How to Clean Pet Accidents From Hardwood Floors

All households with free roaming pets are subject to pet stains, which can quickly set into hardwood floors if not handled quickly. By incorporating a clean-up routine, and acting quickly when a stain does occur, you can effectively clean up the accident without causing damage to the hardwood floor.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Water
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

Cleaning Pet Accidents

1. Act quickly by blotting the area with a handful of paper towels and collecting as much of the urine as possible. This will absorb much of the liquid before it has a chance to set into the wood.

2. Next, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket. The vinegar will clean, disinfect, and also break up the ammonia found in urine that can cause a lingering odor.

3. Dip a cloth or mop in the water and vinegar solution, then wring out the excess water, and wipe over the stain. This will neutralize the odor and kill any bacteria.

4. Next, cover the stain with a dusting of baking soda. Baking soda is a mild cleaning agent that acts quickly to absorb liquid, making this perfect for the removal of pet accidents.

5. Allow the baking soda to work for about 30 minutes, then wipe clean with the vinegar and water solution. The stain should be gone completely, along with any odor that can sometimes be left behind.

References

• How to Get Rid of Pet Stains on Hardwood Floors
• Removing Pet Stains