CLEANING TIPS

How to Get Urine (and Any Lingering “Pee Smell”) Out of Clothes

Written by Team Blueland

Published: April 9, 2026

Updated: April 30, 2026

Small dog sitting on the floor of a white laundry room next to a laundry basket. Small dog sitting on the floor of a white laundry room next to a laundry basket.

Accidents happen—we won’t ask questions. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to get pee out of clothes or the carpet (and make sure the smell doesn’t stick around), the process is straightforward. However, timing does matter. In most cases, it comes down to an early rinse and a proper wash. 

The Basics: How to Get Pee Out of Clothes

For a quick fix, here’s what works:

  1. Rinse the fabric with cold water right away

  2. Wash with an effective detergent

  3. Check for odor before drying

  4. Repeat if needed

  5. Only use heat once the smell is completely gone

Using the right detergent also makes a big difference. Blueland’s Laundry Detergent Tablets are designed to work in cold water and help break down odor-causing compounds without requiring excess detergent (which can sometimes trap smells in fabric).

Start With a Cold Water Rinse

The first step in getting pee out of fabric is a cold water rinse. Hot water can cause odor to set into the fibers, but cold water helps flush out urine before it has a chance to settle in.

If the stain is fresh, this step alone removes a lot of the odor before you even get to the wash!

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

It’s tempting to use a little extra detergent when you’re dealing with odors, but that can actually backfire. Too much detergent can leave residue behind, which makes it harder for odors to fully rinse out. What matters more is using a product that can actually break down what’s causing the smell.

Pre-measured options (like Blueland’s easy-to-use Laundry Detergent Tablets) help here. You never have to worry about using the right amount. 

Check Before You Dry

Before putting anything in the dryer, take a moment to inspect for any remaining smell.

Heat can lock in odor, making it much more difficult to remove later. If there’s still a faint scent, it’s better to wash the item again. If you’re unsure, air dry before committing to heat.

How to Remove Set-In Urine Smell From Clothes

If the smell has already set in, a standard wash usually won’t be enough. At that point, it’s less about “cleaning” and more about breaking down what’s causing the odor.

Before washing, a short soak in cold water can help loosen anything trapped in the fabric. From there, add a little baking soda or a bit of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to help neutralize lingering smells instead of just masking them.

Common Mistakes That Make It Worse

These common mistakes can actually make odors more difficult to remove:

  • Using hot water too early

  • Adding too much detergent

  • Drying before checking for smell

  • Letting clothes sit too long before washing

Key Takeaways

  • Rinse with cold water as soon as possible to remove urine before it sets.

  • Use a pre-measured detergent like Blueland laundry detergent tablets to help break down odor without overdosing, which can make smells harder to rinse out.

  • Avoid heat until the smell is completely gone, since heat can lock odors into fabric.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, in most cases you can fully remove both the stain and smell. The key is rinsing with cold water first, using an effective detergent, and avoiding heat until the odor is gone.

  • Lingering odor is usually caused by either using too much detergent (which traps residue) or drying the fabric before the smell is fully removed. Heat can lock the odor into the fibers.

At Blueland , we are committed to creating high-quality content you can trust on the topics you and your family care about. From sustainable swaps and safer cleaning tips to the latest in the world of microplastics research, we’re here to make it easier for you to create and maintain a healthier home.

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