What detergent should I use to clean urine stains?

For best results, use a grease-cutting liquid dishwashing detergent to create a detergent solution for cleaning your ball gown.

How do I treat remaining urine stains?

Apply a few drops of ammonia to the stained area, allow it to sit for several minutes, then blot with a paper towel. Wash the garment again in lukewarm water and air dry until the stain is removed.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Urine > Ball gown

How to Clean Urine Stains off of a Ball Gown Easily

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

Prepare Detergent Solution

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.

Soak the Gown

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.

Wash Gently

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.

Air Dry

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.

Treat any Remaining Stains

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.

Preventing Future Urine Stains

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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