How to Remove Urine Smell From Hardwood

Cat urine is particularly destructive to hardwood floors.

If you have pets or children, you may have to clean urine stains and smells from carpets, rugs, furniture or hardwood floors at some point. Urine can leave a dark mark on hardwood that is simple to remove. The urine smell, however, can linger long after you remove the stain. There are several methods for removing the smell that require basic home products. Always remove stains and odors as soon as you notice them to prevent them from settling further into the floor and potentially rotting it.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Baking soda
• Vacuum
• Paper towels
• Water

Instructions

1. Dampen the stained area of the hardwood floor with a wet sponge. Do not over-wet the floor, as this can damage the finish and integrity of the hardwood.

2. Sprinkle the area with baking soda so that it is completely covered.

3. Let the baking soda sit on the hardwood floor for at least one hour or until it is dry and the smell has been removed. If the urine is particularly smelly, let it sit for longer.

4. Sweep the baking soda into a dustpan.

5. Clean the baking soda residue from hardwood floor with a dampened paper towel.

6. Immediately dry the hardwood floor with another paper towel.

7. Repeat the process if the urine smell lingers.

References

• Cozy Cat Furniture: How to Clean Cat Urine From Hardwood Floors
• Wood Floor Covering Association: How to Clean a Hardwood Floor
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Remove Pet Urine from Hardwood Floors