How to Clean Pet Stains From Oak Flooring

There are times when even our beloved pets have accidents, and when they do it's an unpleasant but necessary chore to deal with. Particularly when it comes to oak flooring, no amount of wiping is going to get all of the stain out, and liquid cleaners of any kind may just make the problem worse. Fortunately, cleaning these stains is easier than you may think with the right materials and a little bit of persistence.

Things You'll Need

• Clumping cat litter
• Clean cloth
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Fine-grit sand paper
• Murphy's Oil Soap

Instructions

Several Simple Suggestions

1. Cover the area with clumping cat litter and allow it to sit overnight. The litter will draw out any urine that has soaked into the wood and absorb it. Sweep up the litter and discard it. Repeat until all of the stain is gone.

2. Soak a clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide and wring it out so it isn't dripping. Place the cloth directly on top of the stain and cover it with plastic wrap. Set a heavy object, such as a heavy book or potted plant, on top of the plastic to keep it weighted down. Replace the cloth every 2 to 3 hours until the stain is gone.

3. Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and add 1 tbsp. of baking soda. Spray the stained area and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it up with a clean dry cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

4. Sand the spot if it is a small one with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper until there is no more stain. Apply Murphy's Oil Soap to a clean cloth and wipe the area clean. If there is a lingering odor, sprinkle baking soda on the area and leave it on for at least an hour to help absorb the smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide that you buy at the grocery store, not the kind that hairdressers use, which is a much higher percentage and may damage your floors.

• Avoid the use of ammonia; it smells too much like cat urine and will attract your pet back to the same place.