Removing Urine Stains from Clothing and Linens

Blot dry with an absorbent material.

As with all stain removal, it's important to act quickly with urine stains. It's especially important to act quickly because urine may react with fabric dyes causing discoloration.

For washable fabrics that can be bleached…

Pre-soak them in cold water for at least thirty minutes. Launder these fabrics in hot water using detergent and chlorine bleach according to the directions on the bleach container.

For washable, non-bleachable items, sponge the stained area with a solution of equal parts of household ammonia and water then launder the item in warm water and detergent. Rinse it well.

For non-washable items, sponge just the stained area with clear water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Then, sponge with clear water only.

In an emergency…

Club soda can be used to sponge the stained area. Blot the stained area quickly with a dry absorbent material. If the color doesn't change, apply denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol with a dampened pad or cloth. Be sure to pre-test the alcohol on an inside seam to be sure it doesn't harm the fabric. Sponge again with clear water. Blot dry with an absorbent material.

Take valuable, non-washable items to a reliable dry cleaner as soon as possible. Point out the stain and indicate what kind it is.

For more information on removing urine stains from clothing and linens, contact your local County Extension Office.