We love our furry friends. But the pervasive pet smells in your home? A bit less lovable. Getting rid of pet odors goes beyond vacuuming–the smell can live in your clothes, your carpets, and the fabric of your couch. Getting pet smells out of furniture and your home for good can be tricky, but not impossible! Here are five tips for how to get pet smell out of your house.
How to Get Pet Smell Out of Your House
Pet odor removal may seem impossible–especially when combating that wet dog smell! Luckily, it’s easier than you think; and odds are you have all the tools you need in your house already.
Air Out The House
Throw open those windows whenever you can! Air circulation invites a bit of fresh air into your home and blows stagnant air (and scents) out of your home. This is especially great to do on deep cleaning days when you may be kicking up dust, or any day with beautiful weather!
Clean Your Carpets
Your furry friend spends a lot of time hanging out on your carpets. Frequent vacuuming is great to remove fur and visible dirt, but that wet dog (or worse, urine) smell can stick around longer than your pup’s shedding season. We advise giving your carpets a deep clean regularly, or any time that smell gets a bit too much to handle. If you have a machine washable carpet, wash it according to the care instructions with a laundry detergent pod that contains enzymes for the deepest clean. Carpet too large or intricate for the machine? Dissolve one Oxi Booster Pod in half a gallon of cold water and apply it to any stained or stinky areas, then rinse with cold water.
Wash Furniture Coverings, Drapes, and Upholstery
The bad news: getting rid of pet smells can take more than just cleaning the carpet. Stubborn pet odors can permeate into all kinds of fabrics, including curtains and furniture. Getting pet smells out of furniture may sound complicated, but it’s easier than you may expect! Wash furniture covers, drapes, and other machine washable fabrics with a detergent containing enzymes, like our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent or Active Wash. The enzymes in the detergent are designed to eliminate stubborn sources of nasty smells. You can use this same detergent to spot clean upholstery, or use a steam cleaner.
Use An Odor Eliminator
Need to freshen up your house in a pinch? Spray an odor eliminator, like our Revitalizing Mist. Dropps’ Revitalizing Mist contains anti-odor technology that targets tough odors and helps freshen air and fabrics. Pro Tip: You can also spray it directly onto hard to clean fabrics like upholstery for a boost of freshness!
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda reacts with acidic smells, which makes it a great natural deodorizer, especially for fabrics that can’t be washed. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected surfaces overnight, then vacuum it up or wipe it away with a wet Swedish Dish Cloth in the morning. Farewell, stinky smells!
Treat Accidents Promptly
Training a puppy or kitten can be a joy, but comes with a unique set of challenges! Accidents are bound to arise when dealing with a new furry friend. Urine stains are some of the most pervasive pet odors, and can stick around when not treated promptly. If your pet pees on a carpet, rug, or upholstery, treat the area promptly with an enzyme-based cleaner, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. The enzymes in the product will break down the proteins that cause staining and smells and allow them to be washed away! If an accident occurs on a wood or tile floor, you can dissolve an Oxi Booster Pod in water and use the solution to mop the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about how to get pet smell out of your house? We have answers!
How do I get rid of pet odors in my house?
Pet odors can be pervasive, especially when they are allowed to build up. The best treatment is prevention, so be sure to clean your home regularly to prevent any smells from settling. The unfortunate truth is that we get used to the smells of our own homes. Even if you think you can get away with skipping your weekly clean, it’s best to keep up a regular cleaning routine. When pet odors arise, try your best to locate the culprit and clean accordingly. When in doubt, our tips above are a great place to start!
What scent neutralizes pet odor?
You could light a scented candle to cover pet odor, but why not attack the problem at the source? Baking soda is a natural odor eliminator, and can be sprinkled anywhere that needs freshening. You can also use a solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can use this in combination with baking soda to neutralize pet odor throughout your home!
How do I stop my house from smelling like dog?
Dog may be man’s best friend, but sometimes the smells they bring with them are anything but friendly. Luckily, learning how to get dog smell out of house naturally doesn’t have to be trial and error! Follow our guide above to learn how to eliminate and prevent pet odors in the home.
Does pet odor ever go away?
In most cases, pet odors can be treated! For particularly tough smelly stains, like urine, we recommend locating the source of the smell and treating it with an enzyme based cleaner, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. The enzymes in the product will break down the proteins that cause the stain. The stain will be lifted and washed away–and the smell should go along with it!