Can I remove 20-year-old carpets with pet urine smell to the subfloor and cover it in plastic until I install vinyl plank flooring?
Asked by Rubén Narváez 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 18, 2024
Hey there! So, I’ve got this house with carpets that are like 20 years old and I suspect there were pets around at some point. I’ve tried everything to get rid of the urine smell, but it just won’t budge. Do you think it’s a good idea to take out the carpets down to the Subfloor and let it sit for a bit, maybe covered in plastic, until I can install some vinyl plank flooring? Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Make sure to clean the wood underneath, depending on its condition. Consider using ammonia and Dawn or Comet, then prime with Kilz oil-based primer.
The key solution is to seal the subfloor properly.
It might be a good idea to replace the subfloor in certain areas. A black light could be useful in detecting any issues.
Take out the carpet and padding, let it sit for a day or two, then seal the ENTIRE subfloor with polyurethane (even the corners) and allow it to dry for a few days. This should eliminate most of the odor.
I can’t speak to the pet odor issue, but I got rid of my carpet and padding and lived without them for three years until I installed Lpv flooring
I think you definitely got your money’s worth out of that 20-year-old carpet. Rip out the gross stuff and deal with bare floors for a bit
If you manage to locate the stains shaving cream is extremely helpful. Just spray it on, wait for 20 minutes, then clean it with carpet cleaner. The only other option is to tear them out
Petsmart sells a spray that can help eliminate pet odors. Maybe try that before ripping up the wood floors.
Replacing old carpet always grossed me out – especially if it’s old and there were pets. How soon can you switch to vinyl? I remember when my parents moved us into our new house with just subfloors and we lived like that for months before the flooring was installed. My mom used rugs to keep it clean. On the other hand, my father-in-law started a renovation 22 years ago and never finished – still stuck with subfloors after removing carpets and tiles. It’s pretty gross now and will definitely need a total replacement once it’s finally done.
Rip out the old carpet and apply Bins Primer for a fresh look
Remember, it’s your place so feel free to make it your own!
I also removed all the carpet and installed vinyl flooring. Just avoid using bleach on the floors because mixing it with ammonia (from urine) can produce dangerous fumes that could be harmful to your health.
I got rid of it and then used a zinnser primer specifically designed for pet odors on the subfloor, sill plates, etc.
I applied a pet primer and it worked really well.
Yes, make sure to wear shoes or slippers to avoid injuring your feet on slivers or loose nail heads. You probably don’t need to cover it in plastic. It’s best to let the wood breathe. I also suggest using vinegar for cleaning. It’s safe for wood subfloors, helps with odor, and can kill mold. You may still want to seal the floors, but a thorough cleaning first will be beneficial.
Use Odorban on the floors first. Then seal them with paint. You could even paint a design on them to postpone the flooring installation as long as necessary.
I’m in the same boat. We’re planning to redo all the flooring in one go, but we had to complete other tasks first. I couldn’t stand the old, dirty carpet in every room, so we tore it out and put down large area rugs to cover it until we can install the new floors. Most of the time, I hardly even notice it. It’s a huge improvement from the smelly carpet.
Ozone generator
Ozone has the potential to interact with ammonia (found in cat urine) and potentially exacerbate the situation.
It’s like an ozone generator, which is typically used to eliminate various odors and is quite effective. You shouldn’t be in the vicinity when it’s in use and make sure to air out the space afterwards.
I completely agree. I have extensive experience in odor control and ozone use as a professional restorer with IICRC certifications, including OCT.
I wanted to thank you all for the feedback, it means a lot to me. I’m planning to remove it, clean the subfloor, and seal it with Bins or Kills. I’ll then lay down some inexpensive area rugs until we can redo the flooring. Once again, thank you all for taking the time to respond.
Did you know that the smell in urine is due to a reaction with urea salt, dust mites, water, etc., and results in a gas formation?
Thank you, . Your help is much appreciated.
A single cat can do more damage to carpet than 10 dogs.