How to Get Dog Poop Smell & Stains Out of Hardwood Floors: 4 Effective Ways
Our hardwoods are precious. They can be some of the most prized possessions in your household. Not only are hardwood floors easy to clean, but they are also beautiful. So, it’s no wonder that when you have a dog, you’re going to want to protect them as much as possible.
You have to protect hardwood floors from your dog's claws, spills, chewing, and any other messes they create. But when they have those accidents, they seem to seep into the porous wood and you might worry that there's no solution to getting rid of that smell.
Fret not!
We have a few magic cleaning tricks you can try without even having to go to the store.
The 4 Top Methods for Removing Poop Smells from Wood Floors
Putting chemicals on wood can be highly damaging to the surface and do more harm than good. So, you want to be careful about which solutions are used, and make sure to research the safety of all products beforehand.
We tested a few ourselves and can tell you that these are completely wood-safe options. If you would like to double-check us, please feel free.
1. Commercial Products - Most Effective
When in doubt, you can always turn to commercial products with specialized formulas ready to combat these exact problems. However, one major downfall of this option is that some chemicals can be extremely harsh and even toxic to pets and people.
There are tons of products on the line that contain powerful ingredients that combat odors. Just make sure that you follow the instructions without fail to prevent these chemicals from affecting anyone in your home.
Natural Alternatives
When you’re shopping for commercial products, you just want to make sure to quickly sweep over the ingredients, making sure that everyone in the home stays completely safe. There are also natural solutions you can buy.
These products tend to use green ingredients that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
Regardless of the option you choose, it should contain enzyme-based odor fighters that combat these aromas on the spot. You can buy commercial products both in-store and online. You can find either type on sites like Chewy.
2. White Vinegar and Grapefruit Oil
A mix of white vinegar and grapefruit oil is a simple combination that is powerful and effective. You simply mix one cup of white vinegar into a bucket of warm water. You add 2 to 3 drops of grapefruit oil to the solution, which controls the odor.
You can generously apply this combination to the stained area. Saturate and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing. Allow the mixture to do its magic and scrub the area, concentrating on the worst spots first.
Within a few minutes, you should see the screen disappearing. Once it looks like most of the work is done, allow the substance to dry so you can see if it's working.
You might have to repeat this process a few times for tough odors.
3. White Vinegar, Baking Soda, Dish Soap
Vinegar comes in handy yet again. You can combine the solution together and it is completely safe to use on furniture, upholstery, and any fabric as well as your hardwood floors.
You simply take ⅓ cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of baking soda, and ¼ cup of a good quality dish soap. Put all the ingredients into one bottle, shaking until it is mixed thoroughly. Once you have it all whipped up, you can generously spray it onto the stain.
Leave it to soak in for approximately 15 minutes. You can take a damp cloth and remove the solution from the floor. Once it dries, the odor should be completely gone.
4. For Dried Spots
It’s going to be a challenge to get a dry spot up off of your hardwood floor. It’s going to be even more challenging to remove the smell since it has already set.
For this, we recommend a one-to-one mixture of white distilled vinegar and water, or the most effective option, an enzyme cleaner. Pour onto the stain and let it soften the spot.
Once you can remove the excess debris and base scent swiftly, you can try one of the other methods to remove residual odors.
Final Thoughts
Most of these options are completely pet-safe and can get your house back in working order and smell-free. Accidents are just part of having your puppy in your house. Even though it might be challenging, getting your hardwood floors back to their original condition doesn't take much.
Choose the method that works best for your home and give it a whirl. If these solutions work as well for you as they did for us, your floors will come out looking as good as new!
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Ursula Page, Shutterstock
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
