Whether it is a bedwetting accident, the ensuing stain and odor can be aggravating to deal with.
Urine stains from clothing especially underwear can be managed with simple, homemade solutions or an efficient enzymatic cleaner. In case a stain has been left for some time, it is best to use hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, you can also wash soiled fabrics or bedding with vinegar.
You can read about how to make your own enzyme cleaner here.
Read further below to learn the techniques on how to remove urine stains from underwear and dealing with the odor.
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Steps on how to remove urine stains from underwear and other fabrics
Accidents are unavoidable and urine stains are often a usual topic. Nevertheless, it is vital to get rid of even small urine stains right away to lessen the odor and minimize the chances of discoloration. Remember that the longer the urine is left on fabrics, the harder it is to remove.
- A freshly stained garment must be washed on a full wash cycle with vinegar. Place the garment in the washing machine right away. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash and launder for a full cycle with cold water. An alternative is to use baking soda together with the detergent that you normally use when washing clothes.
- Repeat the wash cycle a second time with detergent. After washing the garment with vinegar or baking soda, wash it again as usual with regular detergent. On the second wash, utilize the hottest water setting. In case you can still smell the urine after the second washing, add an enzymatic cleaner to the wash. There are various choices of enzyme-based laundry detergents, stain removers or pre-soaks available in the market to choose from.
- Soak stubborn stains in a vinegar and water solution overnight. In case the stain was left on the fabric for some time, extra work is necessary to remove it effectively. Place the garment in a sink or tub filled with cold water and a cup of cold vinegar. Allow it to soak overnight. In the morning, wash the garment with detergent. You can repeat this process as needed to remove the stain or odor.
Another option when cleaning dried or old urine stains is to use a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water. Some of the widely used include OxiClean, Clorox or Tide Stain Release. Simply follow the directions on the packaging when mixing the solution. After the garment has been pre-soaked for at least 30 minutes, wash in warm water with your regular detergent. In case the stain lingers, prepare a fresh solution of oxygen-based bleach with water and soak overnight and then rewash. Although this will get rid of any discoloration, oxygen bleach will not disinfect fabrics.
Video: How to clean urine stains from underwear
Can urine stain clothes?
When urine is left on clothes for some time, it can lead to an undesirable stain. It is important to note that urine is considered as a protein stain. The fresh stains can be eliminated by immersing and rubbing the site with cold water before washing. Avoid using hot water since it will only cook the protein which will only make the stain more difficult to remove.
Once it is time to wash the urine stain, use the hottest water recommended for the fabric. When washing, add a cup of baking soda to the water along with the usual detergent.
In case you are worried about bacteria present in urine, it is recommended to use a disinfectant in the wash water. White, cotton fabrics can be sanitized with chlorine bleach. As for the colored and synthetic fabrics, you must use a different approach to disinfect them.
How long does urine smell last?
The distinctive odor of urine naturally comes from the bacteria along with the uric acid crystals or crystallized urine deposit. These crystals can end up ensnared in porous moist surfaces such as clothes, carpets or fabric where they release a pungent ammonia odor as the bacteria nourishes on the urine.
This is the reason why it is vital to simply wipe up or blot a urine stain. Although the visible stain is already dealt with, the odor will surely linger.
Does Febreze get rid of urine smell?
There are various methods that you can use to get rid of urine odor and one of them is using Febreze. As a fabric odor eliminator, you can find Febreze at any grocery store or home supply shop. These odor eliminators are typically packaged in spray bottles that you can mist over the surface and allow to air dry.
Just remember though that these products can provide surfaces or fabrics with a fresh scent but they generally mask the odor instead of treating and completely removing the odor. If you cannot completely clean up a stain, you can consider using Febreze as a temporary fix until you can perform a thorough cleaning on the site.
Are urine stains permanent?
Urine stains can become permanent if not treated. The reason is that warm urine offers a great breeding ground for bacteria. Urine will begin to oxidize and react with the fabric which will create change in the color where you have gotten the urine stain. That is why it is important not to leave urine for too long on fabrics.
Video: How to get human urine stains our of clothes
Final thoughts
When it comes to urine, the trick is to act right away to prevent it from staining the surface or producing an odor especially if left for some time.
With the methods discussed on how to remove urine stains from underwear, you can effectively deal with a stubborn stain as well as prevent odor.
