How to Remove Urine Stains From Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful but can become stained from our pets or children having accidents. When urine contacts the wood it can seep in and cause discoloration. There are several methods to remove the urine stain from your hardwood floors. First always try to wipe up the stain as quickly as possible. Often we do not notice the urine accident until it is to late for easy clean up. If the stain has set in follow the steps below to remove it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with Cat Litter
   When you notice a urine stain immediately try to blot dry the area. Then, make a pile of cat litter (the clumping kind) on the stain. Let the cat litter do its work. The moisture from the urine will be absorbed into the cat litter. You will notice the cat litter turning colors when it absorbing the urine. Leave the cat litter on the stain for several hours and then replace the cat litter several times until you notice that it is no longer absorbing moisture.

2. Old Black Urine Stains Removal
   Sometimes your hardwood floor may turn black from urine. This requires additional action. The stain may have been on the floor for a long period of time. A home remedy is to use hydrogen peroxide. First test a small area to see how your floor reacts to the peroxide. Soak a rag in peroxide and let sit on the stain. Cover the rag with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. This may take up to 24 hours and you may need to use several applications. The hydrogen peroxide should bring your floors back to the original color and remove the odor. Remember to test a small area first. This method will lighten the stain and should only be used on floors that are lighter in color.

3. Use a Commercial Product
   There are special products on the market that are made for removing urine stains and odors. One such product is called Kids and Pets Brand Stain & Odor Remover. These products are worth a try before investing in a complete floor refinishing.

4. Try Oxalic Acid
   Another method to remove urine stains from hardwood floors is to use Oxalic Acid. Mix one cup of hot water with one tablespoon of oxalic acid. Place a towel that has been soaked in the Oxalic Acid on the stain. Leave on the stain several hours or overnight. Be sure to do a test spot before doing a large stain.

5. Sand and Strip the Area
   If the above solutions do not work you may need to sand the stained area. Then clean the stain with one of the above methods. After the stain is removed you may need to stain first and then add a finish.

6. Consult a Professional
   Call your local hardwood floor specialist for their advice on your particular type of wood flooring. If you have a lot of damage to your floors you may want to have a professional to come in, sand and refinish your floors. Before doing that be sure your puppy or little loved one is potty trained.

7. Be Prepared
   Your puppy may choose to do his duty again in the same area. You could put down an area rug temporarily with plastic underneath it to catch any future accidents.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test a small area when using a stain removal product.

Resources

• More Articles by Sharon Meier