Pet Stains in Wood

Pets are cute, but what they can do to wood floors is not.

Pets can bring joy and companionship into a home. Unfortunately, they also bring messes, stains and odors. Pet stains can be particularly challenging to remove from wooden objects.

Cleaning

The first step to cleaning pet stains off a wood floor is knowing what finish you are working with. "Popular Mechanics" magazine advises readers to clean wood floors topped with a water- or oil-based finish with a cleaner containing 5 percent phenol. If the finish is wax, use a number 000 steel wool pad to gently rub the stain out. Wax the area after scrubbing. As a natural solution, the EPA recommends cleaning wood floors with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and olive oil.

Effects

Pet stains can leave behind discolorations as well as odors. Pet urine is particularly damaging because of the acid content. Large spills may even soak into wood, warping it over time.

Prevention/Solution

Basic behavior training along with crate training may prevent dogs from damaging wood. Keep cats' litter boxes clean to encourage them to use the litter boxes instead of your floors. To prevent long-term damage, clean spills and accidents as soon as they occur. If the wood has become discolored, it may be necessary to re-stain or varnish the wood.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: Removing Pet Stains and Odors
• "Popular Mechanics": How to Get Stains Out of Any Floor
• Environmental Protection Agency: Safer Cleaing--An A to Z Resource Guide of Safe Alternatives to Household Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies