Tips to Remove Cat Urine Smells From Wood

When a cat urinates, it can leave a very unpleasant smell, especially when the urine soaks deep into wood. It's important to remove the urine the moment you notice your cat has used any wood as a litter box. If the urine isn't removed, the odor remain, and it can destroy the wood.
  1. When the Area is Wet

    • If the wood is still wet with urine, quickly dry it completely. You can gently blot the wood with paper towels, instead of pressing with a hard cloth that may press the urine deeper into the wood. Once you have soaked up the urine, simply dab white vinegar on a cloth or sponge and wipe the effected area repeatedly. If it is a more heavily soiled area, you can mix two parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle and apply liberally to the area instead. After washing the area with vinegar, rinse well with warm water. Once finished, go over the area with paper towels again, completely drying the area. For further protection of the wood, you can try using a specialized stain and odor-removing bacteria or enzyme cleaner, like Nature's Miracle or Odorban, as the final step.

    When the Area is Dry

    • If urine has already dried, you will need to apply products that will neutralize and break down the urine odor. You don't want to just mask the odor for a few days, so try methods to completely remove the odor. A method to try is mixing 15 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of baking soda and two squirts of liquid hand soap in a plastic container. Get a plastic spoon and apply this solution to the area, then rinse well with warm water. Be sure to completely dry the area after the treatment.

    Extra Information

    • The problem with urine and cats is, even the best cleaning removal method will not completely remove the odor to a cat. The cat will still be aware of the area. If a problem persists with your cat urinating on wood, check with a veterinarian. Your cat could have a deeper health issue that needs to be addressed.

      Also, when using any natural or over-the-counter cleaning products, take precautions. Wear gloves to protect your skin.

      Older dried stains may be more difficult to remove. If this proves to be the case, you can try sanding away the stain and resealing the wood.