Have you ever feared coming home to find a new pile of dog poop on your beautiful hardwood floors? It’s enough to make any pet owner cringe and grab the cleaning materials. It can be hard to deal with this nasty mess but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll get into the specifics of how to clean dog poop from hardwood floors successfully.
As a fellow dog owner who has been in this situation more than once, I’ve learned some tried-and-true ways to clean up the mess and get rid of the smell. I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from getting the right tools to getting rid of the poop, the stain, and any leftover smells. So, let’s get to work and make those wooden floors look as good as new.
Steps to Clean Dog Poop off Hardwood Floors
It can be messy and unpleasant to clean up dog poop from wooden floors, but if you use the right method and tools, you can get rid of the stain and smell while protecting your floors. To clean up dog poop from wooden floors, do each of the following:
Step 1: Set up the area to be cleaned
Start by getting the place to clean ready. Take away any furniture or other things in the area to make a clear place to work. This will stop the mess from spreading further and give you time to clean up the whole area.
Step 2: Get the things you need to clean
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you need. You will need disposable gloves, paper towels or rags, a plastic scraper or spatula, a plastic bag, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, a bucket, warm water, white vinegar, a mop or microfiber cloth, and mild detergent or wooden floor cleaner.
Step 3: Put on safety gear
Put on a pair of plastic gloves to keep your hands from touching the dog poop directly. This will stop germs from spreading and make sure that the place is clean.
Step 4: Take out the extra poop
Using a plastic scraper or spatula, carefully remove as much dog poop as you can from the flooring floor. Be careful so you don’t scratch the top. Put the poop in a plastic bag and close it up tight.
Step 5: Wipe the spot
Once you’ve cleaned up the rest of the poop, use paper towels or disposable rags to clean up the spot. Gently press the towels onto the stain to soak up any extra wetness. Don’t rub the color because that could make the mess worse and push it deeper into the wood.
Step Six: Vacuum the Area
Using a vacuum with a brush attachment, vacuum the stained area well to get rid of any small pieces of dirt or dust. Make sure to clean the whole impacted area, including the area around it, for a thorough job.
Step 7: Get the cleaning solution ready
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or wooden floor cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Follow the directions on the package to make sure the product is mixed correctly. You can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing warm water and white vinegar in equal parts. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can kill germs that cause smells.
Step 8: Put the cleaning solution to the test
Before putting the cleaning solution on the whole stain, you should test it on a small, hidden part of your wooden floor. This will make sure the solution doesn’t hurt or change the color of anything. Put a small amount of the solution on the place you want to test and wait a few minutes. If nothing bad happens, you can move on to the next step.
Step 9: Clean up the mess.
Dip a mop or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution you’ve made and squeeze out any extra liquid. Scrub the stained area gently in a circle motion, starting at the outside and working your way in. Keep going until the color is completely gone. Be careful not to get too much liquid on the wooden floor, as this can damage it.
Step 10: Rinse the floor
Rinse the cleaned area with a clean mop or cloth that has been wet with plain warm water. This will get rid of any cleaning solution residue that might still be there. This step is very important if you don’t want your hardwood floors to get dirty and lose their shine.
Step 11: Wipe the floor dry
After rinsing the area, use dry paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to blot the floor and remove any extra water. Make sure the room has enough airflow to help it dry. Don’t walk on a wet floor until it’s completely dry, so you don’t slip or leave marks.
Step 12: Clean the area, if you want to
You can choose to disinfect the area to make sure it is clean and get rid of any leftover smells. Use a cleaner that is safe for pets or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the area. Let it sit for a few minutes before using a damp cloth to clean it.
By following these step-by-step steps, you can clean up dog poop from hardwood floors and leave them clean, odor-free, and well-kept. Remember to clean up the mess right away so that spots and smells don’t stay.
Alternative Methods for Cleaning Dog Poop from Hardwood Floors
If you’re looking for other ways to clean dog poop off hardwood floors, here are some full explanations for each:
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a useful home item that can be used to get rid of stains and smells. To make a baking soda paste, mix a small amount of water with baking soda until you get a thick mixture. Apply the paste straight to the stain and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. The baking soda will absorb and get rid of smells while it works to loosen the spot. Scrub the area gently in a circle with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it well with a clean cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is a good way to clean and get rid of stains. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the solution on the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes so the peroxide can break down the stain. Scrub the area gently in a circle motion with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and let it dry fully.
Enzymes that clean
Cleaners with enzymes are made to break down organic spots and get rid of smells. Look for an enzyme cleaner made for wooden floors that is safe for pets. Follow the directions on the bottle of cleaner because different goods may have different ways to use them. Apply the enzyme cleaner to the spot that has a mark, and let it sit for as long as it says to. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe away the cleaner, and then let the floor dry fully in the air.
Cleans with steam
If you have a steam cleaner that is made for wooden floors, you can use it to clean up dog poop. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you use the steam cleaner to make sure it can be used on hardwood floors. Fill the steam cleaner with water according to the instructions from the maker and use it as shown. Move the steam cleaner over the damaged area and let the steam get into the stain to loosen it. After steam cleaning, wipe the area down with a clean cloth or mop to get rid of any leftover water, and make sure the floor is completely dry.
Dishwashing Liquid and Hot Water
Dish soap is a mild cleaner that can help get spots out of hardwood floors. Mix a few drops of light dish soap and warm water in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth or mop into the soapy water, wring out any extra liquid, and gently scrub the damaged area. Work in small areas and put light pressure on the wood to keep it from getting damaged. Rinse the rag or mop often, and if the soapy water gets dirty, change it. Rinse the area with clean water to get rid of any leftover soap, and then dry it well.
A Solution of Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can be used on hardwood floors to get rid of spots and smells. In a spray bottle, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes so that the acidic qualities of the vinegar can break down the stain. Using a soft brush or cloth and moving in a circle, scrub the area gently. Rinse the area with warm water and let it dry fully.
Cleaner for Hardwood Floors for Businesses
There are many wooden floor cleaners on the market that you can buy. Read the instructions that come with the goods you want to buy and do what they say. Apply the cleaner straight to the stain, and then clean the area with a soft cloth or mop, following the instructions given. Rinse the area well with clean water to get rid of any leftovers, and dry it fully.
Always try a cleaning product or method on a small, hidden part of your hardwood floor before using it on the whole stain. This will help make sure it doesn’t hurt or change the color of anything. Also, be careful with wooden floors that have too much moisture, as long-term exposure to water can cause warping or other damage.
FAQs
Can I clean up dog poop spots on hardwood floors with bleach?
Bleach shouldn’t be used on wooden floors because it can damage the wood and turn it a different color. Bleach is a harsh chemical that could damage the floor’s surface and leave it open to more damage.
Can I clean up dog poop with a steam mop?
Steam mops can be used to clean hardwood floors, but it is important to make sure that the steam mop is made for cleaning hardwood floors. Follow the advice from the manufacturer and don’t leave the steam mop in one spot for too long. Too much heat or moisture can damage the wood.
How do I get dog poop spots out of hardwood floors that won’t go away?
You can try using a soft brush or cloth soaked in a combination of warm water and mild detergent to get rid of stains that won’t come out. Scrub the stain gently in a circle, taking care not to scrub too hard and hurt the wood. Rinse it with clean water and let it dry completely.
Can I clean up dog poop spots with just vinegar?
Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can be used to clean up dog poop marks. But it is best to mix it with water to keep it from hurting the wood floors. Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water, apply it to the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub the area before rinsing and drying.
How can I keep dog poop from leaving spots on my hardwood floor?
The important thing is to clean up the mess as soon as you can. Use a plastic scraper or spatula to quickly remove any extra poop, and then dry the area with paper towels or throwaway rags. Don’t rub the dye, since that can make it sink deeper into the wood. Then, use the cleaning methods we talked about earlier to get rid of the spot completely.
Is there anything I can use from nature to get rid of dog poop stains?
Yes, you can try a number of natural treatments. Natural cleaners that work well include a paste of baking soda and water, a solution of vinegar and water, and hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. These solutions are safe for wooden floors and help get rid of smells and stains.
If you clean up dog poop spots, will the smell also go away?
Cleaning the dog poop spots the right way will help get rid of the smell. Bacteria that cause smells can be broken down with the help of enzymatic cleaners or vinegar-based products. It’s important to clean the affected area well enough to get rid of both the mark and the smell.
Should I sand the floor down and redo it if the dog poop stain stays?
Sanding and repainting should be the last thing you try if nothing else works. It is a longer and more complicated process that may need help from a professional. Try the above cleaning methods first, and if the spot is still there, talk to a flooring expert before you sand and refinish the floor.
How can I keep my dog from having accidents on my hardwood floors in the future?
Set up a regular schedule for taking your dog outside to use the bathroom to avoid mistakes in the future. Train your dog the right way to go outside, and give them treats when they do it right. Use rugs or mats in places where people walk a lot to protect your hardwood floors from accidents.
Should I use cleaners for hardwood floors that are based on oil or water to get rid of dog poop stains?
Most of the time, water-based cleaners for hardwood floors are better because they are safer for the wood and the earth. Cleaners that use water are less likely to leave a film on the floor and are generally better at getting rid of stains and smells. But always check the label to see if the product is right for your hardwood floor and for specific directions.
Final Thoughts
If you know how to do it and have the right tools, you can clean dog poop off of hardwood floors. Make sure to act quickly and remove any extra poop and blot the spot before moving on to the other cleaning steps. Whether you use baking soda paste, vinegar solutions, enzyme cleaners, or industrial hardwood floor cleaners, always test them in a small area first and follow the directions carefully.
To protect your wooden floors, do things like wear gloves and avoid getting them too wet. Setting up a plan for when your dog goes to the bathroom and giving it the right training can also help prevent accidents. Lastly, putting rugs or mats in places where people walk a lot can add another layer of safety. You can keep your wooden floors clean, fresh, and free of dog poop stains with these quick tips and tricks.
