Ideas on replacing the soleplates (cat odor)

[Me]

I just came into the possession of a home in which the previous owner had lots of cats. I have removed drywall in order to look at the soleplates to see if any damage had occurred. The soleplates have absorbed over the years, urine and water from the previous owner trying to clean the floors. I don't see any other choice except cutting out the soleplates and replacing them. I believe they are a big source of odor.

Any tips on doing this would be greatly appreciated. I know to put up alternate support and to use a reciprocating saw to cut out the soleplate. Any input that would make the job easier would be a help.

Thanks.

[Charles Spitzer]

there's enzymes that will make the odor go away. see a good pet store for some. you have to apply it directly the odor spots, but your removal of the drywall makes that easy. soak it down well so it will seep under the sole plates.

[Darro]

If you have the time and energy, you might try scrubbing the soleplates or any other materials that have absorbed urine odour with an 18% solution of acetic acid. If your pharmacist can't make up this solution, you can try a photographic-supply store that sells a 28% solution of Kodak acetic acid for photo-processing. Simply mix equal parts of water and the 28% solution to get a 14% solution which should be strong enough to do the job. If the odour is strong, you might have to scrub the area down several times, but that might be a lot easier than replacing the soleplate (or its support base). Incidentally, vinegar is acetic acid, but it's usually only at a 5% concentration -- too weak to be effective against urine odours..

[Me]

The only thing about using these solutions is that I would be worried about how effective they would be given the absorbsion already. Also, by the time I scrub, soak, and clean, I wonder if it almost wouldn't be easier cutting out the wood and replacing it.

Nevertheless, I will probably attempt this on at least some soleplates. Thanks for the responses.