How to Remove Urine Stains From Clothes and Carpet

How to Remove Urine Stains From Washable Fabrics

1. Presoak if Necessary

   • If you can't treat diapers, bed sheets, or any type of washable clothing right away, fill a large plastic container or the washer with cold water and allow the stained items to soak until they can be properly washed.
   • Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to help reduce and remove the odor.

   Warning

   Work quickly to remove the urine. Never allow urine-soaked fabrics to accumulate because they can form mildew.

2. Select Water Temperature and Washing Supplies

   When it is time to wash away urine stains, use the hottest water recommended for the fabric. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your usual heavy-duty detergent and the wash water.

   Tip

   If you are concerned about bacteria in the urine, use a disinfectant in the wash water. White 100% cotton fabrics can be disinfected with chlorine bleach. Colored and synthetic fabrics require a different method of disinfecting, such as a pine oil disinfectant product.

3. Remove Set-In Urine Stains

   • If the urine stain is dried or old, soak the fabric in cool water and oxygen-based bleach, such as OxiClean, Clorox 2 for Colors, or OXO Brite. Follow the directions on the package on how to mix the solution.
   • After presoaking for at least 30 minutes, launder in warm—not hot—water with your regular detergent.
   • If the stain remains, mix a new oxygen-based bleach and water solution and soak overnight, then wash again. This will remove any discoloration, but oxygen bleach does not disinfect fabrics.

4. Inspect and Dry the Fabric

   After washing urine-stained items, check that the stain is completely removed before tossing the item into the dryer. The high heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it much more difficult to remove. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps.

   Tip

   Air dry first to ensure the fabric looks like it should.

How to Remove Urine Stains From Dry Clean Only Clothes

Check the care label of any clothing item that gets a urine stain. If it's labeled dry-clean-only, follow these steps:

1. Blot Stained Area

   Put on disposable gloves, and blot the stained area with a dry white paper towel until the moisture is removed.

2. Sponge and Blot

   Sponge the stain with a clean, damp white cloth and then blot to dry.

   Warning

   Do not use water on the stain if the fabric is silk because the stain could grow bigger and become harder for the dry cleaner to remove.

3. Dry Clean Garment

   Even if the area looks clean, bring the item to the dry cleaner to point out and identify the stain. The urine can leave acids in the fabric, affecting the fibers with time. If you use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

How to Remove Urine Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

Before cleaning any furniture, always follow the manufacturer's care label on cleaning upholstery. This tag can be found under the sofa cushions or fabric skirt with letter codes that indicate how to clean the furniture.

1. Blot Away Urine

   Soak up the urine from the carpet or upholstery with white paper towels or an old white cloth as quickly as possible.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

   In a small bowl or bucket, create a solution of 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid.

3. Treat the Stain

   • Dip a clean white cloth or soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and apply it to the urine-stained carpet or fabric.
   • Start at the outside of the wet stain and work toward the center to help prevent the stain from becoming larger.
   • Work it in because the solution needs to get deep into the fibers, but try not to saturate the area.

   Warning

   Avoid saturating the fabric and the interior cushion with the cleaning solution, or it can lead to mold and mildew.

4. Blot and Rinse

   • Use a dry white paper towel or cloth to blot away the soapy mixture.
   • Next, apply a generous amount of plain water to the stain with a clean sponge to rinse away any residue.

   Tip

   Rinsing thoroughly is essential because any remaining soap can attract soil.

5. Absorb Residual Moisture

   When most of the soapy solution seems to be gone, place several paper towels on the stain and weigh them down with a heavy bowl or platter. Allow them to sit for 15 minutes, and then discard the towels. Repeat if needed.

6. Air-Dry and Vacuum

   • Allow the carpet to air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat.
   • Vacuum well to lift carpet fibers.

   Tip

   To help the carpet or fabric dry more quickly, use a rotating fan to circulate air and remove the cushion from the furniture, if possible.

Additional Tips for Handling a Urine Stain

While air and fabric refreshers will not remove urine stains, they can help control the odor. For human urine stains that leave an odor, select a product formulated for pet urine, like the Pet-Pourri Pet Odor Eliminator.

When treating urine stains on upholstery, remove any solids and blot up moisture if the fabric is vintage or silk, then contact an upholstery cleaning specialist. 

If a urine stain persists on furniture or clothing after trying to clean it repeatedly, or the care label states the piece needs special treatment, let a professional upholstery cleaner or dry cleaner handle stain removal.