Does your hardwood floor have noticeable pet stains? If puppy potty training left behind marks, splotches, and spots, take a look at what you need to know about wood floor refinishing.

Can You Clean Pet Stains Yourself?

There's no easy answer to this question. While a professional is your best chance for stain removal, you shouldn't leave a sudden puddle on the floor as you wait for an expert to evaluate the issue. As soon as your pet sprays the floor, soak up the moisture with an absorbent towel. Avoid the temptation to rub the dampness into the floor. This will only force the urine deeper into the wood.'

Gently lift the dampness as you blot the area. If the towels or cloth is completely saturated, use a new one to finish the job. Chances are you may still see a stain after the moisture is gone. Pet urine can discolor wood products and leave behind an unpleasant odor. Even though it may seem like a do-it-yourself fix will save you money, a DIY cleaning may cause additional damage.

Leave dark or severely discolored stains to the professionals—especially if the stains have had time to set. Store-bought stain removers or homemade mixtures may add to the discoloration, leave lingering odors behind, or fail to completely clean the area.

How Can a Professional Remove the Pet Stain on Your Wood Floor?

If store-bought cleaners and other DIY options won't adequately clean the mess, how can a professional remove the stain? Provided the stain isn't too deep, the professional can sand the surface of the floor and remove the discoloration. This may require the cleaning contractor to blend the stained area with the surrounding surface.

Even though you can rent a sander and buff the stain out yourself, this isn't advisable—especially if you've never used a power sander. Over-sanding can damage the floor or leave a larger mark. Along with sanding, you may need the contractor to stain (add color) and seal the floor. This process can create a cohesive color and minimize the odor issue.

While prevention is the easiest pet stain-fighting strategy, sometimes it's just not possible. Whether your puppy isn't housebroken yet or has an unexpected accident, your wood floor can sustain serious damage. But the unsightly splotch and the accompanying odor don't have to ruin your floor. A hardwood floor refinishing contractor can sand and seal the stain away. 

to learn more about having a hardwood floor, reach out to a flooring company near you.