How to Remove Pet Stains & Odors From Hardwood Floors

Pets are terrific companions, but as with even the best of friends, accidents happen. Though it's less likely that your best friend will have the same type accident that your pet had (hopefully not), the problem still exists. Pet urine can leave a dark and unsightly stain on hardwood floors that may need a little extra time and effort to remove, but fortunately most pet owners know the virtue of patience, so this daunting task won't be so bad.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide Clean cloth Plastic wrap Baking soda Linseed oil Turpentine Satin polyurethane (non-gloss) Sand paper Vinegar Kitty litter Varnish

Instructions

1. Soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and place it on top of the stain. Place plastic wrap over the cloth, and weigh it down with a heavy object to apply pressure to the stained area, such as a heavy book or small piece of furniture. Leave this in place for 24 hours and repeat until the stain is completely gone. This may take several applications. Apply vinegar to the area if the smell persists.

2. Put hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray the stain thoroughly. Cover the hydrogen peroxide-coated stain with baking soda and allow it to sit for 24 hours. The baking soda will absorb the moisture and eliminate any odors. Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.

3. Sand the area with sand paper until bare wood is visible and wipe the area with a damp cloth. Make a mixture of 1/3 linseed oil, 1/3 turpentine, and 1/3 satin polyurethane (non-gloss), and apply this to the area with a cloth or sponge. Apply a total of three times, waiting an hour between applications. Allow 24 hours to dry.

4. Sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper or a power sander, and wipe the area down with vinegar to eliminate the odor. Apply varnish or floor sealer once the vinegar is dry.

5. Apply kitty litter to absorb the stain if it's fresh. Be sure to wipe away all urine before covering with litter. Leave the litter for an hour and check the progress. Apply new, fresh litter as needed until the stain is gone. Wipe the area with vinegar to eliminate the odor.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to make sure that the odor is eliminated completely, as cats have a tendency to return to the scene of the crime if they can still detect where it is.