7 Expert Solutions to Prevent Urine Smell in Your Pants

According to healthyaging.org, up to 30% of seniors have urinary incontinence. Although a common occurrence for those over the age of 60 (especially those in menopause), dealing with incontinence and the challenges that come with it can feel frustrating and discouraging — especially when trying to be discreet.

However, using the correct products and being diligent about good hygiene can help you worry less about urine leaks and odors. Keep reading as we explore expert tips to prevent bad smells and strong odors.

What Causes Clothing to Smell Like Urine

Even when you think you are taking appropriate measures to stay discreet, the smell of urine can still manage to get on clothing, leaving you to walk around smelling like urine. This could result from a number of potential causes, including:

Ammonia buildup: An invisible gas that comes from urine, ammonia is a strong-smelling odor that easily clings to fabric. The higher the concentration of ammonia, the more pungent the odor will be.
Bacterial growth: When you don’t change your panty liner or adult brief regularly, bacteria, like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can build up in this moist, wet environment. This can throw off your pH balance, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Body chemistry: Every person’s body chemistry, body odor, diet, lifestyle, or medical conditions could also affect their smell. It’s always wise to assess any underlying conditions with a doctor if you’re concerned about the issue.
Urine leaks: Urine leaks can occur in individuals with urinary incontinence and those with disabilities that limit mobility, resulting in unpleasant odors.

How to Prevent Urine Smell in Clothing

Managing urine odor in clothing can be hard, but with the right strategies, you can stay fresh and confident.

Premium Incontinence Products

There is a big difference between generic adult diapers and premium adult briefs. While they are slightly more money up-front, premium products provide durability, odor-blocking technology, and leakage protection that generic products do not.

This allows you to be more discreet while wearing your briefs or pads without the fear of people around you thinking your pants smell like urine.

Proper Hygiene

Showering or bathing every day, and using proper deodorants will significantly help reduce the chance of odors developing throughout the day. Establishing a hygiene routine and prioritizing these practices can make a significant difference in feeling comfortable, refreshed, and healthy.

Regular Changing Schedules

Begin by observing leak patterns, taking note of specific times of day or situations when leaks happen the most. For example, some individuals may experience increased incontinence after meals, during certain activities, or while sleeping. Tracking these patterns can help you plan and establish a consistent schedule for changing diapers or briefs.

Once you’ve identified key times, create a change schedule that fits naturally into the day, allowing for extra changes when necessary. This helps prevent skin irritation and reduces the risk of odors. Be prepared to adjust the schedule based on changes in health, fluid intake, or activity levels, for optimal comfort and hygiene.

Fabric Choices

When searching for incontinence products, consider the materials they’re made of. Opt for absorbent, breathable, and quick-drying products to prevent bacteria. Look for moisture-wicking technology, cotton underwear, bamboo, microfiber, and polyester blends that can air dry quickly.

Odor-Blocking Products

Look for odor-blocking technology when shopping for premium incontinence products. This technology contains odor-neutralizing agents that chemically react with odor-causing molecules. These agents help mask and eliminate smells and can be found in the products themselves, or as sprays, powders, wipes, or liners.

Adequate Hydration

No matter how old you are, staying hydrated is key for an overall healthy lifestyle. For odor-related purposes, drinking enough water helps dilute your urine, so it has less of a strong ammonia smell. It also helps reduce bacterial growth, promotes regular urination, and can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which cause a burning sensation when you pee.

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy, whole-foods-based diet will help neutralize your urine and pH levels. Stay away from overly-processed and fried foods and eat plenty of water-dense foods like melons and cucumber.

However, make sure to watch what you are eating as consuming too much asparagus, onion, garlic, and some fish can pass through your urine as a strong smell.

How to Remove Urine Smell From Clothing

If you have an accident in your clothing, do not worry! Follow the steps below to get the smell out.

Initially, rinse the affected area with cold water — hot water will set the stain.
Wash clothes immediately to prevent the odor from sticking to the fabric.
Use warm water and heavy-duty laundry detergent to break down the urine proteins and remove the odor.
You can add 1 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine to help neutralize odors and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to naturally help absorb the odor.
Optional: add 1/2 cup of Borax to the wash cycle to help naturally remove the smell.

For persistent odors, soak the clothing in a solution of white vinegar and water for several hours or overnight before washing. Hang the clothes in the direct sunlight and let air dry after washing to help eliminate odors further.

Additional Tips for Caregivers

As a caregiver, you may face unique challenges and situations at a moment’s notice. Here are helpful tips to help you prevent odor even more:

Prevent cross-contamination by washing soiled clothing separately from other clothing so the odor doesn’t spread. Use a separate laundry basket, and wear gloves when handling urine-soiled clothing.
Store urine-soiled clothing in a sealed plastic bag or container until it can get washed. Avoid storing urine-soiled clothing with other clothes to prevent cross-contamination.
Enzyme-based cleaners are designed to break down organic matter like urine. For stubborn smells, these can be highly effective.
To enhance odor-fighting technology, use an odor-neutralizing spray on clothing before washing.
To prevent odor from building up, regularly clean the inside of your washer and dryer.
For stubborn smells that won’t go away, consider hiring a professional cleaner.

Long-term Solutions to Consider

When discussing proper hygiene and smell, use your intuition. If you notice that after enhancing hygiene and making lifestyle changes, the odor still persists, it’s important to explore underlying conditions by seeking medical advice.

You want to rule out any potential for UTIs, bacterial overgrowth, or—worse—kidney issues. Get in touch with your qualified healthcare professional to have any necessary testing done.

Find the Right Incontinence Products and Resources at Parentgiving

At Parentgiving, we offer only premium adult diapers that provide comfort, protection, durability, and advanced odor-blocking technology while still being gentle enough for comfort and confidence every day.

As a go-to resource for aging individuals and their families, Parentgiving offers the best products and tips related to aging and incontinence. Visit parentgiving.com to learn more.