Cleaning Hardwood Floor Pet Stains & Odors

Remove animal accidents from hardwood floors as quickly as possible.

If you own a pet, it's inevitable that at some point, the animal will have an accident. It's important to clean up the accident as quickly as possible, especially on hardwood floors. Animal urine can soak into the wood, causing stains, or can soak between the hardwood floors, making the smell difficult to remove. Feces and throw-up left on hardwood can cause staining. When cleaning hardwood, avoid harsh chemicals and brushes that can damage the wood.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Soft cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or enzymatic cleaner
• Dust mop
• Small bowl
• Towel

Instructions

Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Remove any pieces that can be picked up, using a paper towel. Place another paper towel over the accident and step down to remove any liquid or moisture. Continue until all moisture is removed.

2. Dampen a soft cloth with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Wipe the cloth over the area to remove stains, discoloration and odor.

3. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area if the odor lingers. Allow the baking soda to sit on the area for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb odor. Sweep up the baking soda with a dust mop.

Vinegar

1. Remove any pieces that can be picked up with a paper towel. Place another paper towel over the accident and step down to remove any liquid or moisture. Continue until all moisture is removed.

2. Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a small bowl.

3. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture. Clean the area with the cloth.

4. Dry the hardwood with a towel.

Enzymatic Cleaner

1. Remove any pieces that can be picked up with a paper towel. Place another paper towel over the accident and step down to remove any liquid or moisture. Continue until all moisture is removed.

2. Spray a small amount of cleaner directly on the area or wet a soft cloth with the cleaner and rub on the spot, following the manufacturer's directions. Allow the enzyme cleaner to sit and work into the stain, following the manufacturer's directions.

3. Wipe the cleaner away with a soft, damp cloth.

4. Dry the area with a towel.

References

• Old House Web: Preventing and Removing Pet Urine from Hardwood Floors
• Pet Comfort Products: Looking For a Way to Get Rid of a Cat Urine or Dog Urine Mess?