Hardwood Floors And Dog Urine: How To Clean It Up
The chances are good that you love your dog. If you have hardwood floors, it's a safe bet that you love them too. But sometimes dogs and hardwood floors don't mesh together well. If your dog has had an accident on your floor and you don't see it in time to clean it up, the urine can stain your wood. This guide explains what to do when that happens, so that you can enjoy both your floor and your dog.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- several paper towels
- baking soda
- a vacuum with wood floor attachment
- light-colored towel
- hydrogen peroxide
- plastic wrap
- white vinegar
- sandpaper
- wood stain
Step 2: Apply the Paper Towels
Soak up as much urine as possible with the paper towels by dabbing the towels on the puddle. Continue dabbing the paper towels for as long as they will soak up moisture. Apply pressure to draw out even more of the urine from the wood floor.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda
Cover the area with baking soda. Allow the baking soda to remain in place for twelve to twenty-four hours. Prevent your dog from accessing the room during this time, since it will probably be interested in the baking soda. The soda will help eliminate odor and lessen the severity of the stain.
Step 4: Vacuum the Area
Vacuum the baking soda using a machine with an attachment for wood floors. These attachments prevent scratching on the floors, and with baking soda sitting on the wood, it is important not to use a rotating brush, so you don't rub it into the floor.
Step 5: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Test a dab of the peroxide on a small part of your floor, in an unseen area and check it after a few hours to ensure that there's no color bleaching. Once you're sure there is no danger of discoloration, soak your towel in peroxide and place it on top of the stain. Cover the towel with plastic wrap, and allow it to sit for another twelve to twenty-four hours.
Step 6: Clean Up the Hydrogen Peroxide
Create a mixture of water and vinegar and use it to clean the area after you've removed the towel. Use another towel to dry the area completely.
Step 7: Sand and Restain as Needed
If the stain is still visible, use sandpaper to remove it. Apply wood stain to recolor the floor and allow it to dry.
Even though this project takes a couple days to complete, the end result is a floor that appears as if nothing ever happened. Ask a flooring expert like Rainwood Interiors Inc for help should you run into any issues with these steps.