Hi everyone, I've recently moved into a charming 100-year-old craftsman home, but I'm facing a big issue with the original floors. They've soaked up all sorts of smells over the years, especially strong odors like stale cigarette smoke, mildew, and most distressingly, various pet odors, particularly cat urine. The floors are a beautiful burgundy Douglas Fir, and even though they're not perfect, I want to keep them. I've tried all sorts of remedies like vinegar washing, enzyme cleaners, an ozone generator, and resealing with Varathane, but the smell lingers, even after using Zinsser B-I-N shellac. It feels like I'm at my wit's end! Has anyone dealt with something similar and found a solution? Should I consider redoing the floor entirely or trying something like an oil-based polyurethane on top? Any guidance would be really appreciated!
3 Answers
I’ve been through something similar in my own century home and honestly, it can be a real battle to tackle those deep smells! After a decade of trying, I just accepted that I might have to redo my floors entirely if the odor doesn't budge. Especially with cat pee, it can bond to the subfloor really strongly. You might consider sanding down the top layer of your floors; that can sometimes help, but just be ready for a hassle since you’ve already tried sealing and other methods.
If you're open to it, I recommend renting a drum sander and starting with a coarser grit like 36. It’ll allow you to discover any trouble spots that might need more attention. After sanding, a good step would be to use oxalic acid on those spots, just remember to neutralize it with vinegar afterward. For sealing, I prefer an oil-based polyurethane since it usually offers a solid barrier against odors.
You're right, I need to weigh my options carefully. I’m trying desperately to keep as much of the original flooring as I can, but good to know I have some options if things get too bad!
I totally get the struggle! Have you tried using Odoban? It’s an enzyme cleaner that’s effective for odors. A friend of mine swears by it. If that doesn’t help, renting a drum sander might be a good next step. It can really help clear out those old smells by removing the top layers of wood, although it can be a lot of work, especially if you're trying to preserve the floors.
I haven’t tried Odoban yet; I’ll look into that! The sanding sounds like a big job, but I might have to consider it if all else fails.
Thanks for sharing your experience! If I have to redo the floors, I hope it’s not too much of a mess to deal with.