How To Avoid Urine Smells In Pants And Incontinence Odours

How to get rid of smelly urine in furniture and clothes

Here are some different ways in which you can get rid of odours and incontinence smells caused by urine leaks in clothing, furniture, and more:

Clothing and/or bed lining

In the event of stool or urine staining your bed linens or clothing, wash them as soon as you’re able to, to avoid them lingering too long on fabric, as this can make it even more difficult to eliminate later. If you rely on assistance from someone else to manage your laundry or need to visit a laundromat, we advise you to store soiled items in an airtight bag until they can be washed.

To address incontinence smells in clothes and linens, adding white vinegar to the wash water can be highly effective. When washing, mix 1 cup of white vinegar together with 3 cups of water and allow the clothing to soak within the mixture for a couple of minutes. Wash the clothes in lukewarm water, followed by detergent, and launder them as you typically would. When using white vinegar in the water, ensure you rinse once or twice with cold water.

Keep in mind that clothing made entirely of 100% polyester may pose challenges in removing persistent odours. In some cases, consider wearing cotton instead.

Ventilation:

Remember to think about air circulation in your surroundings too, such as opening windows or doors to let fresh air in. Use air fresheners that will effectively neutralise incontinence smells and odours, rather than a strong perfume scent.

Furniture or carpet?

Before applying a cleaner, be sure to blot the stain gently, aiming to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Once the excess liquid is blotted, you can proceed to apply a cleaner. Vinegar is a natural and effective option for various surfaces, including furniture, but you should test the cleanser first in an inconspicuous area before using it on the stain.

For leather surfaces, consider using a mixture of a small amount of dish soap and water instead of vinegar. Some leathers may experience drying effects from the acid in vinegar.

It's not uncommon for individuals to be unaware of the presence of incontinence smells. If you experience incontinence, you should ask someone that you trust to inform you if they detect any odours in your surroundings. Remember: you are not alone with incontinence!

While it may be tempting to relax certain cleaning habits when confined indoors, you still need to maintain your regular personal hygiene routines to avoid potential skin conditions or unpleasant smells associated with incontinence. 

Consulting a healthcare professional

As soon as urine leaks and odours become noticeable, it is integral to consult a healthcare professional for the best advice, even more so if there is blood in urine. They can underline the potential cause of the odours and implement appropriate dietary changes, as well as what products will be best to control smelly urine. This may involve a more thorough examination to check for UTIs in case there is damage to the kidneys or other internal organs.