How to Remove Pet Urine Smell from Plywood Subfloor

If you have a pet and your house smells like urine, it might be because of the subfloor. Subfloors are often made from plywood, which has the tendency to soak up smell even more than carpeting does. This is especially true when there’s an accident on or near the floorboards.

To effectively rid your subfloor of any pet urine odor, you’ll need to choose the right cleaning agent for your floor. Prepare the area, then carefully apply the cleaning agent. Leave the cleaning agent to sit for a while depending on the directives. Afterward, clean the area with a cloth and apply a sealant for protection.

The good news is that understanding how to remove pet urine smell from plywood subfloor is pretty simple with the proper preparation and products.

What Makes Pet Urine So Hard To Remove?

When it comes to pet urine, the main problem is that it’s extremely acidic. This acidity can break down fibers in carpet and flooring, which leads to those pesky stains that are so hard to remove. And on top of that, pet urine also contains bacteria that can cause an odor. So not only do you have to worry about the visible stains, but you also have to worry about the smell.

Why You Need to Deal With Pet Urine Removal as Soon as Possible

It’s important to remove pet urine as soon as possible for two main reasons. First, the longer pet urine sits, the more time it has to break down fibers and cause stains. Second, the bacteria in pet urine can multiply quickly, leading to an even worse smell. So if you’re dealing with pet urine, it’s important to act fast.

Tips for Removing Pet Urine Smell from Plywood Subflooring

Enzymatic Cleaners.

Enzymatic cleaners are great for removing pet urine smell from plywood subflooring. They break down the smell instead of just masking it. Enzymatic cleaners usually come as a spray or powder and can be found at pet supply stores or online.

Baking Soda.

Baking soda absorbs the smell of a pet urine accident and can be used to remove it from plywood subflooring. Don’t use this method on any area where you plan to apply paint because baking soda can interfere with adhesion.

Hydrogen Peroxide.

Pet urine smell is a result of an enzymatic reaction that produces hydrogen sulfide gas, which has the strong odor of rotten eggs. Hydrogen peroxide is great at breaking down the chemicals that produce this smell, so it’s a good choice for removing the pet urine smell from plywood subflooring.

Commercial Cleaners.

As a last resort, you can always use commercial cleaners to remove the pet urine smell from plywood subflooring. These products are available at home improvement stores and work by breaking down enzymes, so they’re a good choice for this type of job.

Just follow the directions on the label and be sure to take all safety precautions.

Removing the Subfloor.

If the subfloor is badly damaged or you just want to replace it, consider using plywood that’s been pretreated with a waterproofing agent. These boards are coated with a chemical that makes them easier to clean and repel stains.

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How to Remove Pet Urine Smell from Plywood Subfloor

If you’re not sure which method to use, try using enzymatic cleaners first. They’re the safest option for people and animals, they work very quickly and can be used on any surface where you plan to apply paint.

Choosing an Enzymatic cleaner

To choose an enzymatic cleaner, you’ll need to know what type of material your subfloor is made from. Plywood can be made with several different kinds of glue. It’s important to choose an enzymatic cleaner that is designed for the specific type your board is made with.

If you’re not sure, look for products that say “pet safe” on the label and make sure they don’t contain bleach or any other harsh chemicals.

How to Remove Pet Urine Smell from Plywood Subfloor in Four Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Before using any enzymatic cleaners to remove the pet urine smell from the plywood subfloor, sweep or vacuum up any loose debris.

Then, use a damp cloth to wipe up the smelliest areas and dry them with another clean cloth or paper towel. This will reduce the risk of any residual moisture-causing mold.

Step 2: Apply Cleaner

Following the directions on your chosen enzymatic cleaner, apply it to the plywood subflooring and let sit for five minutes. The longer you leave it on, the better; some cleaners recommend letting them sit overnight.

Step 3: Wipe Up

Using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe the cleaner off the subflooring until all the smell is gone. You may need to repeat these steps until you’ve removed all traces of the enzymes. Don’t let any cleaner stay on the plywood after it has broken down.

Step 4: Let Dry and Seal

Finally, let your subfloor dry completely before you do any sanding or painting. Then, apply a waterproof sealant to the plywood and let it dry before using it again.

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How to prevent urine smell from creeping back

Keep pets out

After you remove pet urine smell from the plywood subfloor, keep your pets away. If they go to the bathroom in this area again, the enzymes will start working all over.

Place a large rug in front of the area

Place an absorbent rug or mat outside your pet’s favorite spot to catch any accidents and minimize damage.

Keep the area ventilated

If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep the area ventilated so humidity doesn’t build up and create mold.

Apply a sealant

If you still notice the smell after removing pet urine from plywood subflooring, apply a waterproof sealer to protect the wood and prevent future accidents.

Avoid using cleaners that contain ammonia

Ammonia will attract your pet to this area again. It’s best to avoid any products containing ammonia when you’re trying to remove the pet urine smell from the plywood subfloor.

Keep the area clean

If your pet has an accident in this spot, remove any mess as soon as possible and clean any residual smell with an enzymatic cleaner.

Removing Pet Urine Stains From Plywood Subfloor

it’s important to remove pet urine stains from plywood subflooring as soon as possible. Urine can cause the wood to rot, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You’ll need to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove pet urine stains from plywood subflooring. Enzymatic cleaners are safe for people and animals and work quickly to break down urine.

To choose an enzymatic cleaner, you’ll need to know what type of material your subfloor is made from. Plywood can be made with several different kinds of glue. It’s important to choose an enzymatic cleaner that is designed for the specific type your board is made with.

If you’re not sure, look for products that say “pet safe” on the label and make sure they don’t contain bleach or any other harsh chemicals.

Dealing With Problematic Stains

Harsh chemicals.

If the pet urine stain is particularly difficult, you may need to sand the area before applying the cleaner. You can also try using a thicker layer of cleaner and letting it sit for longer. Be sure to follow the directions on your chosen product, as each one is different.

You should also avoid using cleaner harsh chemicals as they can damage the plywood and make the problem worse.

Mold and Mildew.

If you notice mold or mildew growing on the plywood, you’ll need to treat it with a fungicide before using any cleaners. Once you’ve treated the mold, be sure to apply a sealant to the area to prevent it from coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Stop My Pet From Urining on Subfloor?

The best way to stop your pet from urinating on the subfloor is to keep them away from the area. You can do this by placing a rug or mat in front of the door or using a baby gate to block off the area. You should also keep the area well-ventilated so that any urine smell doesn’t build up and attract your pet back to the area.

Does kilz get rid of the pet urine smell?

Kilz doesn’t include any enzymes, but it has some properties useful for removing pet urine smell. Since it’s oil-based, it’s a good choice for sealing all sorts of porous surfaces and preventing moisture from getting through.

How long does it take the pet urine smell to go away?

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for all traces of the smell to disappear, depending on the size of the area and how long it’s been there.

Does bleach get rid of the pet urine smell?

Bleach can be a good choice for removing the enzymes from your subflooring. However, it can be an irritant if you’re not careful. Some cleaners include a bleach-free option, but it’s important to make sure the enzymes are completely gone before you place any pets in the area.

What if the pet urine smell is still there after cleaning?

When the enzymes are left behind, it’s a sign that you either didn’t treat the area for long enough or didn’t use an enzymatic cleaner.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to remove the pet urine smell from the plywood subfloor, it’s time to do some deep cleaning and prevent this problem from happening again. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully and take extra precautions if you have a carpeted subfloor.

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