Urine smell in towels is an unfortunate but common problem that many people face. Getting rid of that stubborn urine scent may seem daunting, but there are several effective methods you can try at home.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of the pee smell in towels, effective methods for removing it, and essential prevention tips to keep your towels fresh and odor-free.
Why It’s Important to Fully Remove Urine Smells
It’s very important to completely get rid of urine smells instead of just covering up the smell. If the urine smell stays in towels, it can allow bacteria and germs to grow. These bacteria can then move to your skin when you use the towels, possibly causing infections.
The urine smell also makes the towels unpleasant and embarrassing to use. Removing the odor fully is the only way to make the towels fresh and clean again.
Causes of Pee Smell in Towels
Before looking at solutions, it’s essential to understand why towels retain the smell of urine. The reason is a substance called urea, is found in urine. When pee gets on towels, urea sticks to the fabric, making it hard to get rid of the smell even after washing.
Also, towels made from different materials react in various ways to pee. Cotton towels soak up more liquid and odor than towels made from other stuff.
Removing Pee Smell from Towels
Here are the most effective methods to get pee odors out of towels:
Method 1: Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic and helps dissolve the urea responsible for urine odor. Follow these steps:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add ½ cup of white vinegar.
- Submerge the affected towels in the vinegar solution for approximately 30 minutes.
- After soaking, rinse the towels thoroughly to remove the vinegar solution.
- After rinsing put the towels in the washing machine and wash them with a mild detergent as usual.
- Once washed, air dry the towels on a clothesline or rack.
The vinegar soak followed by a thorough rinsing is key. Make sure no vinegar residue remains on towels before washing them normally.
Method 2: Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline and an effective odor neutralizer. Here’s how to use it:
- Load the towels into the washing machine.
- Add about ½ cup of baking soda to the washing machine.
- Run a regular wash cycle with warm water.
- After washing, dry the towels on a clothesline or rack.
Method 3: Using Chemical Solution
- Choose a commercial odor remover specifically designed to eliminate urine smells from fabrics.
- Carefully read the instructions provided on the product label before applying the remover.
- Apply the odor remover directly onto the affected area of the towel.
- Let the remover sit on the towel for the recommended time, typically 10–15 minutes.
- After the designated time, wash the towel using your regular laundry detergent and air dry.
Commercial odor removers have strong ingredients made to break down and fully remove tough odors, including urine. When used correctly, these products can effectively remove urine smell from towels.
Prevention Tips
To prevent future odor issues with your towels, consider implementing the following tips:
- Ensure proper bathroom hygiene practices, such as flushing toilets after each use.
- Hang towels to dry completely after each use to prevent bacteria growth.
- Avoid leaving wet towels in a confined space, as this can lead to mildew and odor development.
- Wash towels regularly with detergent to maintain freshness.
- Store towels in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.
Conclusion
You can try some simple tricks at home to get rid of that tough pee smell from your towels. Just use stuff like vinegar and baking soda. The important thing is to deal with the smell as soon as possible, so it doesn’t stick to the towel. With a little work, your towels will be clean and fresh again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is urine smell permanent?
No, the urine smell is not permanent. With the right methods and products, you can effectively remove urine odor from towels. It’s essential to address the smell as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming more challenging to remove.
What is the home remedy for smelly urine?
White vinegar and baking soda are two effective home remedies for smelly urine. White vinegar helps dissolve the urea responsible for the odor while baking soda acts as an alkaline odor neutralizer. Both can be easily found at home and are safe to use on towels.
Is vinegar or baking soda better for urine smell?
Both vinegar and baking soda are effective for removing urine smell from towels, but they work in slightly different ways. Vinegar is acidic and helps dissolve urea, while baking soda is alkaline and neutralizes odor. Some people find one method more effective than the other, so you can try both to see which works best for you.