Worried about the havoc your dog’s urine has wreaked on your cherished hardwood floors? We’ve spent 5+ years pampering hardwood floors, and when it comes to accidents, spills, and yes, even those unwelcome pet puddles, we know exactly how to banish the stains and smells without a hint of harm.
To deep clean hardwood floors from dog urine, you must soak up the mess and try DIY natural cleaning solutions to remove the stains and the odor. If they persist, you’ll require an enzymatic cleaner.
This article explains everything about cleaning dog urine, including the potential harm it may cause, the solutions you can use, and tips on removing the odor.
Does Dog Urine Harm Hardwood Floors?
Yes, dog urine harms hardwood floors in several ways. It is acidic, with a pH of around 6-7, while hardwood finishes are normally slightly alkaline (pH 7-8). The acidic attack can eat away at the finish, leaving dull patches, light marks, or even dark stains, depending on the wood type and sun exposure.
The pigments in urine may also leave behind unsightly stains, especially if left to dry. These stains are often yellow or brown and are tough to remove completely.
Wood and moisture are not best friends. Dog urine is packed with water, which can cause the wood to swell and warp, leading to gaps between planks, creaking, and even buckling in severe cases.
Moreover, the pungent smell of dog urine isn’t just annoying, it’s a warning sign. The unpleasant odor is caused by ammonia and other compounds that can seep deep into the wood and subfloor, clinging stubbornly even after cleaning.
Cleaning Fresh Dog Pee from Hardwood Floors
The key to managing fresh dog pee on hardwood floors is promptly addressing it. Begin by blotting the affected area with absorbent paper towels or an old cloth to soak up as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the wood.
Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild, pet-friendly dish soap. Dampen a clean cloth with soapy water and gently blot the stained area.
Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly dampen another cloth with this mixture and blot the affected area.
Next, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the cleaned area to tackle the odor. Allow it to sit for a few hours before sweeping or vacuuming it up.
For persistent stains, use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the area gently. Ensure the hardwood floor is thoroughly dry using a clean cloth or towel.
Cleaning Older Dog Urine Stains from Hardwood Floors
Older dog urine stains on hardwood floors require a bit more effort to eliminate, but with patience and the right approach, you can restore the beauty of your flooring.
To deep clean hardwood floors from dog urine stains, locate the stains and assess the extent of the discoloration and odor. Older stains may demand additional attention.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Dampen a clean cloth with this solution and gently blot the stained area. For stubborn stains, create a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water. Apply this solution to the stain, allowing it to sit for several minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is known for its efficacy in breaking down the enzymes present in urine.
After cleaning, ensure that the hardwood floor is completely dry. Use a clean cloth or towel to remove any excess moisture.
What Solutions Can You Use?
Here are a few DIY natural cleaning solutions you can use to deep clean hardwood floors from dog urine.
White Vinegar Solution
The acidity in vinegar solution cuts through the ammonia in urine, neutralizing the odor and breaking down stains. Plus, it’s a natural disinfectant.
Ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
How to make the solution?
In a bowl, mix one cup of white vinegar with an equal amount of water.
How to apply?
- Blot the urine with paper towels.
- Apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth.
- Gently rub the area, working from the outside towards the center.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove residue.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste is super absorbent and deodorizing. It soaks up moisture, preventing warping, and neutralizes the odor by absorbing ammonia and other smelly molecules.
Ingredients you will need:
- Baking soda
- Water
How to make the solution?
Combine enough water with baking soda to form a thick paste.
How to apply?
- Blot the urine with paper towels.
- Apply the paste to the stain, covering it completely.
- Allow it to dry for several hours or overnight.
- Once dry, scrape off the residue with a soft brush or cloth.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent. It releases oxygen molecules that can break down some organic matter in urine, potentially lightening stains.
However, hydrogen peroxide may also bleach wood, especially at higher concentrations. So, do not use it beyond the recommended concentration.
Ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
How to make the solution?
Mix dish soap with 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
How to apply?
- Soak the urine with paper towels.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide solution to the stain using a clean cloth.
- Gently rub the area, working from the outside towards the center.
- Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off.
Rubbing Alcohol Solution
Rubbing alcohol’s high alcohol content kills bacteria and other microorganisms present in urine, which can help reduce odor and prevent potential health risks.
Ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup water
How to make the solution?
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a bowl.
How to apply?
- Blot the urine with paper towels.
- Apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth.
- Gently rub the area, working from the outside towards the center.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
How Do You Get Rid of the Dog Urine Odor?
Sometimes, the foul smell of dog pee may persist even after a thorough cleaning. To eliminate the odor, Open windows, and doors to promote good ventilation in the room. Fresh air helps dissipate any remaining odors and contributes to a more pleasant environment.
Apply an enzyme-based pet odor neutralizer, such as BUBBAS Super Strength, to the previously stained area. Follow the product’s instructions carefully, as these neutralizers work by breaking down and digesting the organic components of the urine that cause the odor. Allow the neutralizer to air dry.
You can also use a pet-friendly air freshener to add a pleasant scent to the room. Ensure the air freshener is safe for pets and does not contain harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take for Vinegar to Remove Urine Smell?
Vinegar usually takes 10-20 minutes to remove the initial urine smell from hardwood floors. However, if the pee has seeped deeper into hardwood floors, the vinegar solution will take 5–6 hours to neutralize the smell fully.
How Do You Get Dried Dog Urine Out of Hardwood Floors?
To get dried dog urine out of hardwood floors, sprinkle baking soda over the place of the mess overnight to absorb the odor and moisture. Vacuum it thoroughly in the morning to remove dried crystals.
Conclusion
Traditional cleaning methods often fall short against stubborn dog urine stains and odors on hardwood floors. You deserve a deeper clean that doesn’t just mask the problem but eliminates it at its source. That’s where BUBBAS Super Strength Enzyme Cleaner and Odor Remover steps in.
BUBBAS’s enzyme formula tackles even the toughest pet messes at the source, breaking down organic matter and neutralizing odors without harsh chemicals.
Click here to order your bottle of BUBBAS Super Strength Enzyme Cleaner and Odor Remover today.
