How to Get Pet Odor Out of Clothes
The short answer
Pet odor on clothing usually comes from urine, dander, or saliva — all organic sources that a standard wash cycle does not fully break down. Laundry detergent suspends particles but does not digest proteins and uric acid the way enzyme cleaners do. Pre-treat with enzyme cleaner, let it dwell, then wash in the warmest water the care label allows. Do not put the item in the dryer until the odor is gone — heat permanently sets organic odors into fabric.
Before you start
You need: enzyme cleaner labeled for pet odor or pet urine, laundry detergent. Optionally: white vinegar.
Check the care label before treating. Machine-washable: proceed with the steps below. Dry-clean only: take to a professional cleaner — do not wet-treat.
If the item has already been through the dryer and still smells, the odor may be heat-set. It may require multiple enzyme treatment cycles.
Steps
- 1If there is a visible stain or fresh accident, blot dry first. Do not rub.
- 2Apply enzyme cleaner directly to the affected area. Saturate enough that it works through the fabric, not just the surface.
- 3Let the enzyme cleaner dwell for at least 15–20 minutes. For strong or set-in odors, 30 minutes.
- 4Machine wash according to the care label with your normal laundry detergent. Wash separately from non-odor laundry.
- 5Before putting the item in the dryer, smell it while still damp. If odor remains, repeat from step 2. Do not dry the item until the odor is confirmed gone.
- 6If a faint odor persists after washing, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle on the next wash.
What not to do
- Do not put the item in the dryer until the odor is confirmed gone — heat permanently sets organic odors into fabric.
- Do not use chlorine bleach on colored clothing — it will remove the dye.
- Do not use fabric freshener sprays — these mask odor temporarily but do not remove the organic source causing it.
Frequently asked questions
Will washing pet-odor clothes with other laundry spread the smell?
It can, especially with heavy odor. Wash strongly affected items separately or in a small load. If you notice residual odor in the machine after washing, run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar before washing other laundry.
Why does my clothing still smell after washing?
A standard wash cycle moves and dilutes odor-causing organic particles but does not digest the proteins and uric acid compounds that cause pet odor. Enzyme cleaner pre-treatment is needed to break down the organic source before washing. Also, if the item went into the dryer before the odor was fully out, heat may have set it — repeat enzyme treatment and wash cold.
Not sure whether enzyme cleaner is the right approach for your fabric or odor type? Use the Stain Rescue Tool for a personalized plan.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool