Accidents happen, and one of the most dreaded stains that can occur is urine on clothing. Urine can be particularly challenging to remove from delicate fabrics such as ball gowns. Read on for tips on how to effectively and safely remove these unsightly stains.
Updated 12 Mar 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
Create a detergent solution using two tablespoons of grease-cutting liquid dishwashing detergent and two cups of cool water. Mix solution gently to combine ingredients with minimal suds. Grease-cutting dishwashing detergent is ideal for removing urine stains because it is designed to break down fatty and oily deposits.
If the stained area is small, apply the detergent solution directly to the urine spot. Alternatively, if gown is covered with urine stains, or the stained area is quite large, submerge the ball gown in detergent solution.
Allow the garment to soak for at least one hour. Swish the gown gently in solution periodically to help release the stain.
After soaking, wash the gown on a gentle cycle in lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as this could set the stain in the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. Rinse twice, if necessary.
Remove the garment from the washing machine and hang it on a clothesline or over an indoor drying rack. Do not put the gown in the dryer as this will cause the stain to set.
If any urine stains are still present after washing, apply a few drops of ammonia to the stained area. Allow ammonia to sit on the fabric for several minutes, then blot the area with a paper towel. Wash the garment again in lukewarm water. Air dry once more to ensure the stain is gone.
To prevent future urine stains, use waterproof protectants on all clothing made from delicate fabrics such as silk. An added benefit of waterproof protectants is that they make the stain easier to remove since the urine won’t be able to penetrate into the fabric.
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