Quck answer
Urine odor on wood can be unpleasant and difficult to remove. To eliminate the smell, start by blotting up any excess urine with paper towels. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, then use a cloth or sponge to gently scrub the affected area. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. If the odor persists, sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let it sit overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day. For stubborn smells, try using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down urine molecules. Remember to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood first.
Getting rid of urine odor on wood floors, furniture, or decks may require using multiple solutions and applying them multiple times. Wood is porous by nature, which means it can easily stain and absorb odors. Urine is particularly challenging to remove from wood because the ammonia in urine quickly penetrates the wood fibers. If not cleaned up promptly, urine decomposes and causes the undiluted ammonia to damage the wood finish. The age, finish, and type of wood will determine the effectiveness of different treatments for eliminating urine odor. The first option is to attempt removing the odor using home remedies or a commercial enzyme product.
Step 1
Immediately after the urine is deposited, place paper towels over the wet spot. Blot as much urine as possible, ensuring you reach the outer edges. Before the floor dries, generously sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit overnight to absorb the moisture. Additionally, a commercial enzyme-based product can help clean and deodorize urine odors by breaking down urine crystals. When using an enzyme solution, start by blotting the area with paper towels and then saturate it with the enzyme solution. Finish the process with a gentle, organic cleaner.
Step 2
If the odor persists, mix half a cup each of baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap. Add enough 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to increase the volume of the mixture by 10 percent. Thoroughly saturate the area with this solution. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then blot with paper towels. Once dry, perform a sniff test. A second treatment may be necessary. For stains, apply some hydrogen peroxide to the soiled area and cover it with a damp cloth. Check regularly to see if the stain is lifting.
Step 3
If home remedies and commercial cleaning products do not work, the next step in eliminating urine odor may involve sanding and refinishing the affected area. In cases where repeatedly soiled areas continue to emit odor, more aggressive measures such as removing or replacing the wood may be necessary. Always treat the stain before attempting to refinish the wood, as the heat generated by sanding can cause the urine crystals to become embedded in the wood, leading to darker stains. Try using multiple applications of cleaner to remove as much of the staining as possible before refinishing.
