If you’ve ever discovered that your cat had an accident on your laundry pile, you know that cat pee smell is no joke. It’s sharp, strong, and incredibly stubborn — even after multiple washes. The good news? You can get rid of that awful odor and save your favorite clothes without replacing them.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get cat pee smell out of clothes effectively, why it happens, and what products and home remedies actually work. Let’s rescue those clothes once and for all!
Why Cat Pee Smells So Bad
Cat urine has a unique chemical makeup that makes it tougher to remove than other types of stains. It contains uric acid, ammonia, and bacteria, which linger and release that pungent odor over time. When cat pee dries, uric acid forms crystals that reactivate with moisture — meaning the smell can come back even after washing.
That’s why regular detergent often fails. To eliminate the smell completely, you need ingredients that break down uric acid and neutralize the ammonia — not just mask it.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes
Step 1: Blot and Rinse Immediately
If the urine is fresh, gently blot it with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible. Don’t rub — this can push the urine deeper into the fabric.
Then, rinse the area under cold running water to flush out excess urine before it dries.
Step 2: Pre-Soak with Vinegar and Water
Create a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and cold water, and soak the clothing for 30 minutes. Vinegar neutralizes the ammonia and helps loosen odor-causing residues.
After soaking, gently wring out the fabric (don’t rinse yet).
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon if you want a fresher scent later.
Step 3: Wash with Enzyme-Based Detergent
Standard laundry detergent won’t cut it. You’ll need an enzyme-based cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle, Biokleen, or Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh).
These contain natural enzymes that break down uric acid and organic proteins, permanently removing the odor.
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Wash in cold or warm water — never hot, as heat can set the smell.
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Add ½ cup of baking soda to the wash cycle for extra odor absorption.
Step 4: Air Dry in Sunlight
Skip the dryer for now. Heat can cause lingering uric acid crystals to “bake in.”
Instead, air dry your clothes in sunlight — UV rays help kill odor-causing bacteria and freshen fabrics naturally.
Step 5: Repeat If Necessary
If the smell persists, repeat the soak and wash process. Sometimes older or heavily saturated fabrics may need two or three rounds of enzyme treatment before the odor is completely gone.
How to Get Old Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes
If you didn’t notice the stain right away and it’s already dried, follow these steps:
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Soak clothes in a vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) for 1–2 hours.
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Apply an enzyme-based stain remover directly to the area. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
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Wash using cold water and baking soda.
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Air dry completely — preferably in sunlight.
If the smell still lingers, try an overnight soak in oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) and water before the final wash.
Natural Remedies for Cat Pee Odor Removal
Prefer non-chemical solutions? These natural odor fighters are safe and effective:
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White Vinegar: Neutralizes ammonia and disinfects fabric.
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Baking Soda: Absorbs odors and softens fabric.
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Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Great for white clothes; helps oxidize and lift the smell.
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Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh scent while helping to disinfect.
Preventing Future Cat Pee Accidents
Sometimes odor issues come from behavioral or health problems in your cat. Here’s how to prevent repeat incidents:
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Clean litter boxes daily. Cats prefer clean spaces.
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Use an enzyme cleaner on previous accident spots (floors, furniture, clothes) so your cat isn’t drawn back to the scent.
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If the issue continues, check with a vet — urinary tract infections or stress can trigger inappropriate urination.
FAQs: Removing Cat Pee Smell from Clothes
Q1: Can I use bleach to remove cat pee smell?
Avoid using bleach! Ammonia in cat urine can react with bleach to create toxic fumes. Instead, use vinegar, baking soda, or enzyme cleaners.
Q2: Does vinegar really work on cat urine smell?
Yes, vinegar helps neutralize ammonia odors and breaks down residue. It’s most effective when followed by an enzyme detergent wash.
Q3: What’s the best laundry detergent for cat pee smell?
Look for enzyme-based options like Nature’s Miracle, Persil ProClean Odor Fighter, or Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh.
Q4: Why does the smell come back after washing?
If you use hot water or the dryer too soon, uric acid crystals can “reactivate” with moisture. Always air dry first.
Q5: Can I use these methods on delicate fabrics?
Yes — just soak gently and avoid scrubbing. Hand wash in cold water and air dry to protect the fabric fibers.
Conclusion: Fresh Clothes, No Cat Pee Smell
Getting rid of cat pee smell from clothes might seem impossible at first, but with the right approach — vinegar, enzymes, and patience — you can completely remove the odor.
Remember: avoid heat, use enzyme detergents, and air dry for best results.
