How do I get rid of cat odor ?

Barb
by Barb

How do I get rid of cat odor in hardwood floors?

  5 answers
  • Marie Rother Marie Rother on Aug 15, 2018

    This is the hardest odor to remove because more than likely it is in the subfloors which are unreachable

    you also have to be cognizant of what will damage the floors themselves

    Baking soda sprinkled and left overnight will absorb some odors and raise any leftover dampness from between the boards

  • Beth W Beth W on Aug 15, 2018

    If it is urine that has soaked in you will have to replace the affected area and possibly the subfloor that is affected. Cats eat a high fish oil content diet and it passes through the urine. You may be able to paint the floor with Kilz primer and then paint the floor in the color of your choice. I have a hall closet that the previous owners used for their cat. It was the most overpowering cat Oder I have encountered. I found a product that has eliminated the smell. It is called Fresh Wave. I found it at Walgreens, on Amazon and at Costco. Try it first and let us know how it worked for you.

  • Becky Becky on Aug 15, 2018

    That's a toughie - it really permeates. We've had a best luck with commercial products (available at pet supply stores) created with specific enzymes to neutralize the odor (not just a perfumy cover-up). Read labels though - they may damage the finish. If the urine has gotten really soaked into the wood, you may need to sand off the finish, really soak with the treatment, then refinish the floor :-( . . . but you may get lucky and not need to. Baking soda and/or vinegar are also good things to try.

  • A.V. Perkins A.V. Perkins on Aug 15, 2018

    Use 3% hydrogen peroxide with water. Moisten a rag or paper towels thoroughly with the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Cover the stained area with the moistened paper towel or rag. Let the peroxide sit on the stain for a couple of hours or over night depending on the severity of the stain.

  • Linda Adela De Hoyos Linda Adela De Hoyos on Aug 16, 2018

    I used pure vinegar. Sponged the vinegar into my wood floor and let it dry. I have never had to repeat the process but would do so if the smell is still there. The vinegar did not damage my wood floor but the cat urine did leave a stain. I lightly sanded the stained area with a sanding sponge. The stain did not totally disappear but it's not very noticeable. If you need to clean all your wood floors I would recommend using a sponge mop.