Dog urine soaked subfloor

[Kim Bayless]

I bought an REO townhome that I just started work on. Obviously they never bothered to walk their dogs. I pulled out the old carpet and pad, which were still wet, and found that the subfloor is soaked as well.

I read some prior posts about sealing with Kilz, but does it need to be dried completely first?  Not sure whether to try and save it, or replace it.  Any advice welcome!

[Account Closed]

Kim,

Your subfloor may be the plywood used to go over the joists and may be tongue and groove, if this is the case it may be tougher to replace. If it is a plywood underlayment and not damaged other than wet I would just dry it and seal it. If it is particle board I would replace it.

Here is a technique for getting rid of the oder for good,

Remove carpeting, padding and other flooring around the areas you suspect urine has leaked into the subfloor.

Apply an enzymatic pet cleaner (like Nature's Miracle) to the soiled areas and allow them to dry thoroughly for 24 to 48 hours. These cleaners contain special enzymes that convert organic waste materials such as urine and feces to carbon dioxide and water. They continue to eliminate the odors and waste materials even when dry. When you apply the enzymatic cleaners, do not oversaturate the wood to prevent it from warping. Repeat this step if odors remain after initial application.

Sand the stained subfloor area very lightly by hand to prepare it for the sealant. Sweep up or wipe away the dust. 

Paint the stained subfloor areas with KILZ Complete or Zinsser B-I-N, mildew-resistant, oil-based primers and sealants that block odors and stains.

I have used this technic on some of my rentals and it works well.