Getting a new puppy, more often than not, entails potty training and if you have hardwood floors in your home, the likelihood is pretty high. Like any type of moisture, dog urine can quickly damage wooden floors. As true with spills, dog accidents need to be cleaned as quickly as possible to prevent permanent staining. If permanent staining occurs, you will likely have to sand it out and refinish. Today, we at Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like list a method on how to clean hardwood floors that have been inflicted with dog urine.
How Do You Clean Dog Urine from Hardwood Floors?
1) Immediately tend to the mess. Use paper towels to blot up the surface urine. To keep it contained and avoid it from spreading, start blotting from the outside towards the center. After the urine is blotted dry, use a damp, clean cloth or additional paper towels to blot again in the same area.
2) Generously sprinkle baking soda in the inflicted area, do this while the wood floor is still partially damp from the moist blot rinse. This will allow the baking soda to do its part more effectively.
3) With the baking soda evenly spread over the urine area, allow it to sit for several hours, or even overnight; vacuum or sweep up the soiled baking soda. Ensure your use the hose wit the soft brush attachment or the “bare floor” setting on your vacuum to avoid damage.
4) If the area has become discolored, use an enzyme-based stain remover to tend to the stain. Before using the cleaner, make certain it is safe to use on hardwood floors. Even if it clearly says it is safe, it never hurts to conduct a patch test in an inconspicuous area to make sure the wood floor will not be compromised.
5) Blot any excess cleaner at the conclusion of the treatment and do so according to the directions on the label.
6) After the dog urine is tended to, conduct a full sweeping and cleaning, using your wood floor’s cleaner that is safe for pets. Keep in mind that there is a lot of bacteria in pet accident and taking the time to sanitize the whole floor is well worth the time spent cleaning your wood floor.
How to Protect Wood Floors from Pet Urine
Be sure the mess is treated promptly, otherwise it can dry in and seep into the wood floor. If the smell remains, the pup will likely make more messes in that same area. Stay clear of ammonia-based cleaners; not only is not safe on your wood floor but it smells similar to dog urine, making it more attractive to your pet to continue to pee there. Avoid vinegar solutions as well as it could potentially have the same effect as the ammonia-based cleaners. Keep in mind that liquid will seep down and outwards so treat the area an additional 2-3 inches out more than the accident.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Chula Vista California
Whether you have pet accidents on your wood floor or not, having your hardwood floor cleaned by a professional frequently can ensure it is well taken care of and disinfected. If your wood floors are due for a deep cleaning, call the experts of Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning and let our specialists take care of your floor.
