As a DVM and a pet parent myself, I know the struggle apartment dwellers face when it comes to keeping their indoor spaces fresh, especially when dealing with pet accidents.
 If you're wondering how to remove smell from washable pee pads completely, you're not alone. I've been there, trying every trick in the book to neutralize those stubborn urine odors indoors.
My own pets use washable pads, and I’ve developed a tried-and-true method using enzymatic cleaners and strategic soaking to ensure every pad comes out smelling fresh and clean, even in a small apartment space where odors can linger.
In this article, I will share exactly how to permanently eliminate these smells and maintain a hygienic home.
Understanding Urine Odor: It's Not Just About Washing
Before diving into specific techniques, it's important to understand why pet urine can be so pungent and persistent. Pet urine contains urea, urochrome, uric acid, and creatinine.
While urea is water-soluble, uric acid forms crystals that are not. These crystals bind to fibers in fabrics, like your washable pee pads, and release ammonia gas as they break down, creating that distinct, unpleasant "pee smell."
Read More: Detailed guide on washing reusable pee pads
Regular washing often removes the water-soluble components but leaves these stubborn uric acid crystals behind, which is why the odor can return, especially when the pad gets wet again.
This is particularly noticeable for apartment dwellers where ventilation might be limited.
My Proven Method for Removing Smell from Washable Pee Pads Permanently
As a pet parent, I’ve refined this method over years to ensure truly odor-free pads. It's a two-stage attack designed to break down the organic matter at the source.
| Stage | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Pre-Soak | Enzymatic cleaner soak (4-12 hours) | Breaks down stubborn uric acid crystals at a molecular level. |
| Stage 2: Machine Wash | Cold/warm wash with extra rinse | Flushes out broken-down residues and sanitizes the pad. |
"Enzymatic cleaners contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that break down uric acid crystals, effectively neutralizing the source of the smell rather than just masking it." — Dr. Linda, DVM
Step 1: The Critical Pre-Soak with Enzymatic Cleaner
This step is non-negotiable for truly eliminating odors. For a visual demonstration of similar odor removal techniques, you can watch this helpful video tutorial on neutralizing pet urine.
- Remove Solids & Rinse: First, shake off any solids into the toilet. Then, rinse the soiled pads thoroughly under cold water to remove as much fresh urine as possible; avoid hot water at this stage, as it can "set" the odor and stains.
- Prepare the Soaking Solution: In a large basin, utility sink, or even your bathtub, mix cold water with a generous amount of a high-quality enzymatic pet odor remover. Follow the product's instructions for concentration, but I often go a bit stronger for heavily soiled pads.
- Soak for Maximum Impact: Submerge the pee pads completely. I usually let them soak for at least 4-6 hours, but for particularly stubborn odors, I've left them overnight (8-12 hours) to allow the enzymes ample time to work their magic.
Step 2: Washing Your Reusable Pee Pads Effectively
After a thorough pre-soak, it's time for the wash cycle. This is where proper washing techniques come into play to finish the job.
- Drain & Load: Drain the soaking solution and wring out the pads gently before loading them into your washing machine.
- Add Detergent & Additives: Use an unscented or naturally fragranced laundry detergent free of harsh dyes. You can add a half-cup of white vinegar (a natural deodorizer) or a scoop of oxygen-based, non-chlorine bleach to the wash cycle for an extra boost.
- Wash Cycle: Use a cold or warm water wash cycle on a heavy-duty setting, and always run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent and odor-causing residues are completely washed away.
Drying and Final Odor Check
Proper drying is the last step in ensuring your pads are truly odor-free and ready for use.
- Air Dry When Possible: If weather permits, hanging your pads outdoors in direct sunlight is fantastic because UV rays are natural disinfectants and deodorizers.
- Machine Dry on Low Heat: If using a dryer, opt for a low-heat setting to avoid damaging the waterproof backing and to prevent locking in any faint remaining odors.
- The Sniff Test: Once dry, give each pad a thorough sniff. If you detect any lingering urine odor, repeat the pre-soak and wash cycle before putting it back down for your pet.
Preventing Future Odors and Maintaining Pad Freshness
Preventative maintenance is always the best approach for long-term success. Here are my top tips for keeping those pads fresh between washes:
- Frequent Changes: Don't wait until the pad is saturated. The sooner you rinse and wash a soiled pad, the less chance odors have to set in; in an apartment, changing pads daily is a good practice.
- Designated Dirty Pad Container: Keep a lidded hamper or a wet bag specifically for soiled pads to contain odors until you're ready to wash. I sprinkle a little baking soda in mine for extra odor absorption.
- Spot Cleaning: For minor accidents, a quick rinse and blot with an enzymatic spray can tide you over until the next full wash.
- Rotate Pads: Having a rotation of several LuftPets Washable Pee Pads means you always have a fresh one ready while others are in the wash, preventing overuse and saturation of a single pad.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you'll not only keep your apartment smelling fresh but also provide a clean and hygienic environment for your beloved pet. It's a bit of work, but the health benefits for your pet and the improved indoor air quality are absolutely worth it.
Now that you know exactly how to remove smell from washable pee pads, what is your favorite enzymatic cleaner to use at home?
How to Remove Smell from Washable Pee Pads - FAQ
What is an enzymatic cleaner and why is it essential for pet urine?
An enzymatic cleaner contains specialized enzymes and beneficial bacteria that break down organic matter, including the uric acid crystals found in pet urine. Unlike regular detergents that just mask odors, enzymatic cleaners neutralize the odor at its source by digesting the odor-causing molecules.
How often should I wash my washable pee pads?
I recommend washing your washable pee pads daily, especially if they are frequently used by puppies, incontinent senior pets, or if you live in a smaller apartment. If a pad has only had a small, single accident, you might extend it to every other day, but more frequent washing is always better for hygiene.
Can I use bleach to disinfect my washable pee pads?
I generally advise against using chlorine bleach, as it can damage the waterproof backing and react with ammonia in urine to create harmful fumes. Instead, I recommend using an oxygen-based bleach (non-chlorine) for sanitation and stain removal, or a cup of white vinegar as a safer deodorizer.
My pads still smell after washing. What am I doing wrong?
If your pads still smell, the uric acid crystals haven't been fully broken down, likely because you didn't pre-soak long enough or use enough enzymatic cleaner. Ensure you are pre-soaking thoroughly and avoiding hot water on the initial rinse and wash, as it can "set" the odor.
Is it okay to wash pet pee pads with other laundry?
As a DVM, I strongly advise against washing pet pee pads with your regular household laundry to prevent transferring bacteria, parasites, or residual allergens. For hygiene and peace of mind, always wash pet items in a dedicated load separately from human clothes or bedding. Here are some of the best laundry soap for pads.
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