Cat Pee Soaked Into Laminate Floor: What Now?

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve just discovered that all-too-familiar smell—or maybe you actually saw your cat do the deed. Either way, cat urine has soaked into your laminate floor, and you need answers fast. Don’t panic! While this is a frustrating and (let’s be real) stinky problem, you do have options for cleaning, deodorizing, and possibly saving your floor. Let’s talk about what to do, what to avoid, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Why Cat Urine Is a Big Deal for Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring looks great, but unlike solid hardwood, it’s very sensitive to moisture. The layers in laminate—usually a compressed fiberboard core with a printed top—soak up liquid quickly, and once urine gets into seams or under the planks, it can cause swelling, warping, and, of course, lingering odor. The faster you act, the better your chances of fixing the problem.

Step 1: Blot Up Fresh Pee Immediately

If you catch the accident right away, grab lots of paper towels or an absorbent cloth and blot up as much liquid as you can. Press down firmly to soak up pee from cracks or edges. Don’t rub—just blot and replace with fresh towels until no more moisture comes up.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

• Mix a gentle solution of dish soap and warm water, or use a laminate floor cleaner.
• Wipe the area well, being careful not to oversaturate. Avoid letting any cleaner puddle on the surface.
• Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

Step 3: Tackle the Odor (And Any Stains)

Even after cleaning, cat urine odor can linger, especially if it’s had time to soak into the seams. Here’s what works:

• Enzymatic cleaner: These are made specifically for pet messes and break down the uric acid crystals in cat pee. Look for brands like Nature’s Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, or Simple Solution. Pour or squirt along the seams and let it sit as directed. (Don’t flood the area—use just enough to wet the seams, not soak the floor.)
• White vinegar solution: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, apply lightly, and let dry. Vinegar neutralizes odor, but the smell can be strong at first—ventilate well!
• Baking soda: After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the area and leave for a few hours before vacuuming. This helps with mild odors but won’t fix deep soaking.

Step 4: Deal With Soaked-In Urine

If the urine has gotten under the laminate or between the planks (often the case if the floor is swollen or smells won’t go away), you may need to go a step further:

1. Remove affected planks: If possible, carefully lift the planks in the problem area. Laminate usually clicks together—use a flat pry bar, starting at the nearest edge, and gently separate the boards.
2. Clean the subfloor: Use enzymatic cleaner on the subfloor beneath. If it’s wood or OSB, let it dry completely (this may take a few days). Fans and open windows help.
3. Let everything dry fully: Before replacing planks, be absolutely sure all surfaces are dry and odor-free. Trapped moisture leads to more problems down the line.
4. Replace damaged planks: Swollen, warped, or permanently smelly boards should be replaced. Save extra planks from your original installation if you have them—or order replacements that match your flooring.

What If You Can’t Remove the Planks?

If the accident is near a wall or under something heavy, it may not be practical to lift the flooring. In that case, use enzymatic cleaner as above, applying carefully along seams and edges, and repeat as needed. Sometimes, odor will fade with repeated treatments, but deep soaks may not ever come out fully without replacing material.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t steam clean laminate floors: Excess moisture damages laminate and makes swelling worse.
• Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals: These can damage the finish, discolor the floor, and don’t work on the chemical structure of cat urine.
• Don’t ignore it: Waiting will only make stains, swelling, and smells worse (and could attract your cat back for a repeat performance).

Preventing Future Cat Pee Accidents

• Make sure your cat’s litter box is clean and accessible—many accidents are caused by a dirty box, location problems, or medical issues.
• If your cat is spraying, neutering and reducing stress can help.
• Clean all past accidents thoroughly—cats will return to the same spot if they still smell pee.
• Consider a waterproof mat under litter boxes or in trouble zones.

When Should You Call a Pro?

If you have a persistent odor that just won’t quit, or if the damage is extensive (big sections are warped, stained, or crumbling), professional flooring contractors can help. They can replace subflooring if needed and make sure everything is sealed up right.

Final Thoughts: Can You Save the Floor?

Quick action and the right cleaners can often save laminate floors from cat pee accidents—especially if you catch it early. For deep or older stains, you may need to pull up planks and treat or replace sections of floor. Don’t feel bad if you need to replace a few boards; it happens even to the most careful pet owners.

And remember, most importantly—if your cat’s peeing outside the box, check with your vet to rule out medical issues. Sometimes, solving the health or behavioral problem is just as important as cleaning the floor!