- How to Remove Cat Urine Odor from Wood Floorboards
If you have both a cat and wood floors, you will eventually need to know how to remove cat urine odor from wood floorboards. Cat urine often seems to be clean but the odor reappears later due to moisture or other causes. Cats often use the same spot again since they can still smell the leftover odor when the human residents of the home can no longer detect it. If urine is caught right away, cleaning it is much easier than cleaning a stain that has had time to soak in. The way that the floorboards are sealed will also determine how badly the urine will soak in. Cracks in the sealant will allow the liquid to seep under the top layer of wood and make it harder to remove.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Vinegar
- Sponges
- Dry clothes
- Enzyme cleaner
- Floor sander
- Wood sealer
Step 1: Clean It Up
Wipe the area where the urine is puddled with a damp sponge until all traces of the urine are gone. This is the most important step when dealing with a fresh puddle since the odor will be stronger and harder to remove the longer the urine is left on the wood flooring. If you are dealing with a preexisting stain, skip this step and begin with step two.
Step 2: Do a Vinegar Wash
Pour white vinegar over the area and allow it to sit for several minutes. Blot it up completely with a dry cloth. Apply more vinegar with a clean sponge and scrub it into the stained area. Allow the vinegar to seep into any openings in the wood.
Step 3: Rinse
Rinse the area with warm water to remove the vinegar and any traces of urine that is left over. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth until no more moisture is felt. This is best done by blotting with the cloth rather than wiping the floor. Blotting is done by pressing a dry cloth into the wet wood and patting down on it to allow it to soak up the moisture. When a cloth is dampened, replace it with a new cloth and continue blotting.
Step 4: Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Clean the area again with an enzyme cleaner. While there are many such products on the market, you'll want to choose one that is specifically designed for pet urine stains. Follow the package directions for the particular brand you chose. It is best to test the cleaner on a small portion of the flooring that is not easily seen before using it on the stain to ensure that the cleaner will not stain or damage the wood.
Step 5: If the Odor Remains
Apply a floor sander to the floor if the odor remains after cleaning with an enzyme cleaner. The wood will need to be sanded deeply enough to completely remove the stained part of the wood and leave clean wood exposed. Once the stain has been sanded away, reclean the area with an enzyme cleaner and dry completely. Apply a wood sealer to protect the new wood from damage.
