Dogs make wonderful pets, but dealing with that persistent doggy odor can be a challenge. No matter how often you bathe your pup or how diligently you clean, sometimes the smell just won’t go away. Luckily, there are effective methods for eliminating dog smells from your home. With a few simple strategies and products, you can banish the bothersome odors for good.
Thoroughly Clean Your Home
The first step in removing dog odors is giving your house a deep clean. Start by vacuuming all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Use the hose attachment to vacuum crevices and hard-to-reach spots where hair and dander tend to accumulate.
Next, mop hard floors and disinfect any areas where your dog spends time or has accidents. An all-purpose cleaner works well for general cleaning, but you may need a special pet odor eliminator for problem spots. Look for enzymatic cleaners designed to break down the compounds in urine that cause lingering smells.
Wash all bedding, throws, curtains, and other fabrics. Adding baking soda or vinegar to the wash can help remove odors trapped in the fabric. For items that can’t be washed, use a handheld steamer to freshen the material. The heat will help release trapped odors.
Finally, don’t forget hidden odor hot spots like air vents, baseboards, and windowsills. Wipe down these areas to eliminate any built-up smells. Opening windows to air out the house can also help purge stale odors.
Use Air Purifiers and Deodorizers
General cleaning takes care of most obvious smells, but not all odors are noticeable to the human nose. Lingering doggie scents in the air can be eliminated with air purifiers and deodorizers.
Air purifiers work by filtering the air continuously to remove airborne particles that cause odors. Look for a purifier with a special pet or odor-reducing filter containing activated carbon or charcoal. This material adsorbs smells instead of simply masking them. Run your purifier on high in heavily trafficked pet areas.
Odor eliminating sprays and gels provide another easy way to clear pet smells from the air. Citrus, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils all have natural deodorizing properties. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and instead choose natural odor removers made with plant extracts. Apply these deodorizers to carpets, bedding, upholstery, pet crates, and anywhere else smells accumulate.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
For spot treating specific areas of odor, baking soda and vinegar make excellent DIY deodorizers. These items absorb and counteract strong pet smells without dangerous chemicals.
Sprinkle baking soda generously on surfaces where odors originate, such as accidents on carpets and hard floors. Allow it to sit for several hours to absorb the smell, then vacuum it up. For carpets, pour baking soda into the vacuum canister before passing over the area. The particles will deodorize the carpet fibers as you clean.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist fabrics and upholstery, then let dry. The acid in vinegar neutralizes odor molecules, removing the smell at its source. Use an old towel to dab the solution and lift stains from carpeting.
For severe odors in fabrics, fill a sealable bag with vinegar and baking soda. Place smelly items in the bag, sealing it completely. The chemical reaction deodorizes the contents overnight. Just shake out the items before wearing or using again.
Wash Items Thoroughly
Dogs spread their smell to fabrics, toys, leashes, bedding, and anything else they regularly contact. To eliminate odors, these items require thorough washing on a regular basis.
Wash pet items separately from household laundry. Use an enzymatic cleaner or detergent designed for pet messes. Soak heavily soiled items before washing. If possible, hang items outside to dry so fresh air can purge any lingering smells.
For pet beds, use removable covers when available and launder according to instructions. Spot clean the inner bed or insert with an enzymatic foam. If the bed is not washable, sprinkle with baking soda before vacuuming to freshen.
For toys, check if machine washable and launder regularly. If not, spot clean with gentle soap and rinse thoroughly. Avoid toy cleaners with toxic chemicals, as dogs tend to chew their toys. Discard any unsalvageable toys.
Regular washing keeps fabrics and other items from building up that doggy odor over time. Stick to a schedule based on frequency of use.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Keeping your dog clean is an obvious way to reduce odors at their source. A regular bathing schedule is important, but be careful not to over-bathe. Excessive washing can actually increase odor by drying out your dog’s skin.
Bathe your dog every 2 to 8 weeks depending on breed, coat type, and activity level. Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and lukewarm water. Give a good rinse to remove all traces of shampoo residue. This prevents skin irritation and odor.
Spot clean in between full baths as needed. Use doggie wipes for a quick freshening. Pay extra attention to paws, underbellies, and other odor prone areas. Don’t forget to clean ears, eyes, and teeth regularly too.
Brush frequently with a slicker brush or undercoat rake. This removes dead hair and distributes coat oils for a healthy coat and skin. Trim longer hair if matting occurs. Matted, dirty fur holds odors.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils not only make your home smell fresh, but they also eliminate odors naturally. Oils like citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree have antibacterial properties and powerful aromas that counteract musky pet smells.
Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser or evaporate on the stove for aromatherapy in problem rooms. Sprinkle a diluted oil and water solution on dry fabrics. Place sachets with a cotton ball soaked in oils around your home.
Avoid diffusing for prolonged periods and keep diffusers out of pets’ reach, as the concentration of oils can be irritating. Never apply undiluted oils directly to your pet’s coat or skin.
Control Messes Quickly
No matter how house-trained your dog is, accidents happen sometimes. Swift cleanup of messes prevents odors from setting into fabrics and flooring.
For urine, blot as much as possible immediately. Avoid rubbing, which pushes the urine deeper into fibers. Apply an enzymatic cleaner to break down odors and lift stains. Let soak before dabbing clean with a cloth. Rinse the area with clean water once smells disappear.
For feces, remove solid waste right away. Use an enzymatic or bacteria-based pet waste cleaner to eliminate traces and odors. Disinfect hard floors underneath. You may need to pull up sections of soiled carpet and padding if the mess has seeped through.
Confine your dog after accidents until fully house-trained. Close off problem areas with baby gates or crate train your pet. The quicker you clean accidents, the easier odors are to eliminate.
Maintain a Clean Litter Box
For homes with indoor cats, a dirty litter box is a prime source of smell. Scoop waste from the box daily to keep odors at bay. Dump everything, wash with soap and hot water, and refill with fresh litter weekly.
Use clumping litter to make cleaning easier. Dump solid clumps into the trash daily before giving the box a quick wipe down. Change the litter more often for kittens or multiple cats.
Place litter boxes in low-traffic areas on easy to clean floors. Keep the area around the box clean and consider placing a mat underneath to catch loose litter. A litter deodorizer can help absorb smells between changes.
With good litter box maintenance, you won’t have to worry about a stinky cat bathroom spreading smells through your home. Don’t forget to give kitty a regular bath too!
Remove Carpet Stains
Over time, carpets absorb a myriad of smells that come from pets. Food spills, urine accidents, and trapped dander all leave behind hard to remove odors in carpet fibers. Luckily, it is possible to eliminate carpet stains and their associated smells.
Start by spot cleaning new stains immediately as previously mentioned. For old or mysterious smells, give the carpeting a deep clean from edge to edge. Rent a carpet steamer or use a carpet shampoo solution to lift dirt and odors from below the surface.
If smells persist, sprinkle liberally with baking soda and allow to sit overnight. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda, which pulls malodors from carpet fibers. Follow up by massaging an enzymatic cleaner into the carpeting.
For severe smells, consider professional carpet cleaning services. Powerful truck-mounted cleaning systems heat water to high temperatures to sanitize carpets and remove stubborn odors. Look for non-toxic solutions safe for pets and kids.
Ventilate Your Home
Proper air flow and ventilation prevents the stagnation of odors in your home. Stale, trapped air makes smells linger. Promoting good airflow removes odors naturally.
Crack windows and doors throughout your home to maintain circulation. Let in fresh outside air, which dilutes lingering odors. Place box or oscillating fans in problem pet areas to keep air moving.
Use overhead vents and exhaust fans while cooking, showering, or cleaning to direct odors outside. Change out air filters regularly so HVAC systems work properly. Avoid blocking vents with furniture or clutter.
Make sure your home is properly ventilated before sealing it up for heating or cooling season. If odors persist, consider installing more powerful ventilation fans to actively cycle air.
Absorb Moisture
Excess moisture and humidity exacerbate pet odors in the home. All those wet dog smells get trapped in damp air. Lowering indoor humidity keeps odors from getting amplified.
Run dehumidifiers to maintain humidity around 45 to 50 percent. Use air conditioners and fans to promote air circulation and drying.
Place bowls of baking soda around your home to absorb ambient moisture. Replace frequently, as it loses effectiveness when saturated. Silica gel dessicant packs also absorb moisture well.
Be sure to dry any wet items like pet towels quickly. Use carpet fans to dry flooring after cleaning. Promptly fix any household leaks that increase indoor humidity as well.
With lower humidity, pet odors and stuffiness have less potency. Your home interior will smell fresher as a result.
Replace Filters and Ductwork
If odors come from your heating and cooling system, the most likely culprit is dirty ducts or filters. These components trap pet-related particles and smells over time. Replacing them improves airflow and reduces recycled odors.
Change out air filters per manufacturer recommendations, approximately every 2 to 3 months for typical disposable filters. Upgrade to a high-efficiency pleated filter for better particle retention.
Inspect ductwork for leaks, loose segments, or obvious buildup of pet hair and dander. Call an HVAC professional if you suspect contamination or want ducts professionally cleaned.
Ventilation systems with UV lights installed can help prevent microbial buildup within the ductwork, reducing musty odors. Consider this upgrade if smells persist after cleaning.
Fresh filters and sanitized ducts will noticeably improve the air quality throughout your home by cutting down on recycled pet odors.
Use Odor-Resistant Materials
When designing a pet friendly home, select durable, odor-resistant finishes and fabrics. These materials prevent smells from setting in and make cleaning up after pets much easier.
Choose wood, tile, or vinyl floors over carpeting to eliminate odor absorption. Smooth surfaces don’t hold smells like fibers. Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyester coatings create protective barriers against stains and odors.
Leather and vinyl upholstery resist odors better than fabric furnishings. Slipcovers can shield sofas and chairs when needed. Washable rugs prevent smells embedding in carpet.
For walls, oil or latex paints with sheens like satin and semi-gloss resist moisture and allow for easy cleaning. Avoid flat paints, which absorb odors more readily.
Opt for window treatments made from wood blinds or laminated shades instead of fabric. Pet-proof fabrics like microfiber, nylon, and olefin are good choices when needed.
Control Pet Dander
Dog and cat dander contains proteins that cause odors when they accumulate in your home. By controlling the amount of dander, you can control smells.
Brush and bathe pets regularly to capture loose fur and dander. Use HEPA air purifiers to actively filter dander particles from the air. Vacuum frequently with a sealed HEPA filter system.
Wash all linens and fabrics often in hot water to remove embedded dander. Clean ceiling fans, baseboards, vents, and anywhere else dander gathers.
Give your pet plenty of time outside if possible. Dander exposure is much lower outdoors. You may also consider restricting pets from odor prone areas like bedrooms.
While not allergen-free, lowering the overall dander levels through cleaning and containment limits odors. Be diligent, as dander builds up quickly.
Mask Remaining Odors
Even after addressing the source of smells, light residual odors may linger. The occasional use of odor masking products can help freshen the air when needed.
Scented candles infuse rooms with lovely fragrances, just be sure to blow them out when leaving the house or going to bed. Essential oil diffusers also add natural scents.
Potpourri, fragrant sachets, and bowls of fresh herbs can discreetly impart aromas. Incense sticks give off smells when burned. Just take care with open flames.
For quick odor neutralizing throughout the home, try an air freshener spray. Citrus and floral scents work nicely to mask subtle pet odors. Plug-in diffusers provide continuous fragrance as well.
While masking odors shouldn’t replace proper cleaning and deodorizing, it offers a final finishing touch to keep your home smelling pleasant.
Know When to Call a Professional
In most cases, pet owners can handle odor elimination on their own with diligence and patience. However, not all smells resolve so easily. If you’ve thoroughly cleaned and deodorized but a pungent odor remains, it may require professional intervention.
Persistent urine or fecal odors, for example, can indicate contaminated flooring or hidden pet waste in walls or ductwork. These complex issues often necessitate replacing materials or intensive remediation to fully remove odors.
Likewise, powerful skunk spray smells seep deep into fabrics and materials. Although enzyme cleaners help, the lingering odor may warrant calling in an odor removal specialist.
For homes with numerous pets or frequent accidents, pervasive odors can overwhelm DIY efforts. Professional deep cleaning, odor control treatments, and antimicrobial fogging offer definitive solutions when smells have gotten out of hand.
Don’t suffer with lingering odors or waste time on ineffective remedies. Seek professional assistance when needed to clear the air once and for all.
Be Patient and Persistent
Eliminating dog smells from a home takes time and repeated effort. Don’t get discouraged if odors don’t disappear immediately. Stick with your cleaning regimen and give solutions time to work.
Schedule regular grooming, vacuuming, laundering, and deodorizing sessions based on the severity of odor and number of pets. Consistency is key to reducing smells long-term.
Accidents and odors may get worse before they get better during the housetraining process. Close off affected areas and continue with enzyme treatments until they subside.
Make odor removal a family affair so no one gets overwhelmed. Divide tasks and set reminders to stay on top of pet smells as they arise.
With a concerted effort using the right mix of cleaning methods, air fresheners, and odor eliminators, your home will stay smelling clean and fresh. Just remember – patience and persistence pay off when trying to remove dog odors the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of dog pee smell?
Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down compounds in urine that cause odors. Blot up excess, spray cleaner over the area, and let sit. Dab clean with towels and rinse with water. Repeat as needed for stubborn smells.
How do I get the dog smell out of my couch?
Vacuum upholstery and use a fabric freshening spray. For severe odors, sprinkle baking soda, let sit overnight, and vacuum up. Steam clean or shampoo couch with a pet odor eliminator.
Why does my house smell like dog?
Frequent pet odors, lack of cleaning, humidity, and poor ventilation amplify normal dog smells. Thoroughly clean the home, bathe your dog regularly, deodorize with products, and improve airflow to reduce odors.
How do I get old dog urine smell out of carpet?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the area and let sit for several minutes. Blot with towels until dry. Sprinkle baking soda over the spot to deodorize and vacuum up after a few hours.
How do you get the smell of dog poop out of carpet?
Remove solid waste immediately and clean with an enzymatic or bacteria-based pet waste eliminator. Allow time to soak in. Use an extractor or spot cleaner to rinse thoroughly. Repeat treatments until odor fades. Deodorize with baking soda afterwards.
How do I make my house not smell like dog?
- Give your dog regular baths
- Brush frequently to remove loose hair and dander
- Vacuum and mop floors often
- Launder pet bedding and fabrics weekly
- Use air purifiers and deodorizers
- Open windows to circulate fresh air
- Clean litter boxes daily
- Fix pet accidents quickly
Conclusion
Removing pet odors takes work, but it can be done. Employing a multi-pronged approach of deep cleaning, de