How To Remove Pet Urine From Wood Floors

Pet urine can be a nightmare to clean up, especially if it gets on your wood floors. The ammonia in urine can damage the finish on your floors and leave behind a lingering odor. If you don't clean up pet urine quickly and effectively, it can also lead to discoloration and staining.

There are a few different ways to remove pet urine from wood floors. The best method will depend on the type of finish on your floors and the severity of the stain.

For Unfinished Wood Floors

If your wood floors are unfinished, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean up pet urine. The vinegar will help to neutralize the ammonia in the urine and remove the odor. To make the solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, blot up the solution with a clean cloth.

For Finished Wood Floors

If your wood floors are finished, you should avoid using vinegar or other acidic cleaners. These cleaners can damage the finish on your floors. Instead, you should use a mild dish soap solution to clean up pet urine. To make the solution, mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the stain and blot it up.

For Tough Stains

If the pet urine stain is particularly tough, you may need to use a stronger cleaner. You can purchase a commercial pet urine cleaner or make your own using hydrogen peroxide. To make the hydrogen peroxide solution, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, blot up the solution with a clean cloth.

Tips For Preventing Pet Urine Stains

The best way to prevent pet urine stains is to train your pet to go potty outside. If your pet has an accident, clean it up immediately. Blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean cloth. Then, use one of the cleaning methods described above to remove the stain and odor.

You can also help to prevent pet urine stains by placing puppy pads or pee pads in areas where your pet is likely to have an accident. If your pet does have an accident on a puppy pad or pee pad, simply throw it away.