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How to Remove Dog Urine Smell from Floor Naturally & Safely

ByLisa Stevens

Dealing with dog urine smell on your floors can be frustrating and embarrassing. Whether it’s an occasional accident or a frequent issue, the odor can linger and make your home less inviting. 

Maintaining a fresh and clean living environment requires understanding how to remove smells effectively. 

You can get rid of dog urine smell from floors by blotting the urine quickly and using an enzymatic cleaner. For stubborn smells, apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Always dry the area thoroughly to prevent lingering odors.

Dog urine smell isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can permeate your entire home, affecting the comfort and health of everyone living there. 

Not only does it make your house smell bad, but it can also damage your floors if not treated properly. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best methods for how to remove dog urine smell from floor, ensuring your home smells pleasant once again.

Dog Urine Odor: An Overview

Dog urine smell is notoriously strong and persistent. This is because of the high concentration of urea, uric acid, and ammonia found in dog urine. 

When urine is left to sit, bacteria break down the urea and release a strong ammonia odor. This is further compounded by the uric acid crystals, which can bind to surfaces and resist standard cleaning methods.

Prolonged exposure to ammonia from dog urine can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation in humans and pets, especially in enclosed spaces.

One interesting fact is that dog urine can vary in smell and potency based on factors such as diet, age, and health. 

Puppies and older dogs, for example, may have more pungent urine due to less efficient kidney function. Additionally, the type of flooring material can impact how easily the smell is absorbed and how difficult it is to remove.

Preparing to Remove Dog Urine Smell

door on floor

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies and take some preparatory steps to ensure effective odor removal.

Gather Necessary Cleaning Supplies

  • Enzymatic cleaner (specifically designed for pet urine)
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Essential oils (optional, for added freshness)
  • Cleaning cloths and mop
  • Rubber gloves
  • Scrub brush (for tiles and grout)

Safety Precautions

  • Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals.
  • Ensure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes from cleaners.
  • Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor to check for colorfastness.

Methods for Different Floor Types

Each flooring type requires a specific approach to effectively remove dog urine smell. Here are detailed methods for hardwood, tile, laminate, and carpeted floors.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful but can be quite susceptible to damage from dog urine. The key is to act quickly to prevent the urine from seeping into the wood.

  1. Blotting Up the Urine:
    • Immediately blot up as much urine as possible using paper towels or a clean cloth.
    • Avoid rubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the wood.
  2. Using a Hardwood-Safe Enzymatic Cleaner:
    • Apply the enzymatic cleaner generously to the affected area.
    • Allow it to sit for the recommended time to break down the uric acid crystals.
    • Wipe away the cleaner with a damp cloth.
  3. Applying a Vinegar and Water Solution:
    • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
    • Spray the solution on the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
    • Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
  4. Rinsing and Drying:
    • Rinse the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
    • Dry the floor thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water damage.

Tile Floors

Tile floors are more resistant to dog urine but can still absorb odors, especially in the grout lines.

  1. Blotting Up the Urine:
    • Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up the urine immediately.
  2. Using a Tile-Safe Enzymatic Cleaner:
    • Apply the enzymatic cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for the recommended time.
    • Scrub the grout lines with a scrub brush to ensure thorough cleaning.
  3. Scrubbing Grout Lines with Baking Soda:
    • Make a paste of baking soda and water.
    • Apply the paste to the grout lines and scrub with a brush.
    • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water.
  4. Rinsing and Drying:
    • Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
    • Dry the floor with a clean, dry cloth.

Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are more resistant to moisture, but excessive liquid can still cause damage.

  1. Blotting Up the Urine:
    • Immediately blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels or a cloth.
  2. Using a Laminate-Safe Enzymatic Cleaner:
    • Spray the enzymatic cleaner on the affected area and let it sit for the recommended time.
    • Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
  3. Avoiding Excessive Moisture:
    • Use a minimal amount of water to prevent damage to the laminate.
    • Wipe the area dry immediately after cleaning.

Carpeted Floors

Carpeted floors can be particularly challenging due to their absorbent nature, but with the right approach, you can effectively remove dog urine smell.

  1. Blotting Up the Urine:
    • Blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels or a cloth.
    • Use a gentle pressing motion to avoid pushing the urine deeper into the carpet fibers.
  2. Using a Carpet-Safe Enzymatic Cleaner:
    • Apply the enzymatic cleaner generously to the affected area.
    • Allow it to sit for the recommended time to break down the uric acid crystals.
    • Blot the area again to remove excess cleaner and urine.
  3. Applying a Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture:
    • Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area.
    • Mix hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and spray it over the baking soda.
    • Gently scrub the area with a soft brush and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
    • Vacuum the area once it’s dry to remove the baking soda residue.

Preventing Future Accidents

Preventing future accidents is essential to maintaining a fresh-smelling home. Here are some tips to help you avoid future mishaps.

Training Your Dog

  • Consistent Bathroom Breaks:
    • Take your dog outside regularly, especially after meals and naps.
    • Praise and reward your dog for going outside.
  • Using Dog Repellents:
    • Apply dog repellents to areas where your dog frequently urinates.
  • Investing in Washable Pee Pads:
    • Use pee pads for indoor accidents and train your dog to use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the smell to go away? The time it takes for the smell to dissipate depends on the severity of the odor and the effectiveness of the cleaning method. Typically, you should notice an improvement within a few hours to a couple of days.

Can I use bleach to clean dog urine? It’s not recommended to use bleach, as it can react with the ammonia in dog urine and produce harmful fumes. Additionally, bleach can damage certain floor types.

What if the odor persists despite cleaning? If the odor persists, consider repeating the cleaning process or using a professional cleaning service. Persistent odors may indicate that the urine has penetrated deeply into the flooring material.

Are there any homemade solutions for removing dog urine smell? Yes, a mixture of white vinegar and water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can be effective homemade solutions. However, enzymatic cleaners specifically designed for pet urine are often more effective.

Conclusion

Removing dog urine smell from floors is essential for maintaining a clean and pleasant home environment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively tackle odors on various flooring types and prevent future accidents. Remember to act quickly, use the right cleaning products, and train your dog to avoid indoor urination. Your home will smell fresh and inviting once again.

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