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Do your clothes smell like pee after washing, even though they look clean? You’re not alone. This is a surprisingly common laundry problem that frustrates many households.

If you’ve ever pulled freshly washed clothes out of the washer only to notice a strong urine-like odor, you may be wondering why this happens and how to stop it for good. The good news is that the cause is usually easy to identify—and fix.

In this guide, we’ll explain why clothes smell like urine after washing, how to remove the odor completely, how to clean a washing machine that smells like pee, and how to prevent the problem from coming back.

Common Reasons Clothes Smell Like Pee After Washing

1. Urine Residue Trapped in Fabric Fibers

Urine contains ammonia and bacteria that can cling to fabric fibers, especially in:

• Underwear
• Workout clothes
• Baby clothes
• Pet bedding

If clothes aren’t washed promptly or pre-treated properly, the odor can survive a normal wash cycle.

Fix:

• Wash soiled clothes as soon as possible
• Pre-treat with an enzyme-based cleaner
• Avoid drying clothes until the smell is gone (heat locks odors in)

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Detergent

Surprisingly, too much detergent is just as bad as too little.

• Excess detergent leaves residue that traps bacteria
• Too little detergent fails to break down urine compounds

Fix:

• Follow detergent dosing instructions
• Use HE detergent for high-efficiency machines
• Avoid detergent buildup in the drum and dispenser

3. Washing in Cold or Low Water Temperatures

Cold water is great for saving energy—but it doesn’t always break down urine enzymes.

Fix:

• Wash heavily soiled items in warm or hot water (if fabric allows)
• Always follow garment care labels

4. Dirty or Contaminated Washing Machine

If your washing machine smells like pee, it can transfer odors back onto clean clothes.

Common problem areas include:

• Rubber door gasket
• Detergent drawer
• Drum residue
• Standing water in hoses

Fix:

• Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar
• Clean the rubber seal and detergent tray
• Leave the washer door open after each wash

5. Using the Wrong Detergent or Fabric Softener

Some detergents and fabric softeners:

• Leave residue
• Trap odors instead of removing them
• Feed bacteria buildup over time

Fix:

• Use enzyme-based laundry detergents
• Avoid overusing fabric softener
• Skip softener on towels and activewear

Switching to an enzyme based detergent such as Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent can help break down urine residue and odor-causing bacteria more effectively than standard detergents. You can find Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent on amazon below.

How to Remove Urine Smell From Clothes (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Rinse Immediately

Rinse urine-soiled clothes in cold water to flush out as much residue as possible.

Step 2: Use an Enzyme Cleaner

Enzymatic detergents break down urine proteins instead of masking odors.

Step 3: Wash With Vinegar or Baking Soda

• Add ½–1 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle
• Or add ½ cup baking soda to the wash

Never mix vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle.

Step 4: Air-Dry and Check

Air-dry clothes first. If any odor remains, repeat washing before machine drying.

For stubborn urine odors, many households rely on Rockin’ Green Active Wear Laundry Detergent, which is formulated with enzymes designed to target sweat and urine smells trapped in fabric fibers.

How to Clean a Washing Machine That Smells Like Urine

If clothes smell like pee after washing repeatedly, your washer likely needs cleaning.

Deep-Clean Your Washer

1. Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar
2. Run a second hot cycle with baking soda
3. Wipe the rubber gasket and drum
4. Clean the detergent drawer
5. Leave the door open to dry completely

Regular washer maintenance prevents odor transfer.

How to Prevent Clothes From Smelling Like Pee After Washing

• Wash urine-soiled clothes immediately
• Don’t overload the washing machine
• Use enzyme-based detergent
• Clean your washer monthly
• Remove clothes promptly after washing
• Avoid excessive fabric softener

Prevention is easier than odor removal.

Using a high-quality odor-fighting detergent like Persil ProClean Original Liquid Laundry Detergent helps prevent bacteria buildup and keeps clothes smelling fresh wash after wash.

If you prefer a gentler option, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent offers plant-based cleaning power while remaining effective for everyday odor control.

When to Seek Professional Help

You should consider professional help if:

• Odors persist after multiple deep cleans
• The smell comes from carpets or furniture
• There are frequent urinary accidents
• Odor is accompanied by health symptoms

Persistent urine odors may indicate medical, plumbing, or contamination issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do my clothes smell like pee after washing?

The most common causes are urine residue, detergent buildup, low wash temperatures, or a dirty washing machine.

Can urine smell be completely removed from clothes?

Yes. With enzyme detergents, vinegar, and proper washing techniques, urine odors can be fully eliminated.

Does fabric softener cause urine smell?

Fabric softener doesn’t cause urine odor, but overuse can trap bacteria and worsen smells.

Is bleach safe for removing urine odor?

Bleach can help on white, colorfast fabrics—but it should not be mixed with ammonia or urine residue without thorough rinsing.

Why does my washing machine smell like pee?

Bacteria, detergent buildup, and moisture trapped in the drum or gasket are common causes.

Final Thoughts

If your clothes smell like pee after washing, the issue is almost always related to residue, bacteria, or washer maintenance—not cleanliness as expressed by several comments from this reddit questions and answers session.

The casual caregiver on YouTube also gave some insights on how to stop cloths from smelling like urine in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvWi__MJII&t=2s

By using the right detergent, washing at proper temperatures, cleaning your washing machine regularly, and treating urine stains correctly, you can permanently eliminate urine odors from your laundry.

Clean clothes should smell fresh—not questionable.

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