Pet urine can leave a lingering smell on wood floors that is difficult to remove. The smell is caused by the uric acid in the urine, which is a strong-smelling compound. If you have a pet that has urinated on your wood floors, it is important to clean it up immediately to prevent the smell from setting in. Here are a few tips for removing pet urine smell from wood floors:

How to Remove Pet Urine Smell from Wood Floors

Blot Up the Urine Immediately

The first step is to blot up the urine as quickly as possible. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to absorb as much of the urine as you can. Do not rub the urine, as this will only spread it around and make it more difficult to remove. Tip: Place a weight on the paper towels to help absorb the urine.

Rinse the Area with Water

Once you have blotted up the urine, rinse the area with water. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the area where the urine was. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly to remove any residual urine. Tip: You can add a little bit of white vinegar to the water to help neutralize the smell of the urine.

Apply a Cleaning Solution

After you have rinsed the area with water, apply a cleaning solution to the area. There are a few different cleaning solutions that you can use, including:

  • A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water
  • A commercial pet urine remover
  • A mixture of baking soda and water
Apply the cleaning solution to the area where the urine was and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the directions. Tip: If you are using a commercial pet urine remover, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the finish on your wood floors.

Rinse the Area Again

After the cleaning solution has sat for the specified amount of time, rinse the area again with water. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the area and be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Tip: You can add a little bit of fabric softener to the water to help neutralize the smell of the urine.

Dry the Area Thoroughly

Once you have rinsed the area with water, dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels. Be sure to dry the area completely to prevent the smell of the urine from returning. Tip: You can also use a fan to help dry the area more quickly.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for removing pet urine smell from wood floors:

  • If the smell of the urine is still strong after you have tried the above steps, you can try using an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes that break down the uric acid in the urine, which will help to remove the smell.
  • If the smell of the urine is still strong after you have tried all of the above steps, you may need to refinish the wood floors. This is a more drastic measure, but it may be necessary to completely remove the smell of the urine.