Unless you are a quick draw on the mop; dog urine will damage laminate flooring, real wood flooring, engineered wood and tile grout.
Vinyl is a favorite flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms and also makes great flooring for dogs that pee, as it's very resistant to liquids and easy to clean.
Laminate floors are installed with expansion gaps to allow them to expand and contract as needed. This is necessary, but also leaves room for water to seep underneath and cause some real problems. It is much more likely that there will be damaged boards if water finds its way underneath.
Flooring like treated hardwood, ceramic floor tile, porcelain flooring, vinyl, and laminate are perfect for pets—their texture keeps paws from slipping, they are water resistant to prevent damage from accidents, and they protect against scratches and dents from long nails.
Now, remember, nothing is ever truly scratch-proof. If you gouge at your laminate, you'll eventually see marks. Dog nails, however, are not going to scratch laminate flooring like they would on natural hardwood. The worst thing you'll have to worry about is the muddy pawprints they leave on the floor.
Veer away from hardwood and laminate floors – older dogs who are slowing down may have trouble getting their footing. Plus, if your older dog has accidents more often it could cause long-term damage to your floor. Waterproof vinyl or tile is the best bet for dogs who have frequent accidents.
In order to preserve and protect the wear layer, make sure any cleaning product you buy or DIY is safe for laminate flooring. Products that are oil-based, acidic or abrasive can damage the surface. Similarly, never polish or wax your floor. Remember, laminate flooring cannot be refinished if it is damaged.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
In tests, it takes a couple of hours of being submerged for the various materials in laminate flooring to break down or peel away. This is why it's vital that you keep your laminate flooring as dry as possible if you don't want to have to replace it because of bubbling, swelling or peeling.
When it comes to dogs that pee a lot, you want a flooring surface that is easy to clean. Tile or LifeProof laminate are two of the top contenders. Vinyl plank flooring has come a long way and can look just like hardwood. Plus it's waterproof and simple to wipe down if there are any accidents.
Accidents. Even if your floors are sealed, dog urine can still penetrate the wood and reach the subfloor, resulting in discoloration and an ammonia-like stench. Dark stains—as in black-Labrador-retriever dark—are bad news.
A Vinegar Solution
White vinegar has a very high acidity level that can help to neutralize the alkaline ammonia to eliminate urine odor. Vinegar will also kill all of the germs in bacteria that can cause you further issues.
Baking soda is ideal for getting at grease and grime, but it also functions as a deodorizer. Mix a little into your bucket of clean, warm water, and use it to mop the floor a final time once you've cleaned it with oil soap, vinegar or lemon.
Use a gentle cleanser to spot-clean visibly dirty areas, and always follow up by wiping the area with a dry, absorbent cloth. One simple cleaner that works well with laminate is: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 3 parts water + a squirt of dish soap, applied using a lightly dampened cloth.
Laminate floors are durable, but they can scratch or scuff, so avoid things like steel wool as well. Although laminate is a hard floor, you want to avoid steam cleaning to tackle tough stains as it can loosen that top protective layer and damage the surface.
Experts recommend a reusable mop with a microfiber head — not only is it the most eco-friendly option, but you also avoid having to buy multiple, costly single-use mop heads. You can also get a spray mop: a microfiber mop that includes its own refillable sprayer.
You should clean laminated floors once every two weeks. If you allow shoes inside or have pets in your house, then you need to clean it more often. If you wish to keep your laminated flooring look glossy and shiny, clean them frequently.
Cleaning the floor using a Swiffer Sweeper and a dry, untreated pad daily can remove dust without damaging the laminate. Dry mop pads that are treated with detergent, on the other hand, can leave a thin film behind.
There are several things you can use to remove scuff marks from laminate flooring. Start with the gentlest – a rubber eraser or a magic eraser like Mr. Clean. Go easy on the pressure.
Dogs remember past experiences of slipping
In many cases, fear of slipping from a prior bad experience is the “why” behind your dog's fear of hardwood floors and other slick surfaces. So, how can you help your dog in a way that supports his natural reflexes and abilities?
Laminate flooring should become the winner when selecting the finest flooring for dogs because it's hard, resilient, and stain-resistant. While laminate is ideal for pet owners, it can be highly slippery for their pets. Scraped or textured laminate flooring is the best for dogs, especially if they're active or older.
The best pet-friendly hardwood flooring options are oak, walnut, maple, hickory and bamboo. It's worth also noting that when it comes to pets it's best to avoid investing in softwood floorings such as pine and chestnut due to being prone to dents and scratches.