Urine pet stains on hardwood floors are typically ugly white or black rings. Sadly, mopping or scrubbing the rings with regular cleaners does nothing to improve their appearance and may make urine odors more obvious. Removing the stains requires an oxidizing and bleaching agent, like hydrogen peroxide.
Step 1
Place enough paper towels on top of the stained area to cover it fully.
Step 2
Spray hydrogen peroxide onto the towels until they are damp. Do not soak the paper towels.
Step 3
Leave the peroxide towels on the stained area for several hours, checking them once each hour for dampness. If they begin to dry out, remoisten with more hydrogen peroxide.
Step 4
Remove the paper towels and sprinkle a thick coating of baking soda over the treated area of floor. The baking soda will remove moisture and odor from the wood.
Step 5
Vacuum up the baking soda after one hour and check the floor for dampness. If some moisture remains, apply more baking soda and allow it to sit for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 6
Check the area for odor and staining once it is fully dry. If any sign of the stain remains, repeat the treatment.
References
Tips
- The acid in pet urine can react with the varnish on your wood floors. Additionally, the stain removal process may also negatively affect your floor's finish. It is likely you'll need to revarnish the floor once the stain is completely gone.
Warnings
- Dark wood may lighten after contact with hydrogen peroxide. If your wood floors are dark, either try an enzymatic cleaning solution instead of the peroxide or consult a professional for advice.
Writer Bio
Sandra Ketcham has nearly two decades of experience writing and editing for major websites and magazines. Her work appears in numerous web and print publications, including "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "The Tampa Bay Times," Visit Florida, "USA Today," AOL's Gadling and "Kraze Magazine."