How to Get Rid of Pet Odors on a Subfloor

If you've ever had a pet or stayed with someone who does, you know that they can stink. Stains and odors can seep into and through carpeting, wood flooring, tile and linoleum and the smell can linger for years. Whether the scents are from the pets of previous homeowners or your own four-legged family members, you can remove and seal out the odor.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Kilz or concrete paint with odor remover
  • Polyurethane sealant
  • Brush-type broom
  • Large fan/ventilation
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all flooring in the area from which the odor is coming. Pull up all carpet, wood, laminate and underlayment to ensure the concrete subfloor is bare.

    • 2

      Mix bleach and water in a one-to-one ratio. Apply it liberally to the subfloor area, scrubbing it in with the brush-type broom. Do not saturate the floor. The bleach will kill any remaining bacteria and germs in the subfloor.

    • 3

      Turn on the fan to help air flow across the scrubbed subfloor. Open windows and doors for good ventilation. The bleach may mix with the ammonia content in the stain and create noxious fumes.

    • 4

      Once the subfloor is completely dry, apply the Kilz primer or concrete paint. Their odor removing properties will help complete the process. Allow the Kilz or paint to dry completely, then apply a second coat.

    • 5

      After the Kilz or paint has dried completely and there is no trace of the pet odor, coat the area completely with the polyurethane. This will seal in any remaining odor and protect the subfloor from future odor absorption.

    • 6

      When the polyurethane has dried completely, replace the carpet, wood, linoleum or tile.