A Cat With a Peeing Problem Can Ruin Your Wardrobe
Cats are usually very clean, self-grooming animals. So when your furry feline friend starts peeing on your clothes, it can be incredibly frustrating. You open up the laundry expecting clean clothes, only to be met with the strong stench of cat urine. It’s understandably upsetting to have your favorite clothes ruined. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many cat owners deal with this peeing problem.
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons cats pee on laundry, provide tips to remove cat urine stains and odor from clothes, and suggest ways to discourage this undesirable behavior. With some effort, you can save your clothes and keep kitty from turning your laundry pile into a litter box.
What Makes Cat Urine Difficult to Remove
The difficulty in removing cat urine stains and odor comes down to the chemical composition of cat urine. According to American Scientist, cat urine contains a high amount of ammonia which gives it an overpowering smell. Ammonia is a colorless gas that is emitted when bacteria in cat urine break down urea. The high ammonia content makes cat urine especially pungent and difficult to fully eliminate from fabrics.
Cats also produce an amino acid called felinine that further contributes to the strong odor of their urine. When felinine is broken down by enzymes, it produces thiols that have a very potent sulfur smell. This is a major factor in that stereotypical foul cat urine stench.
With such a high concentration of odor causing compounds like ammonia and thiols, it’s no wonder cat urine is so hard to get out of clothes and other fabrics. The urine permeates deep into the fibers, making it a challenge to fully remove the stain and smell.
Pre-Treating the Stain
Acting quickly is crucial when trying to remove cat urine stains and odor from clothing. The longer the urine sits, the more it can set into the fibers of the fabric. According to experts, it’s best to pre-treat the stained area within the first few hours after the accident occurs (source).
When a fresh urine stain happens, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean towel. Do not rub it, as that can push the urine deeper into the fabric. Once blotted, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the wet area to absorb moisture and odor. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming up the powder.
The next step is to apply an enzymatic cleaner made for pet stains. These cleaners contain enzymes that help break down the compounds in urine that cause lingering odors. Generously apply the enzymatic cleaner to the stain and let it soak in for at least 10 minutes before blotting and wiping away the excess. Allowing time for the enzymes to work helps lift the urine from the fibers.
For old or set-in stains, an enzyme-boosting solution like vinegar and water can be applied first to help release the urine. Then follow up with the enzyme cleaner as described above. Repeating this process may be necessary to fully eliminate difficult stains and smells.
Washing Machine Tips
Using the washing machine is the most effective way to clean cat urine stains and odor from clothing and fabrics. There are a few important tips to follow when washing cat pee stained items:
Wash in hot water – Hot water helps to activate detergents and break down stubborn urine smells. Use the hottest water setting recommended for the fabric. According to The Spruce Pets, hot water can set urine odors so it’s important to not use extremely hot water.
Use a strong detergent – Look for a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, which help to break down the uric acid in cat urine. Detergents labeled as “stain removers” or “odor eliminators” can also be effective at cleaning set-in cat pee stains and smells.
Add vinegar to wash cycle – Add 1-2 cups of white vinegar along with the detergent to help neutralize odors and brighten fabrics. The acetic acid in vinegar helps remove urine salts and smell. Let the wash cycle fully complete before removing clothes.
Washing cat pee stained fabrics properly is key to removing stains and foul odors. Follow these washing machine tips to get clothes and fabrics fresh and clean again.
Stubborn Set-In Stains
If the cat urine has set into the fabric and created a stubborn stain, try soaking the clothing item in an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle (Source). Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at the particles in urine, helping to break down the stain.
You can also use a laundry booster or oxygen-based bleach product in addition to your regular laundry detergent to help tackle set-in stains. Products like OxiClean use the power of oxygen to lift stains and deodorize (Source).
For extra stubborn stains, try scrubbing the fabric with a brush after soaking to help dislodge the stained particles from the fibers.
Home Remedies
There are several effective home remedies that can help remove the odor and stain of cat urine from clothes and fabrics. Some popular options include:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly alkaline which helps neutralize the acid in cat urine. Make a paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water. Gently rub the paste into the stain and let it sit for a few hours before washing as usual. Baking soda helps absorb odors so leaving it on longer allows more time to work (Source).
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can help break down the compounds in cat urine that cause lingering odors. Dilute some hydrogen peroxide with water and soak the fabric for an hour before washing. Be careful using hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics as it can lighten or discolor (Source).
White Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic which helps neutralize the alkaline compounds in cat urine that produce ammonia odors. Fill a bucket with warm water and 1-2 cups of white vinegar, then soak smelling items for 30 minutes before washing. The acetic acid in vinegar acts as a solvent to help remove stains and smells (Source).
When to Toss It
In some cases, the cat urine stain and smell may be too difficult to remove from clothing. Here are some guidelines on when it’s best to toss the item:
Severely soiled or saturated items should usually be discarded. Cat urine contains ammonia and can damage fabrics when left for too long. If the stain has penetrated deep into the fibers or the item is drenched, the smell is unlikely to come out completely.
Follow care instructions on clothing labels. Many fabrics like wool, silk, or rayon require special cleaning methods. Using the wrong techniques can ruin them. If an item states “Dry Clean Only,” it’s safest to toss it if doused in urine.
Consider the item’s value and cost of professional cleaning. Specialty services can be pricey. You may decide it’s not worth paying more than the item is worth if the stain is severe.
Trust your nose. If the odor remains potent after multiple wash cycles, the urine may be permanently set in. At that point, it’s best to get rid of the clothing.
Preventing Future Accidents
There are several steps you can take to prevent your cat from urinating on your clothes in the future:
Cat Litter Box Tips
Make sure your cat’s litter box is clean and scooped daily. Cats prefer a tidy litter box and may start eliminating elsewhere if the box becomes too dirty. Place multiple litter boxes around your home, especially in areas where your cat has urinated before. This gives them ample opportunity to use the box. Try different litters as well, as some cats prefer clumping vs. non-clumping or scented vs. unscented litter.
Cleaning Products
Use an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to thoroughly clean any areas where your cat has urinated previously. This will eliminate the odor and stop your cat from being drawn back to the same spots repeatedly. You can also place down citrus or lavender scents to deter your cat from returning.
Blocking Access
If your cat keeps urinating on laundry baskets or piles of clothes, consider blocking their access by keeping laundry in hampers with lids or up on shelves. Keep closet doors closed and use baby gates to block openings. This removes the temptation entirely.
Conclusion
After going through the frustration of discovering cat urine on your clothes, it’s understandable to want to give up hope. However, while the smell can be overpowering and the stain seems permanent, with patience and persistence, the clothes can be saved in most cases.
As we covered, the first step is always to pre-treat the stain as soon as possible with an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet messes. This will start breaking down the compounds in the urine. Follow up by washing with an additive like vinegar or baking soda to help further eliminate odors.
For really set-in stains that have already dried, try soaking in an enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide before washing. Home remedies like vinegar, lemon juice and even meat tenderizer can also help lift the stain.
While it may take multiple rounds of pre-treating, washing and air drying, with consistent effort, cat urine can be successfully removed from most fabrics. However, if the stain and smell remain after repeated attempts, it may be time to discard the item. Going forward, be sure to clean accidents quickly and consider tactics to deter your cat from peeing on clothes.
Sources
PetMD, “Why Does My Cat Pee Outside the Litter Box?” https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-does-my-cat-pee-outside-litter-box
ASPCA, “Cat Behavior Problems: House Soiling” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems
The Spruce Pets, “How to Remove Cat Urine Smell” https://www.thesprucepets.com/removing-cat-urine-smell-555089
Catological, “How to Get Cat Pee Out of Clothes and Fabric” https://catological.com/get-cat-pee-out-of-clothes/
Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, “House Soiling by Cats” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561617300526