How to Clean Pet Stains on Floors
Who doesn’t love having a friendly pet in the house? From super cuddly cats to obedient dogs, there is no limit to what you can have as a pet. However, mind it, keeping a pet isn’t easy.
Having a pet is like having a baby whom you need to look after 24×7. From feeding to bathing them, to playing with them to toilet training, you need to be alert around the pets all the time.
Moreover, no matter how well trained your dogs or cats are, they can still make a mess around the house!
Whether they spill your expensive wine on the carpet or pee on the floor just near the couch, pet stains need to be removed quickly, or else when dried, it can become difficult to deal with.
Thus, how to get pet stains out of hardwood floors? Is there any easy way to remove pet stains from hardwood floors without damaging them?
Thus, calling out all the pet lovers, if you have one in the house, you need to read what we are about to share next with you!
How to Remove Pet Stains from Hardwood Floors
Did your dog mistake the floor for his toilet and peed all over it? On the other hand, did the cat poo around the place?
No matter how well you have trained your pets, accidents can happen and if you do not clean the mess quickly, it can stain your hardwood floor.
So, how to remove urine stains from hardwood? Which is the best way to remove pet stains on hardwood floors? Here is how you do it:
1. White Vinegar and Grapefruit Oil
Pet stain can leave a foul odor that can be hard to get rid of as the stain itself. So, how to remove pet stains from hardwood floors without having to use any strong cleaners?
We will recommend the all-natural and the best deodorizer, white vinegar. What most people do not know is that white vinegar is acidic and a natural sanitizer and deodorizer. Mix it in water and you will easily get rid of the stain and odor.
But some people are uncomfortable with vinegar’s strong, acidic smell. Thus, add a few drops of grapefruit oil to cut its strong smell and you should be good to go. so, how do you go about it?
We would suggest dipping a piece of cloth in the solution and blotting the area. Leave it on the stain for 15 to 20 minutes, rub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse it with water.
2. Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Another popular homemade cleaning solution that will help you get rid of the pet stain and odor is baking soda and vinegar. But how do you use it?
You can either sprinkle the baking soda directly on the stains, let it sit there for a few minutes, spritz with vinegar and water, rub and rinse.
Alternatively, you can make a thick paste out of baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the stains. Leave it there for some time, if the need is, rub it using a soft brush and rinse it with water.
Make sure; whichever method of cleaning you are using, just do not forget to let the hardwood floor dry completely from the spot.
3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Okay, so if you are unable to remove the stains using the homemade cleaners, you then might need something stronger to get rid of them.
For removing pet stains from hardwood floors, we recommend using hydrogen peroxide.
Just pour some of it on a clean piece of cloth, clean the stains and wipe clean. But is hydrogen peroxide safe to use?
Yes, it is very safe to be used on the hardwood floor and hence can easily be found in the same aisle as the cleaning detergents in the supermarkets.
4. Use Enzymatic Cleaner
Well, if you are in desperate need of removing a stubborn, old pet stain, use a store-bought cleaner.
Make sure you opt for one that is specifically made to remove pet stains and odor but does not contain any harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach which can discolor or damage the hardwood floor.
5. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
When you have a delicate flooring type like hardwood, we would recommend always going natural for cleaning stains.
For making a more effective stain remover at home, we’d suggest mixing hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda altogether in water.
Either apply the solution directly to the stain or use a piece of cloth to blot the stains.
The key factor that helps in the easy removal of the stains is that you let the solution sit on the stains for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to saturate and break down the stain particles so they become easier to get rid of.
If the need is, use a soft brush to rub the stains and rinse with water.
If the stains are small, we’d suggest wiping it clean with wet wipes or if you have rinsed it water, make sure you fully air dry the room to avoid seepage of water into the floor.
Top 6 Pet Stain Removal Tips
Removing pet stains becomes difficult only when they dry up or are left unattended for long. Thus, to avoid any damage to your hardwood floors, here are some useful tips:
- When you see your pet peeing or pooing on the floor, quickly rush into action with a handful of paper towels and clean the stain
- The quicker you clean the mess, the easier it will be to do
- Toilet train your pet and take them to the toilet on their time even when they have been properly trained to avoid accidents
- Never rub the pet stains using sharp tools or harsh chemicals or it can cause damage to the hardwood floors
- Have a cleaner always ready in case of spills and accidents
- Make sure you air-dry the floor after cleaning it with water
Stains only become hard to remove when they have become old or dried up. Thus, pet stains can leave a lingering smell behind them let alone stain the floor.
Thus, make sure if you have watched your dog or cat peeing on the floor, you are quick to clean up the mess.
Can Pet Urine Damage Hardwood Floor?
If your pet had back-to-back peeing accidents and you were just too lazy to clean up the mess, then yes, there is a chance that you will soon watch the floor cracking open. But why is that so?
When you leave pet urine unattended, the fluid seeps into the floor and may cause damage over time.
The same goes for water! So, even if you are regular in cleaning the hardwood floor with a damp mop, make sure you let the floor air dry completely because any traces of moisture will not only breed mold and germs but will also ruin the floor from within.
Also, pet stains leave a foul smell behind them if not cleaned on time, something you couldn’t stand either. Thus, before the stain dried up and becomes difficult to get rid of, be quick to clean it so your room does not smell bad.
Relax and Enjoy!
And even if after cleaning there is a smell lingering around, using baking soda to clean the place which will not only deodorize the house but also sanitize the hardwood floors, making it all clean and fresh.
You may also take a look at our ultimate step-by-step vacuum cleaners buying guide.