How to get rid of the smell of urine on the floor from a dog? - briefly
To eliminate the smell of dog urine from the floor, first blot the area with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe clean with a damp cloth followed by a dry one.
How to get rid of the smell of urine on the floor from a dog? - in detail
To effectively eliminate the smell of dog urine from the floor, follow these detailed steps:
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Blot the Area Immediately: The first step is to blot the affected area with paper towels or cloths to absorb as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the urine and make the stain worse.
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Neutralize the Odor: Dog urine contains ammonia, which gives it a strong odor. To neutralize the smell, you need to change the pH of the area. You can use a mixture of white vinegar and water (equal parts) or a commercial enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains. Apply the solution liberally to the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
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Blot Again: After allowing the neutralizing solution to sit, blot the area again with dry towels or cloths to remove as much of the liquid as possible. You may need to repeat this step several times to ensure that all the urine and cleaning solution are absorbed.
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Apply Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the more odor it will absorb.
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Vacuum Thoroughly: After the baking soda has had time to work, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove all traces of the powder. This step is crucial to ensure that no residue remains, which could potentially attract your dog back to the same spot.
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Check for Any Remaining Odor: If there is still a faint odor, you may need to repeat the process, especially if the urine has soaked deep into the flooring or subfloor. In some cases, it might be necessary to use a blacklight to detect any remaining urine that is not visible to the naked eye.
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Professional Help: If the smell persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in a professional cleaning service. They have specialized equipment and cleaners that can penetrate deeper into the flooring to eliminate the odor completely.
Prevention Tips:
- Train your dog to use a specific area for elimination, such as a designated spot outdoors or a litter box indoors.
- Clean up any accidents immediately to prevent the urine from setting and becoming more difficult to remove.
- Consider using an enzymatic cleaner regularly on areas where your dog frequently goes to help neutralize odors before they become noticeable.