How to Remove Pet Stains Hardwood Floors

by Rob Buenaventura

People have had to housebreak a pet know that those stains can be tough to remove. They are most difficult to remove from hardwood floors. It is even worse for the new homeowner who pulls up old carpet only to find dark, often black, stains that have set into the hardwood floors underneath. These homeowners find themselves searching anywhere hoping to learn how to remove pet stains hardwood floors.

Obviously, the number one tip when searching on how to remove pet stains hardwood floors is that the sooner the stain is treated the easier it will be to remove. The stain will get blacker and blacker as the acid in urine burns the wood. Eventually the urine will crystallize into a salt like substance, but even then can continue to damage wood and smell. The less time the stain remains, the less wood it will seep into and turn black. Some people recommend applying extra finish or wax to wood that is often exposed.

The internet keywords how to remove pet stains hardwood floors will inevitably lead to products designed to remove pet stains. These are normally chemicals that dissolve the biological components to the urine. This takes care of the odor and the salt like substance. However, the blackness normally remains or is changed to a grey, faded color. These products are recommended for use prior to any refinishing efforts to prevent the stain from reappearing.

After a product has been used to remove the stain, some companies recommend refinishing the floor to remove the faded look. It is important that the urine be neutralized first or the stain will eventually reappear. Remaining stains that are not very deep can be sanded away. However, stains that have set in for many years may be through the entire thickness of the wood and sanding will not help. Also, if pet stains occur frequently, sanding is not a viable option.

Many people recommend using Hydrogen Peroxide on these stains. Peroxide works on the stain in two ways. First, it can help neutralize the urine if another product has not already been used. Secondly, it can whiten the grey or dingy wood after being treated with a urine removal product. It is recommended that the peroxide be poured directly onto the stain and left alone for at least one day. The wood should be significantly whiter afterwards. The wood may need to be refinished afterwards.

Online there are many tips to remove pet stains from hardwood floors. There are alternatives to the methods stated above, but they are not as highly recommended. The widely acknowledged key to fixing the problem is to neutralize the damaging chemicals as soon as possible and before redoing the wood.





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