How to Get Dog Smell Out of a Wooden Floor

By Charlotte Bowen

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Vacuum or broom and dustpan
Paper towels or cotton cloths
Baking soda
Mop and bucket (optional)
Wood cleaner such as Pine-Sol or Murphy's Oil Soap (optional)
Enzymatic cleanser such as Nature's Miracle (optional)
Old bath towel (optional)

Dog Odor Due to Dander

Step 1:
Thoroughly vacuum or sweep the area to remove as much dander and debris as possible.
Step 2:
Apply baking soda liberally to the problem areas. Baking soda will neutralize the odors and pull some of the trapped odor-laden moisture out of the wood. Allow the baking soda to sit for 24 hours before vacuuming. If the baking soda clumps before 24 hours has passed, vacuum the clumped baking soda and spread fresh baking soda on the area.
Step 3:
Check the area for lingering smells. If the baking soda does not completely neutralize the smell, then mop the floor with a solution of Pine-Sol or Murphy's Oil Soap according to package directions.

Dog Odor Due to Excrement

Step 1:
Wipe any visible urine or feces away from the area and dispose of the paper towel or cloth in a place where your dog can't get to it.
Step 2:
Spread baking soda liberally over the contaminated area to neutralize the odors. Leave it on for 24 hours and then vacuum. If the baking soda clumps before 24 hours has passed, vacuum the clumped baking soda and spread fresh baking soda on the area. Make sure the baking soda is in contact with the floor for at least 24 hours.
Step 3:
Check the floor for any lingering smells. If the smell remains, soak a bath towel in enzymatic cleanser and lay it over the smelly area. Leave the towel on the floor until it dries naturally. (Do not speed the drying with fans or heaters, as it will render the cleanser ineffective.) You may need to repeat this treatment if the smell is especially bad.

Tips & Warnings

If the dog smell is especially bad or persists after these treatments, consider hiring a professional to sand and refinish your wood floors. Wood is porous and it can trap odor-causing materials -- leading to stubborn odors which can be impossible to remove.
Before using any cleansers on your wood, try them in an inconspicuous area of the floor. If no discoloration or adverse effects occur, then proceed with treating a larger area of floor.

Resources

Nature's Miracle FAQ

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