Buying A Home
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Animal Urine - how to detect it?

So, my fiance and I are going back to look at a house for a 3rd time.  We could absolutely smell that they had cats and our realtor confirmed that they actually had MANY cats (she had shown the house while the homeowner was living there...it is now vacant). 

Before they left they took up all the carpet revealing the original hardwood floors.  My question is: how can we tell if the animals went pee pee on the carpet and it came through to the hardwood.  The floors are old so our natural instict to look for discoloration is useless since its all discolored haha.  I just dont want to buy a house and on the first humid day have the smell of cat urine punch me in the face.

We did some research online and I asked around so I have some ideas but I'm looking for more.  You can never be too careful with this!  We have a black light and we're going to check it out tonight with that....only problem with that is it will show EVERY stain...not all might be from a cat.  Any tips?  Anyone have a similar situation?  How did you look for the signs?

The homeowner only moved out about a week ago so the lingering smell could be cause for concern or could just be the fact that the windows haven't been opened to air it out.

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Re: Animal Urine - how to detect it?

  • The blacklight sounds like a good idea. If there are stains you can clean the floors with diluted white vinegar and that should take away the smell - I would google and see if there's anything else you can use.
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  • You might have to wait until an inspection (probably after putting in an offer) so that the inspector can tell you if the floor joists need to be replaced. That's the real danger - seeping through the subfloor into the joists and having to rip up everything.
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  • We already had that looked at.  They were fine.

    We actually went to the house tonight and didnt see signs of anything and the odor was almost gone. I think it might just be a lingering pet odor since they homeowner just moved out last week.  Doesnt seem to be anything to worry about which is great! lol

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  • It should be obvious with a black light.  Urine spots will show as yellow, really bright yellow would indicate untreated/uncleaned spots.  Dull yellow would be an area they tried to clean - the smell goes away but a stain can be left behind no matter what you do (unfortunately I know).

    Cats also tend to urinate against something - so most likely spots will be next to a wall and in corners.  They usually don't pee in the middle of the floor.

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