Don't Skip One Important Step When Installing New Flooring If You Have Pets

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Pet owners have to go to some incredible lengths to care for their four-legged family members. Dogs and cats throw plenty of daily challenges our way, and indoor accidents are some of the most nerve-wracking to deal with. Pee stains aren't only unsightly and unbearably smelly, they're some of the most stubborn messes anyone in the household can make — and the problem often extends deeper than you might expect. Even after you eliminate the pet urine smell from your floors, any liquid that seeped to the subflooring can cause a persistent odor. Since pets often do their business in areas where they recognize their scent, this increases the chance of future markings. So, whether you're installing new floors or fixing severe damage from a previous accident, you can't forget to treat your subflooring to keep those pet smells from returning.

If you notice any sections are rotted, warped, or otherwise damaged, these are clear signs your subfloor needs to be replaced. For minor staining in plywood or concrete subfloors, though, you can likely clean the affected areas. One of the best methods is to apply an enzymatic cleaner, such as Bioda Multi-Purpose Enzyme Cleaner, to the soiled spot. Saturate the stain, and leave the cleaner to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Active enzymes and bacteria in the cleaner will break down urine compounds, eliminating any odor-causing substances. Reapply the cleaner until the smell disappears, and finish by sealing the subfloor.

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Seal Subfloors To Keep Pet Odors Away Before Installing New Flooring

After cleaning the subfloor and letting it dry completely, apply a sealant to block odors from re-emerging. For wood subfloors, use an odor and stain-blocking primer, such as KILZ Original Primer or another oil-based primer. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, and apply the primer liberally over the subfloor. Allow it to dry, and add another coat. If you notice any stains bleeding through after this coat dries, put another coat down. Let the sealant dry entirely before installing your new flooring.

If you have a concrete subfloor, the process is similar, but you'll use a different type of sealant. Apply enzyme cleaner to destroy any lingering pet odors, and let it dry. (As sealing locks in old odors, thorough cleaning and drying prior to applying it is crucial.) Then, seal the concrete to prevent smells from re-emerging and new stains from setting in, using a penetrating sealer like OAIEGSD Penetrating Concrete Sealer. When done correctly, this can be one of the best ways to get pet odors out of your home and ensure your new flooring installation goes off without a hitch.

Read the original article on House Digest.