Washing Clothes with Urine Odor: Laundry Tips and Three Detergent Brands [2026 Guide]

English translation of an article originally published in Japanese on June 15, 2021. Read the Japanese original (Japanese). Product information and dates refer to the original article. Images and manufacturer videos may contain Japanese.

Clothing soiled with urine can retain odors even when stains are difficult to see after drying. This article reviews places where urine odors occur and points to check during laundry, then introduces detergents from three companies that describe urine-odor control.

What causes urine odor?

Urine develops a stronger ammonia odor over time. Depending on the material and its color, dried urine can be difficult to see. If left unnoticed for a long time, its odor becomes stronger.

Where urine odors occur

Trousers and underwear

A small urine leak onto trousers can dry before anyone notices. Trousers are not always washed daily, so someone may continue wearing the same pair without realizing they are soiled. Urine can also leak while putting trousers on or taking them off. Continuing to wear them because the amount seems small causes urine odor.

Undershirts and shirts

Because undershirts are tucked into trousers, urine leakage while lying down can often wet undershirts and shirts too. Leaving it because the amount seems small can cause odors.

Duvets, sheets, and waterproof sheets

After urine leakage, check whether sheets and duvets are also soiled. Urine odor may have soaked into the duvet. Once dry it can be harder to notice, but wash it promptly.

Toilet bowls, floors, and walls

Urine splashes onto toilet bowls, walls, and floors. Its odor grows stronger if left there.

Room walls and floors

Urine odors may become ingrained in room walls and floors. When using a bedside commode, urine can often spill onto the floor if the person cannot reach it in time.

Hiroshi Yagi

Many detergents can help address urine odors.

Laundry tips

Wash trousers and underwear promptly when soiled by urine leakage.

Urine odor becomes stronger over time. Wash the item as soon as possible once noticed. Also check the garment’s care label.

For heavy soiling such as stool, remove the soiling by handwashing first.

Remove stool and other soiling first, then prewash as needed. Wear gloves and check the care label and detergent instructions.

Check whether the detergent addresses urine odor.

Read the detergent label to see whether urine-odor control is explicitly stated.

Laundry detergents for urine-odor control

The following products from Kao, Lion Hygiene, and Saraya had urine-odor guidance confirmed on their official pages on October 4, 2026. Household and commercial products differ considerably in package size.

Kao

Attack Shoshu Strong Gel

A liquid detergent containing Urine Odor Blocker EX, designed for urine odors, body odors, and urine and stool stains. The image shows the 720g bottle released in July 2026. A product to check when looking for a household size.

Image source and product information: Kao official page

Lion Hygiene

LION Caregiving Hapi Care Powerful Deodorizing

A commercial laundry detergent with citric acid for urine-odor control. The image shows the 4.3kg container. An 800g bottle is also available. Check dosage and sales quantities when choosing.

Image source and product information: Lion Hygiene official page

Saraya

Laundry Detergent, Concentrated Deodorizing Type

A concentrated commercial laundry detergent designed for clothing odors, including urine odor. The product shown is a 5L container, an option for facilities and other settings using larger amounts.

Image source and product information: Saraya official page

* Product specifications, capacities, and availability may change. Check each manufacturer’s latest labeling before buying.

Hiroshi Yagi

Few detergents emphasize urine-odor control. Many diapers have deodorizing features as well. Please check those too.

Adult Diaper Odor Control: Deodorizing Features and Used-Diaper Disposal [2026 Guide]