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Best Solutions for Removing Old Pet Urine Stains from Hardwood Floors

Emily Ramphal

++CTA++Pet urine stain removal from hardwood floors can be tricky, and many contractors will advise you to replace the floorboards. However, there is a much cheaper alternative to replacing your hardwood floors.

In my case, the previous owners of my old home used the small bedroom at the front of the house to corral their cats while they were gone during the day. When I pulled up the carpet in that bedroom, I found a number of spots where cat urine had soaked through the carpet and pad onto the hardwood floor, leaving dark black marks and an overwhelming smell.

Pet Stain Removal

To remove the pet urine stains, I poured hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain, covered it with a hydrogen peroxide-soaked rag, and then covered that with plastic wrap and let everything sit overnight. In the morning, the black stains and odor were gone, and I was able to sand and refinish my floors.

For smaller or lighter pet urine stains, you may not need to refinish all of the flooring in the room. In this case, make sure to pour the peroxide only on the stain, check the progress of the peroxide every ten minutes, and wipe up the excess as soon as the stain has disappeared. You can then sand if needed and apply touch up wood floor stain using a paint brush. Remember to go with the grain of the wood.

Removing Pet Urine Smells from Hardwood Floors
All three of my large dogs had accidents on our hardwood floors when they were puppies--it happens. If you are able to clean up a pet accident on your hardwood floors right after the act, it's easy to simply wipe up the mess. However, there is usually a lingering smell.

Many sites recommend spraying the area with a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to remove pet urine odors. This has never worked well for me.

Others have found success with Nature's Miracle, but I have found that Urine Gone is the only cleaner that removes the odor and prevents puppies and kitties (as well as older dogs) from peeing in the same place. I have used it on carpet, tile, hardwood, and my couch with great success.

Urine Gone does leave a musty scent behind. While it is much better than urine, I usually mop up with a nice-smelling and pet-safe cleaner. I recommend Mrs. Meyer's All-Purpose Cleaner afterwards to leave my home smelling fresh (both the lemon verbena or lavender scents are lovely).

Testing the Product
Whatever product you choose, be sure to test a very small and hidden area of your wooden flooring before tackling all the stained areas. Though you may be anxious to tackle the stains, it's best to be sure that the product is safe for your floor's finish.

Emily Ramphal
Emily Ramphal is the owner of three German shepherds and an avid housekeeper. In addition to helping various animal rescue organizations, she works with several dog training groups. She holds a BA in English and works for an Internet company in California.

About the Author
Emily Ramphal is the owner of three German shepherds and an avid housekeeper. In addition to helping various animal rescue organizations, she works with several dog training groups. She holds a BA in English and works for an Internet company in California.


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