How To Get Urine Smell Out of Bathing Suit

Having a bathing suit that smells like urine can be a nuisance. Not only does it create an unpleasant experience, but it can also leave you feeling self-conscious. However, understanding the causes and effects of urine smell in a bathing suit is crucial to combat the issue effectively.

Asides from that, this article provides effective steps and long-term solutions to eliminate the urine smell from your bathing suit. So, let’s dive in!

4 Common Causes of Urine Smell

The presence of urine smell in a bathing suit can be attributed to various factors.  You need to know these causes is crucial in order to effectively address the issue and prevent it from recurring. Here are some common reasons why a bathing suit might have a urine smell:

1. Accidental urination

Accidents happen, especially when swimming or spending time at the beach. Whether it’s a child who couldn’t hold it in or an adult experiencing urinary incontinence, accidental urination can leave a lingering smell in the bathing suit. It’s important to promptly address this issue to avoid discomfort and embarrassment.

2. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs can cause a strong and unpleasant odor in urine. If you have a urinary tract infection and wear a bathing suit during this time, the smell can transfer to the fabric. UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, and they require proper medical treatment to eliminate the infection and associated odor.

3. Improper cleaning techniques

Insufficient cleaning or improper washing techniques can contribute to the persistence of urine smell in a bathing suit. If urine particles are not thoroughly removed during the washing process, they can remain embedded in the fabric and continue to emit an odor. It’s important to follow proper cleaning methods to ensure a fresh and odor-free bathing suit.

4. Drying in damp environments

Leaving a wet bathing suit in a damp environment can promote the growth of bacteria, which can lead to a foul smell. Moisture provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and when combined with the presence of urine, it can intensify the odor. It’s essential to properly dry your bathing suit to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent smell.

5 Ways To Remove Urine Smell From Bathing Suit

To remove urine odor from a bathing suit, soak it in a solution of vinegar or enzyme-based cleaner, both of which react with the uric acid causing the smell. After soaking, wash it with regular detergent. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and air dry for best results.

Furthermore, I’ll show you how you can use each of the substances to remove the smell from your cloth. The step-by-step guide will enable to seamless recover your fabric from foul smell.

1. Using bleach

There are two types of bleach below are steps on how to use each on colored swimsuits and non colored swimsuits:

Step 1: Preparation Stage

• Put 60ml or ¼ cup of chlorinated bleach into a large container.
• Pour 4litres of clean water into the container.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
• Ensure to put hand gloves whenever you work with bleach to avoid body reaction.
• Soak the smell suits in the water for 4 hours. To get the best out of it, it is advisable to soak it overnight.
• Make sure that the cloth is completely submerged.

Step 2: Washing Stage

• Remove the soaked cloth for washing.
• Put appropriate quantity of detergent in a container for washing
• Wash the suit to completely remove any stain or dirt.
• Rinse the cloth with enough water to remove the detergent completely.
• Hang the suit in an open space to dry completely.
• Finally, your bathing suit is fresh again without any urine smell!
• You can repeat the same steps remove urine smell next time.

Things to note when using bleach to remove urine smell from a bathing suit

1. Use chlorinated bleach for white suits not color suits.
2. Use non-chlorinated bleach for color suits to maintain the colour of the bathing suit.
3. Protect yourself from direct contact with bleach by using gloves.
4. Keep the bleach safely and away from the reach of kids.
5. Direct sunlight fades color suits. Try to avoid it as much as possible.

2. Using Enzyme-based detergent

Enzyme-based detergents are laundry detergents that contain enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions. In laundry detergent, enzymes help to break down stains, making them easier to remove.

• Add an enzyme cleaner to a basin of warm water.
• Let your bathing suit soak for a couple of hours.
• Rinse it off and air dry.

3. Using vinegar solution

Vinegar is known for its powerful deodorizing properties and can be a valuable ally in removing urine smells from your bathing suit. Follow these steps to create and utilize a vinegar solution:

• Prepare the solution: In a basin or sink, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Ensure that the solution is enough to submerge your bathing suit completely.
• Soak: Place your bathing suit in the vinegar solution and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This allows the vinegar to neutralize the urine odor.
• Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, rinse your bathing suit with cold water to remove any residual vinegar smell.
• Air dry: Hang your bathing suit in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading or damage to the fabric.

4. Using baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient that can help absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors, including urine smells. Follow these steps to utilize baking soda effectively:

• Create a baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste-like consistency.
• Apply the paste: Gently rub the baking soda paste onto the affected area of your bathing suit. Ensure that the paste covers the entire urine-affected region.
• Let it sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on your bathing suit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This provides ample time for the baking soda to absorb the urine odor.
• Rinse and wash: Rinse your bathing suit with cold water to remove the baking soda residue. Follow up with a gentle hand wash using a mild detergent.
• Air dry: After washing, air dry your bathing suit in a cool, well-ventilated area.

5. Sunlight and fresh air

Natural sunlight and fresh air can work wonders in eliminating lingering odors. Take advantage of sunny days and the great outdoors to help remove urine smells from your bathing suit:

• Find a shaded area outdoors and hang your bathing suit to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading or damage to the fabric.
• Allow your bathing suit to hang freely, ensuring adequate airflow to facilitate the dissipation of odors.
• Leave your bathing suit outside for a few hours or until it is completely dry. The combination of sunlight and fresh air will help freshen up your swimwear.

Checking To Confirm The Removal Urine Smell from a Bathing Suit

When you apply either of the ways above correctly, it is certain that the urine smell will cease. However, in a situation where the odour is not completely out, apply the steps again.

The one that work best for your friend may not be the one that work for you. It is good to try different ways until you discover the best way to get it out of the suit or any other cloths.

Dry the suit completely before packing it into a box. If the cloth is not dry, there may mildew or musty smell.

Can Perfume Remove Urine Smell?

Perfume might mask the smell of urine temporarily, it will not remove the odor entirely. The fragrance from perfume merely overlays the urine smell and may even result in a worse mixed scent. Instead, you should clean up urine properly to eliminate the smell effectively.

Conclusion

The days of feeling embarrassed with urine smell on bathing suit are over. With the different ways we have brought to fore and have also extensively explained here, there is nothing that can stop you from getting bad stench out from your swimsuits.

The step-by-step guide we listed above are to enable you remove the smell with ease, and you can use any of the recommended products to make your washing a breeze. Kindly follow them for easy laundry session.  You can always come back to this page to be certain of what to do at each step.