By Dr. Elena Morris | Clean Chemistry & Odor Science Specialist
Pets don’t treat your floors differently—but your floors respond very differently to pets. The same accident, spill, or everyday residue behaves one way on carpet and another on hardwood.
The reason comes down to porosity: how easily a material absorbs and holds onto odor-causing compounds.
Porosity Basics: Why Flooring Matters
Porosity describes how much empty space exists within a material. Highly porous materials absorb liquids, oils, and odor compounds easily.
Low-porosity materials resist absorption—but once odor gets past the surface, it can become harder to remove.
Carpet: Maximum Depth, Maximum Persistence
Carpet is one of the most odor-retentive surfaces in a home. Its structure includes:
- Fibers that trap oils and residue
- Backing layers that wick liquids outward
- Padding that absorbs and holds moisture
Once pet odors reach the padding or subfloor level, surface cleaning alone rarely resolves the issue.
Hardwood Floors: Lower Porosity, Different Risks
Sealed hardwood floors are less porous than carpet, which means they absorb less initially.
However, hardwood introduces a different challenge: seams, joints, micro-cracks, and worn finish areas.
Liquids that seep into these openings can become trapped beneath the surface coating—where odor is effectively sealed in.
Why Hardwood Odors Can Be Harder to Detect (at First)
On hardwood, odor may not be immediately obvious. The surface appears clean, and absorption is slower.
Over time, however, heat and humidity can draw odor back out from seams or sublayers—creating unexpected rebound.
Carpet vs Hardwood: Odor Persistence Compared
- Carpet: Deep absorption, longer persistence, larger affected area
- Hardwood: Shallower absorption, but sealed odor is harder to reach
Neither surface is “odor-proof.” They simply fail in different ways.
What Actually Helps on Each Surface
Effective odor control starts with matching the solution to the material behavior:
- Carpet: treat fibers, edges, and traffic paths
- Hardwood: focus on seams, cracks, and nearby porous items
Odor-killing sprays allow direct surface treatment where odor compounds settle and persist.
Why Air Reset Still Matters
Once surface odor is addressed, lingering airborne odor can re-deposit onto clean floors and fabrics.
Modest & Co. candles use a coconut–apricot wax blend designed for a steady, controlled burn that supports air reset without overwhelming fragrance.
FAQ
Why do pet odors linger more in carpet?
Carpet’s fibers, backing, and padding absorb odor deeply and limit airflow.
Is hardwood better for pet odors?
It absorbs less initially, but odors can become sealed under finishes or in seams.
Does porosity affect odor persistence?
Yes. Higher porosity allows deeper absorption and longer odor retention.
What about rugs on hardwood?
Rugs add porosity back into the space and should be treated like carpet.
Are Modest & Co. products safe for floors?
Follow usage guidance and patch test first. Is This Safe for Pets and Kids?