Dogs are lovely, but they sometimes have accidents. Even with the best training, your dog might urinate on your wood floors. If this happens, don’t worry. ‘’How to remove the dog urine smell from the floor’’ issue can be addressed and is not too hard!
You will find many tips and tricks when searching for how to remove urine stains from hardwood floors. We’ve gathered some of the most effective methods to help you eliminate stains and odors caused by dog urine. Follow this guide to learn the best ways to clean your floors.
Part 1: How to Remove Dog Urine Smell from Out of Hardwood Flooring
Coping with pet mishaps on hardwood flooring can provide an enormous challenge. Here’s how you can remove dog urine smell from the floor and its odor effectively:
Act Quickly: Hardwood floors are sensitive to moisture, which can cause damage. Blot up any liquid immediately to prevent harm.
Use caution with liquids: Minimize the amount of liquid used throughout the cleaning process. Be careful with water, vinegar, or peroxide, and dry the floor entirely afterward.
Test Cleaners First: Always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden floor area to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.
Sanding and Refinishing: If the smell persists or the urine has soaked into the wood and damaged the finish, you might need to sand down and refinish the floor to remove urine stains from hardwood floors.
Part 2: Cleaning Up Pet Urine from Different Types of Floors
Regular Cleaning
When dealing with pet urine on floors like Marmoleum, vinyl, laminate, or limestone composite, you'll likely have an easier time than carpet or hardwood. These flooring types are more water resistant, and some are even fully waterproof. However, consider a few essential points:
- Solid Sheets vs. Planks or Tiles: Solid sheet flooring typically resists moisture better since there are no gaps. But if it's made of planks or tiles, liquids might seep underneath, depending on how tightly the pieces fit.
- Replaceable Planks or Tiles: Some flooring brands, like Torlys, use their Bulldog tool to allow you to remove and replace a single plank or tile. This can be helpful if the liquid has leaked underneath.
Manual Cleaning
- Checking Under the Flooring: If liquid has seeped underneath, see if you can lift the flooring. Clean underneath with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to prevent mold or fungi from growing.
- Important Safety Tips: Do not use bleach if you’ve recently cleaned with vinegar; mixing these creates toxic gas. Also, ensure the urine is thoroughly soaked before using bleach since it could react with the ammonia in the urine. Ensure good ventilation and keep pets away from the area when using bleach.
- Professional Help: If lifting the flooring isn’t possible, you might need to call a professional.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
- If No Leakage is Detected: If the liquid hasn’t leaked underneath, you can clean it up like any other spill. This will be easier than dealing with carpet or hardwood. A simple vinegar rinse or an enzyme cleaner should work well to remove odors.
- Cleaning Tiles: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are designed to resist water and usually clean up easily. However, the grout might be porous, so applying vinegar or an enzyme cleaner and letting it sit for a while can help remove any lingering odors. Generally, tile is less likely to stain or hold smells than other flooring types.
Part 3: DIY Solutions to Remove Dog or Cat Urine Smell from Carpets or Floors
- Vinegar Rinse
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water.
- Dampen the affected area with the vinegar solution.
- Allow it to rest for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Blot the area with paper towels to absorb the liquid.
- Use this method for fresh and minor accidents.
- Baking Soda (Dry Method)
- After you blot, rinse, and wipe, make sure the carpet is dry.
- Spread a lot of baking soda over the area that needs it.
- Rub the baking soda into the carpet fibers with a dry sponge or brush.
- Allow it to rest for a few hours or perhaps overnight.
- After you've vacuumed the area, the baking soda should be gone.
- Baking Soda (wet method)
- Rub baking soda into the affected spot and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of dish detergent.
- Apply the mixture to the area, allowing it to foam and bubble.
- Wait until the bubbling stops.
- Blot the area or use a wet vacuum to remove the solution.
- Rinse with clean water and blot again.
- Important:First, test the solution on a small area, and never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or bleach.
- Enzyme-Based Cleaners
- Purchase an enzyme-based cleaner for pet messes (e.g., Nature’s Miracle).
- Apply the cleaner according to the instructions.
- The enzymes will break down the proteins in the urine.
- Use this method if DIY solutions seem too time-consuming.
These pointers will help you effectively remove dog urine smell from the floor and remove urine stains from hardwood floors.
Part 4: When to Call in the Professionals
If you can't completely get rid of the dog urine smell or stains on your own, it might be time to get professional help. Here are some situations when you may need to call in experts:
- If you discover the accident long after it happened and none of the methods you've tried work.
- If the dog urine or a cleaning product has damaged the finish on your hardwood floors.
- If you believe the urine has soaked under your flooring and you can't lift it to clean beneath. This is especially important if the area feels softer than the rest of the floor, as it could indicate damage to the wooden subfloor.
Bonus part: 4. Can Robot Vacuums Remove Dog Urine Smell from Floors?
Eliminating dog urine odor from carpets requires regular upkeep and specific treatments. Here’s a simple method to keep your carpets fresh:
Regular Vacuuming
Frequent vacuuming is crucial to combat dog odors. It helps remove pet hair, dander, and dirt before they get trapped deep in the carpet. Vacuuming at least twice a week can significantly reduce odors, especially in areas where your dog spends most of its time.
Using the correct robot vacuum makes a big difference. For convenience, consider a robot vacuum, such as eufy S1 Pro. Unlike many other vacuums, eufy S1 Pro can refresh the mop while it’s cleaning, making it an excellent choice for a cleaner and fresher home. This feature sets it apart from other models that cannot refresh the mop while in use.
It is the world’s first floor-washing robot vacuum. This device combines real-time self-cleaning with powerful vacuuming. Say goodbye to manual cleaning and enjoy this innovative design.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is an effective way to remove the dog urine smell from your carpet. Hot steam eliminates bacteria and breaks down odors without the need for chemicals.
You can rent a steam cleaner from a local hardware store if you don't have one. Be careful not to soak the carpet too much while using it. Too much water can cause mold to grow, leading to more problems.
Part 5: Additional Strategies to Keep Your Home Odor-Free
Grooming Tips to Combat Dog Odors
Grooming your dog often is very effective in reducing odors. Brush your dog regularly to remove loose fur and cut down on dander. Bathe your dog with pet-safe shampoos to keep their coat clean. Also, care for their teeth to avoid bad breath and saliva smells. Regular grooming helps keep your dog smelling fresh and minimizes hair and dander on your carpet.
Effective Ways to Remove Dog Urine Smell from Floors
To tackle dog urine smells on floors, clean the area immediately. Use a pet-safe enzyme cleaner to break down the urine. For stubborn smells, repeat the cleaning process until the odor is gone.
Quick Fixes for Urine Stains on Hardwood Floors
For urine stains on hardwood floors, blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, use a hardwood floor cleaner or vinegar and water. Avoid soaking the wood; instead, wipe it gently. Dry the area thoroughly to prevent any damage to the floor.
Conclusion:
Cleaning up dog pee on your floors doesn't have to be complicated. Your home will stay clean and smell-free if you know how to remove dog urine smell from the floor and use the right way for your type of floor. You can keep your floors clean and inviting, from simple do-it-yourself methods to hiring a professional cleaner and using cutting-edge robot technology like the Eufy S1 Pro.
No matter what method you use, the most important thing is to work quickly and thoroughly to get rid of spots and smells. With these tips, you can keep your home clean and feeling good even when you have pets around.
