pee-smell-out-of-clothes-and-linens/
      1. ↑ https://pets.thenest.com/remove-cat-urine-vinegar-4810.html
      2. ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/why-is-my-cat-urinating-inappropriately/
      3. ↑ https://sciencing.com/kind-stains-black-lights-detect-5045775.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to get the smell of cat urine out of your clothes, start by blotting any excess liquid with a paper towel, then rinse the garment for a few minutes under cool, running water. Next, fill your sink with warm water and add a scoop of oxygen bleach to pre-treat the stain. Leave colored clothing to soak in the sink for at least 1 hour, and let white clothing soak for up to 4 hours. After your clothes have soaked, throw them into your washing machine and coat them in a solution that is 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Finally, run your washing machine on a cool or cold setting and hang up your clothes to air dry once the wash cycle ends. For more tips, like how to use an enzyme detergent to treat cat urine stains, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 235,240 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Debi W.

        Jul 2, 2017

        "The site is very user friendly, I love the steps and pictures. Best of all, it worked! I always assumed the hot ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement