Having a dog is one of the many joys we can have in life. No companionship is quite like the kind we get from our four-legged friends. While having these family members can fulfill our lives, potty training can be a nightmare!
If you have lovely laminate floors, you will want to protect them. Dog urine can have a real impact on the longevity of this flooring. Here are a few ways you can protect your laminate from puppy piddles.
The 5 Top Ways to Protect Laminate Floors From Dog Pee
1. Puppy Pee Pads
Puppy pads are one way that you can protect your laminate floors without the urine seeping through. Puppy pads are exactly as stated; they are protection for floors and training resources for learning puppies.
Keep in mind that this is not meant to be a permanent solution. If a dog is reliant on puppy pads, this can make it very complicated to train them fully.
You might find that your dog is growing dependent on these puppy pads and not going to the bathroom as directed. However, no one wants to clean up urine all over the floor or have it get down in the grooves of each laminate section.
Many puppy pads have built-in scents to lure the puppy to the pad. So, these products definitely have their upsides and can protect floors well.
2. Clean Immediately
You will want to clean up the mess promptly. The longer the urine stays on the floor, the more that it can soak into the area. Look for messes, even ones that are hidden, such as under the kitchen table or in a corner.
Typically, many puppies will gravitate towards the same area to do their business. So, if they favor a specific area in your home, be sure to watch closely when they sniff around the same spot.
If you’re going to be away from home, it’s best to keep a young dog in a crate. However, you shouldn’t keep them in the crate for longer than a few hours if have a puppy.
3. Use Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaner uses certain pH levels to break down certain stains or smells. You can buy some commercially or even whip up your own at home. They are inexpensive ways to eliminate pet smells and ensure your laminate stays clean.
You just shouldn’t use furniture polish or oil-based floor cleaners on laminate—it can really destroy the quality. So, make sure to check the compatibility of the enzymatic cleaner and your specific type of flooring.
4. White Vinegar
Many people use everyday home remedies like white vinegar, baking soda, and charcoal. However, many recipes online offer different ingredients to take care of odor and leave your laminate in good shape.
Lemon is also a nice addition to white vinegar, as it adds an aroma and a powerful clean. Generally, you should make a concoction of ¼ cups vinegar to 2 ½ cups water. You can also add ½ teaspoons of high-quality dish soap for an extra clean.
Not only is this a powerful formula to clean up your dog’s pee, but it can also work for many other cleaning tasks around the home. Usually, it’s something you already have in your cabinet, so no store trips are in order either.
5. Use Rug Pads
You can always protect laminate with rugs. But not just any rugs—it’s best to have padding underneath to prevent exposure if your dog pees on the rug instead. These work great if you plan to confine your puppy to a specific area.
You can buy a rug big enough to fit and then cut a piece of flat memory foam to go in between. You can come up with a concept that works best for your space.
The Problem with Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are traditionally more sensitive to dog urine than other types of flooring. The laminate is protected with polyurethane and can be sensitive to some cleaners. Dog urine also easily gets in the laminate creases, causing bubbling and other warping in the floor.
Since it’s difficult to clean, you will likely have to take extra precautions to keep it safe. Hopefully, some of the ideas on this list can help out in your home environment.
How to Get Rid of Dog Smells in the House
If you’re having trouble controlling odors in the home because your dog is going through the potty training process, here are some ways to keep smells to a minimum.
- Use a baking soda, peroxide, and dish detergent solution. You can use this method to clean surfaces, add it to pet items in the laundry, and use it for general cleanup. It is a very handy and inexpensive way to stop odors in their tracks.
- Use a pet-safe scent. There are many scents on the market that are not safe for cats or dogs. If you have pets in the home, always make sure that the scent is completely safe to have around your animals.
- Clean messes right away. Do not let urine soak into laminate flooring. It is imperative that you clean up the mess as soon as you see it. Accidents can happen, and things can get pretty messy. The last thing you will want is for it to have a permanent effect on your floors. So, constantly be on the lookout.
- Use safe essential oils in the diffuser. If you know the appropriate types of essential oils to use around dogs, you can always try to put some in the diffuser. It can really help spruce up the smell of the house, keeping things fresh and natural.
- Run a fan to promote airflow. Having good air circulation around the house can really keep bad smells from setting. Try to run a fan to keep things moving smoothly and to keep other odors at bay.
- Invest in an air purifier. If you have pets, having an air purifier can be a real godsend. These systems will neutralize these smells around your home, producing a fresh, crisp air quality around the home.
- Use pet-specific products. No matter what type of scent you’re using, you will always want to make sure it is completely safe for your dog. Read the ingredient labels and check for any warnings before use.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have a few ideas on how to keep your laminate floors protected. Dogs don’t mean to, but they can be destructive and make things pretty pricey to fix. Your laminate floors shouldn’t be one of them.
Always try to keep the laminate as dry as possible, even if you have to combine a few of these measures. Pet urine or stagnant water can damage the polyurethane.
Featured Image Credit: Koldunov, Shutterstock
