How to Remove Pet Urine Smell From Wood
Accidents happen. Even the best-behaved pets may urinate on the hardwood floors. Common reasons for inappropriate urination are lack of housebreaking, dirty litter box, territorial marking, stress or health issues such as urinary tract infection or kidney problems. It is important to remove any urine as soon as possible. Quick removal will prevent it from seeping in between the floor boards and into the sub-floor. If allowed to remain on the floor the urine will eventually rot the flooring and be impossible to remove without taking out and replacing the wood.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Cloth towels
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Blot up any urine with paper towels or old cloth towels. Apply pressure and soak up as much of the urine as possible.
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2
Sprinkle the spot with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes to 1/2 an hour. The baking soda will absorb any extra liquid. Vacuum up the baking soda.
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3
Mix together equal amounts of white vinegar and water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray the urine stain. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes and then blot up with a towel.
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4
Repeat Step 3 until no urine smell remains. If the smell remains, pets will be attracted to it and will eliminate again in the same area.
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Tips & Warnings
Enzymatic cleaners, designed specifically for removing urine smells, are available at pet supply stores. These products claim to effectively eliminate urine odors. Follow manufacturer directions.
Use a mouthwash in place of vinegar. Mix with water and spray onto the spot.
For heavy urine smells and stains mix together the baking powder and a small amount of vinegar to make a paste. Work the paste into the floorboards and let it remain until dry. Vacuum up the dried baking soda and the urine it has absorbed.
Test any method on a hidden area of the floor, prior to applying it to the floor in public view. Some floors, and finishes, may be sensitive to the vinegar mixture.
If you can not effectively eliminate the smell and stain by cleaning, you may need to sand and refinish the infected area of the floor.
References
- Photo Credit The puppy chihuahua and cat in studio on a neutral background image by Ulf from Fotolia.com
