How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes
If you've ever dealt with cat urine on clothing, you know the odor is unmistakably strong and stubborn. That's because cat urine contains uric acid and proteins that easily bond to fabrics, making removal a challenge. The smell only worsens as time passes—bacteria break down the urine and release even more pungent compounds. Older cats and males tend to have especially strong-smelling urine. If you don't remove the odor completely, your cat might return to mark the same spot again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Cat Urine Odor
- Separate Soiled Clothing: Keep any affected items away from other laundry to prevent spreading the smell.
- Rinse With Cold Water: As soon as possible, rinse the soiled area under cold water. Cold water helps flush out urine without setting stains or odors. Avoid hot water—it can cause proteins in urine to bond more tightly with fabric fibers. Blot (don’t scrub) to soak up as much liquid as you can.
- Soak in Vinegar Solution: Prepare a mixture of one cup white vinegar to three cups cold water. Let the clothing soak for at least 30 minutes. The acidity of vinegar neutralizes alkaline components in dried cat urine.
- Pretreat With Enzyme Cleaner: After soaking, apply an enzyme cleaner designed for pet stains directly onto the affected area. These cleaners break down uric acid and proteins—the main culprits behind lingering smells. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes (or longer if recommended by the product instructions).
- Machine Wash With Detergent and Baking Soda: Wash the clothing using regular or enzyme-based detergent. Add about half a cup of baking soda to help neutralize any remaining odor. For especially tough or set-in stains, consider soaking in oxygen bleach (color-safe bleach) according to package directions before washing.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: Hang clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area to air dry—don’t use a dryer until you’re sure all traces of odor are gone. Heat can set any residual stain or smell permanently into fabric fibers. Sunlight can also help deodorize and sanitize naturally.
- Repeat if Needed: Some stubborn odors may require several cycles of soaking and washing before they’re fully gone.
Additional Tips for Success
- Avoid mixing cat-soiled clothes with regular laundry loads.
- Never use ammonia-based cleaning products; ammonia smells similar to urine and may encourage your cat to re-mark the item.
- Always check care labels before using bleach, hot water, or enzyme products—some fabrics need special handling.
- If treating delicate fabrics, spot test cleaners on a hidden area first.
Troubleshooting: If Your Cat Keeps Peeing on Clothes
If you find yourself repeating this process often, consider why your cat might be urinating outside its litter box:
- The litter box could be dirty or your cat dislikes the litter type—try changing brands or cleaning more frequently (a good rule: one box per cat).
- Cats sometimes react to stress, household changes, or territorial disputes by marking inappropriate spots.
- Certain medical issues—like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, or joint pain—can lead cats to urinate outside their box. If this is a recurring problem, consult your veterinarian.
The Science Behind Odor Removal Products
The most effective products for removing cat urine odors are enzyme-based cleaners specifically labeled for pet stains. These work by breaking down uric acid crystals and proteins that ordinary detergents can't touch. It's important not just to mask odors but to actually eliminate them at their source—otherwise both humans and cats will still detect traces left behind.
If you're unsure whether you've removed all traces of cat pee from clothing (sometimes stains are invisible), try using a UV blacklight: it can reveal hidden spots so you know where to focus your efforts.
Summary: Main Steps at a Glance
- Separate from other laundry
- Rinse with cold water immediately
- Soak in vinegar solution (1:3 ratio)
- Pretreat with enzyme cleaner for pet stains
- Machine wash with detergent plus baking soda (and oxygen bleach if needed)
- Air dry thoroughly; repeat as needed until odor is gone
Treating soiled clothes promptly—and following these steps carefully—will usually get rid of even stubborn cat urine smells from most washable fabrics.
