Can I put my stained sweater in the washing machine?

Most sweaters are safe to put in the washing machine, although it's best to check the label for any special instructions first.

How often do I need to re-wash the sweater?

It may be necessary to re-wash the sweater to ensure that all of the urine has been removed. If the stain still persists, repeating the steps outlined above should help.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Urine > Sweaters

Make Those Urine Stains Clean Again!

Getting a urine stain on your favorite sweater can be an unpleasant surprise. But don't worry, with a few simple steps, you can get that sweater looking as good as new. Read on to learn more about how to clean urine stains from sweaters.

Updated 12 Mar 2023

By Noemi Denker

Urine stains can easily be missed on light colored sweaters, but if one does make its way onto your favorite knitwear, it's important to act fast. Before you begin cleaning, check the garment tag for any special instructions on washing. Most sweaters can be washed in the machine, but fragile pieces like cashmere may need to be taken to the dry cleaners.

Step 1: Rinse in Cold Water

Take the stained sweater and hold it under cold running water. Wring out any excess moisture, then repeat this process until water runs clear. This should help to remove a lot of the urine, though it will not completely lift the stain.

Step 2: Soak in Warm Water & Detergent

Now it's time to fill a sink or bowl with warm water, adding a couple of tablespoons of mild liquid detergent. Submerge the sweater and leave it to soak for 30-60 minutes. The detergent will help to further break down urine so that it can be more easily lifted from the fabric.

Step 3: Wash Machine Cycles

Once the soak is finished, take the sweater and place it in the washing machine. Set it to a short cycle and use cold water. Check the label for the suggested washing instructions, but avoid using hot water, which can set the stain.

Step 4: Rinse & Hang Dry

Once the wash cycle is complete, rinse sweater in cold water once more, then wring out any excess moisture. Hang the sweater up to dry, away from direct sunlight, which can cause discoloration.

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