BY & FOR BOY MOMS EVERYWHERE

Bedwetting and poor bladder control can happen at any age, and parents should be prepared for accidents. The best advice would be to invest in a good waterproof mattress cover or mattress protector to line your kid’s bed but even so kids have a knack for surprising us. Mattresses are not the only surfaces at risk. Furniture, clothes, shoes, and sleeping bags can all fall victim to unfortunate incidents. Vulnerable moments can occur during trips, at sleepovers, or on the sofa during movie night. When it happens, don’t panic. Here’s our comprehensive guide that will walk you through the cleaning process step by step including tips on how to eliminate that lingering smell from mattresses, clothes, and other fabrics.

Pre-treat stain

When you discover a stain, first remove all comforters, sheets, pillow cases, or clothes that were affected. Put these into your washing machine with normal detergent. Add a cup of baking soda if you really want to be sure that no stain or smell lingers. After that, try to air dry them as dryer heat may cause the smell and stain to permanently set if still there after the wash.

Next, deal with your mattress or pillow. Pre-treating the stain is the first course of action. The quicker you act, the easier it will be to remove both the stain and the odor. When you discover the stain, blot the area with absorbent paper towels or a clean cloth. Don’t rub because the stain can sink in deeper and spread over a wider area. Simply blot to remove as much moisture as possible.

You can then apply a stain remover to the area. If you don’t have any on hand, simply mix one part white vinegar with three parts warm water and a few drops of dish soap , pour the solution into a spray bottle and thoroughly mist the stained area.

If using a stain remover, follow the instructions on the bottle. Usually it will say to let it sit for a minimum period of time like 15 minutes. If using a vinegar solution, it is recommended for 15 to 30 minutes to overnight if necessary. This not only helps neutralize the urine smell but also begins breaking down the uric acid crystals that causes staining.

After applying the pre-treatment solution, blot again with fresh cloths or paper towels. The idea is to try to absorb as much liquid as possible before moving to the next step.

The next step would be to put a coating of baking soda over the stain and leave it there for as long as you can. The ideal time would be 8 to 10 hours. After this, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda and check if the stain remains or the smell. If it’s still there, repeat the treatment.

Don’t use very hot water or high temperatures such as a blow-dryer because the heat could set the stain permanently.

How to Get Urine Smell and Stains Out of Fabrics

When urine dries on sheets, mattress protectors, or clothing, it can leave a stubborn yellowish mark and a sharp odor. If not treated quickly with the right cleaning solution , old urine stains become harder to remove.

The first step is soaking it in a vinegar solution. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 3 cups of cold water and soak the stained fabric for 30–60 minutes to break down the uric acid.

Then you can wash the fabric as usual with laundry detergent. A cup of baking soda will help with both the removal of the stain and the elimination of the smell. Don’t use bleach because it can interact with the proteins in urine and make the stain worse.

Also, try not to use a dryer because high heat can set any remaining stain or smell. Air drying in sunlight allows the fabric to dry fully and so has natural bleaching and deodorizing effects.

What Gets the Smell of Urine out of Clothes?

Try your usual laundry detergent first but if the smell still lingers then normal laundry detergent isn’t cutting it. In this case you should add an enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to your wash. These products contain enzymes specifically designed to break down uric acid and other organic materials. They’re commonly sold as pet urine cleaners but are completely safe for human urine, too.

You can also try the homemade solution of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent. Mix it well and pour directly on the stained area of clothing. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing as usual.

Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is one of the home remedies that can easily clean away urine residue. Use a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water and spray on the stain. Leave it to soak in for about 30 minutes and gently blot with paper towels or a clean cloth. Let it air dry before adding the bedding again.

Baking Soda

The same baking soda that makes your cakes and cookies rise can also act as a safe, natural deodorizer. It’s cheap, easy to use, and works wonders on urine smells. Add a generous amount to cover the wet area with a thick layer of baking soda. Don’t skimp.

For the best results, you should let it sit overnight or for 8–10 hours. This gives it time to absorb moisture and neutralize lingering smells.

After that use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to vacuum thoroughly so that all the baking soda is removed. Go slowly and pass it over the area a few times to ensure no powder is left behind.

Sometimes one treatment is not enough. If your nose still detects a small after one treatment, repeat the process. The more deeply the urine penetrates into mattress fibers, the more treatments needed.

How to Remove Urine Smell and Stains from Couch and Upholstery

Couches and chairs can be trickier than mattresses because the cushions may not be removable. If you catch it early, you can use a similar process as mattresses. Blot the area immediately. Spray with vinegar solution. Blot again. Apply baking soda and let it sit. Vacuum thoroughly.

Take extra care for textured or colored fabrics, because colors may bleed or the fabric become discolored so always test your solution on a hidden area first to avoid any problems.

Long-term Solutions for Lingering Urine Odor Removal

If you’ve done everything and still catch a whiff of pee weeks later, the urine might have soaked deep into the mattress or couch cushion. In this case, you may have to pull out the big guns. Rent or buy a steam cleaner. These machines are designed to get cleaning solution deeper into fabric and then extract it along with the odors.

You can also use enzymatic mattress spray which are made to penetrate below the surface where traditional cleaners can’t reach.

If you just can’t be bothered with all of the treatments or tried them without great results, you can opt for a professional cleaning. Check out local services that specialize in deep-cleaning soft surfaces and mattresses. Compare prices and choose one. This can be especially helpful for persistent stains or repeated accidents.

If you just can’t stand the lingering odor or the mattress has been subjected to repeated incidents and is badly stained then your only option may be to replace the mattress or at least the mattress pad or insert if you don’t know how to get rid of the smell of urine .

FAQs

What kills the smell of human urine?

Baking soda works best to neutralize odors. Enzyme-based cleaners are also highly effective on carpet and other soft surfaces .

How long does it take for pee smell to go away?

With prompt treatment, urine smell can disappear within a day or two. Left untreated, it can linger for weeks, especially if the mattress or furniture wasn’t cleaned deeply enough.

Does pee wash out of clothes?

Yes, urine will usually wash out with detergent, especially if rinsed promptly. For dried or set-in stains, soaking in vinegar or using enzymatic cleaners is recommended.

How to stop urine smell in jeans?

Rinse the jeans in cold water as soon as possible. Wash with baking soda and vinegar or an enzyme cleaner to neutralize the smell. Don’t put them in the dryer as high temperatures can cause the stain to set. Air dry them instead.

What enzyme breaks down human urine?

Proteases are one of the enzymes used to break down the proteins that urine stains are made up of. They are usually found as an ingredient in stain removal products.