How to Get Rid of a Cat Urine Smell From the Subfloors

Many households have a litter box that provides a cat with appropriate sanitary space -- but cats don't use the litter box all the time. According to the U.S. Food and Drug administration, cats urinate to eliminate waste, but also to mark their territory by spraying a musky-smelling urine. When urine soaks through the flooring, the only way to completely remove the smell is to treat the subflooring.

Things You'll Need

  • Black light
  • Permanent marker
  • Carpet knife
  • Enzymatic pet cleaner
  • Rags
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Water
  • Oil-based primer and sealant
  • Paintbrushes
  • Oil-based polyurethane varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off all lights and block sunlight from entering the room. Shine the black light on the soiled carpet. The light will expose urine, turning the soiled areas a bright purple. Circle the areas to be removed with the permanent marker.

    • 2

      Cut around the soiled area with a carpet knife, including an area at least six inches beyond the area of the stain. Remove a heavily stained carpet from the entire room. Discard the soiled carpet.

    • 3

      Remove and discard the carpet padding. Wipe up any remaining fluid with rags. Sweep or vacuum any debris from the subflooring.

    • 4

      Use the black light to show soiled areas on the wooden subfloor. Circle the areas with the marker.

    • 5

      Saturate the soiled areas with the enzymatic pet cleaner. Several cleaners on the market use natural enzymes to break down pet waste. Leave the area, allowing the enzymes to work and the floor to dry for about two weeks.

    • 6

      Paint the area with an oil-based sealant. Allow the sealant to dry for roughly two hours. Apply a second and third coat, allowing the sealant to dry between coats. Leave all three coats of sealant overnight to completely dry.

    • 7

      Spray a final coat of enzymatic pet cleaner on top of the sealant. Allow the area to thoroughly dry for about 12 hours.

    • 8

      Paint a coat of polyurethane on top of the sealant to protect the subfloor from future pet stains.

    • 9

      Replace the padding and carpet.