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How to Get Urine Stains Out

A protein stain — cold water and enzyme cleaner, never ammonia.

Quick answer

Fresh Urine on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Blot immediately — the longer urine sits, the harder the odor is to remove.
  2. Blot up as much as possible.
  3. Rinse with cold water.
  4. Apply an enzyme-based detergent or cleaner and let it work.
  5. Launder per the care label.

Don’t do this

  • Do not use ammonia-based cleaners on urine — they can worsen odor and re-soiling.

Sources: The Spruce; Tide

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

Look up Urine on your material

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Urine on specific materials

Urine on CottonFresh & dried steps Urine on LinenFresh & dried steps Urine on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Urine on NylonFresh & dried steps Urine on SilkFresh & dried steps Urine on WoolFresh & dried steps Urine on DenimFresh & dried steps Urine on LeatherFresh & dried steps Urine on SuedeFresh & dried steps Urine on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Urine on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Urine on WoodFresh & dried steps Urine on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Urine on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Urine on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Why no ammonia on urine?

Ammonia can worsen odor and encourage re-soiling. Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins and uric acid instead.

What about dried urine?

Soak longer with the enzyme cleaner — dried urine needs more contact time, and heat will set both stain and odor.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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