What neutralizes cat urine in laundry?

Author: Willy Hackett IV  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Some recommend adding one pound of baking soda to the wash or running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar and no detergent, then running a second cycle with regular detergent. Try again. Cat urine odor is a difficult smell to get rid of and you might have to repeat the steps again until the smell is gone.

How to get cat urine out of laundry?

White Vinegar and Baking Soda: This duo is a powerful cleaning agent. Start by rinsing the clothes with cold water to dilute the urine. Then, soak them in a solution of white vinegar and water. Once they've soaked for about 30 minutes, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the affected areas before laundering.

Does anything neutralize cat urine smell?

An effective way to tackle cat pee smell is by using a simple homemade solution. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the odor. Spray the affected area liberally with the mixture, ensuring it penetrates the carpet fibers.

What do nursing homes use to get rid of urine smell on laundry?

Put a cap's worth of concentrated Lysol in the load of laundry. It's what a family member's hospice nurse suggested for accidents and it worked great. I use it sometimes still for dog funk and blown out toddler diapers.

Does vinegar Neutralise cat pee?

Vinegar does a good job of neutralising cat pee. I have a spray bottle of vinegar for pre-wash, give it a thorough spritz or soak, leave it for half an hour and wash as normal.

😸 CAT URINE Removal From Clothes - My SECRET Formula

What enzyme breaks down cat urine?

These enzyme cleaners contain several different enzymes, including protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and urate oxidase. These enzymes work together to speed up the natural process of breaking down the bacteria, ammonia and other unpleasant substances in the cat urine.

How much vinegar do you put in laundry for cat pee?

Soak the Clothes in Vinegar

Vinegar's acidity is exactly what you need to break down the alkaline properties of cat urine odor. Start by mixing one cup of white vinegar with three cups of cold water to make a solution. Next, soak the smelly clothes in the solution for at least 30 minutes.

What detergent removes pet urine smell?

The best laundry detergents to remove pet urine from soiled laundry include Tide and Persil, but you can also find special detergents designed specifically for removing dog urine, including Alpha Tech Pet and Nature's Miracle. If you need to remove pet urine from soiled laundry, Rattle & Hum Laundry Co. can help!

Can I add baking soda to my laundry?

You can add baking soda to your laundry routine to brighten clothing and neutralize odors. Or, make a paste to use as a gentle abrasive to help break up tough soils like makeup, crayon and and ink.

Does oxiclean remove urine odor?

Oxyclean is a good product to remove the urine and fecal odors from the home.

What absorbs cat urine smell the most?

Many experts recommend using bicarbonate of soda for removing the smell of cat urine. Try sprinkling this liberally on the stain and vacuuming up before wiping the surface with a specialist cleaner. This technique can also be used for removing the smell of cat pee from your clothes.

Why did my cat pee on my clothes?

Simple: It's Soft and Comfy. Soft, absorbent materials like laundry provide a comforting texture that cats might find appealing, especially if their litter box is less inviting by comparison. The scent of their owner on the clothes can also be a draw, as cats are scent-oriented creatures.

What is the best cleaner to get rid of cat urine smell?

Hydrogen-peroxide is best for hardwood floors suffering from cat urine smells but also works for carpets, couches, and even clothing. According to CatCentric, hydrogen peroxide is 30% more oxidizing than chlorine. This will allow the elimination of the ammonia smell coming from cat urine.

Should you wash cat pee clothes in hot or cold water?

Heat will set the smell, so never use hot water to clean cat pee. Wash all affected laundry on cold and do not put it in the dryer, unless using a no-heat cycle. Don't use a steam cleaner on carpet. Don't use bleach or any ammonia-based cleaner.

Will cat urine smell ever go away?

Cat urine contains uric acid, which can last in carpets, fabrics and wood for years! Although baking soda, vinegar, soap, and hydrogen peroxide may neutralize the odors temporarily, a humid day can cause the uric acid to recrystallize, and the infamous "cat odor" will return.

What happens if you use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry?

Vinegar's main component is acetic acid, which helps make it an option to perform small laundry tasks. Baking soda can control overflowing suds and revitalize aged linens.

Can you wash towels with vinegar and baking soda at the same time?

You can, but not well. A good modern detergent will do a better job. Baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other so save your money and just use plain water.

How to remove cat urine from laundry?

Some recommend adding one pound of baking soda to the wash or running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar and no detergent, then running a second cycle with regular detergent. Try again. Cat urine odor is a difficult smell to get rid of and you might have to repeat the steps again until the smell is gone.

Can I put vinegar in my washing machine?

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that effectively removes odors and stains from your washing machine. It is safe for both the environment and your machine, as it does not cause any harm or damage. The recommended amount of vinegar to use in a top load machine depends on the load size, ranging from 1/2 to 4 cups.

What kills urine smell in laundry?

Soak In Baking Soda (or Vinegar)

If the odor persists, fill a sink, bucket, or tub with water and baking soda and allow your clothes or bedding to soak for 15 – 30 minutes. White Vinegar can be used as an alternative.

What is the best laundry detergent to remove cat urine?

Nature's Miracle® Laundry Boost In-Wash Stain and Odor Remover is formulated with bio-enzymatic technology which helps break down and destroy tough pet stains and odors, such as urine, feces, vomit, blood, grass and drool.

How long does it take for vinegar to get rid of cat pee?

A solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water can be used to neutralize the smell of cat pee. Soak the area then let it dry. The smell should disappear over a few days.

Why did my cat pee on my clothes in front of me?

Frustration, stress, or anxiety can sometimes cause a cat to change their urinating habits. Any change in their routine, such as a new person in the household or moving house, can lead to changes in urination. They may also “mark” spots in the house with their urine as a means of marking their territory.

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