I'm considering buying a house, and the options within my budget all need some work. One major issue is the strong smell of cat urine; the previous owner had five cats and four birds, and the smell is overwhelming. While I know the carpets will have to go, I'm worried the hardwood floors have soaked up the odor over the years. What are the most effective methods to eliminate the cat pee smell? I've found suggestions online like using enzymatic cleaners, a baking soda and vinegar solution, employing an ozone machine, or even sanding and resealing the floors. Has anyone had experience with these methods—or any other recommendations?
3 Answers
I'd say enzymatic cleaners are your best bet. They target the pee odor at the source, but keep in mind that if the smell is really embedded, sanding and resealing may be your last shot. Baking soda can help, but it's mostly for surface odors, while ozone machines can be pricey and might not do the trick entirely.
Exactly! If the damage runs deep, sanding might truly be the only last resort.
It's a tough situation. Sanding the floors might help, but be warned—it might also be in your baseboards and subfloor! Just proceed carefully and really consider the price reduction before taking the plunge.
Totally agree! A little sanding goes a long way, but you might not be out of the woods yet.
Preach! If the damage goes deeper, you could be looking at a full replacement. Better to be ready for it.
Honestly, unless you can get a significant discount on the house, this might be a huge problem. Cat pee can seep deep into the wood and even the framing. I'd totally recommend consulting a professional about the extent of damage—might be worth getting their quote to renegotiate your offer. If you're going to try tackling it yourself, be prepared for some major renovations like replacing flooring.
That's a great idea! Getting a pro's input can really help you make informed decisions about your offer.
Yeah, I've heard the same from many restoration specialists; they typically advise ripping out flooring if it's really soaked in.
Good point! You can rent ozone machines pretty cheap from local tool rental shops, so it might be worth a try.