How to Get Rid of Animal Urine Smell in Hardwood Floors Naturally

Removing pet urine stains and odors from hardwood floors is easy to achieve with natural products, according to Elizabeth B. Goldsmith, author of "Green Cleaning for Dummies." White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that removes stains and neutralizes the smell of animal urine. Baking soda is a powerful non-toxic cleaning agent that is often used to remove odors from refrigerators and is also effective at removing pet urine odors.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 cups white vinegar
• 1 tbsp. Castile soap
• 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 cups water
• Clean cloth
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

1. Mix vinegar, soap, grapefruit oil and water in a small bucket, and dip a clean cloth into the mixture. Wipe the stain in a circular motion and allow the area to air dry, according to Goldsmith.

2. Mix 2 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tbsp. of water. Cover the stain with the mixture. Allow it to sit on the stain overnight, and wipe with a clean cloth.

3. Repeat step 2 if odor remains.

4. Pour 1 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide into a clean cloth, and rub the cloth onto the stain.

Tips & Warnings

• 1. Do not use a brush to scrub the spot, as you can damage the surface of your hardwood floor. 2. Before using a cleaning product it should be tested in an inconspicuous spot.

References

• "Green Cleaning for Dummies;" Elizabeth B. Goldsmith; 2008
• "Natural Stain Removal;" Deborah L. Martin; 2007