If you’re a pet owner, you know that even the most beloved dogs can sometimes leave an unwanted odor in your home. Whether it’s fur, saliva, or accidents, here’s a step-by-step guide to removing dog smells and keeping your space fresh and clean.

1. Wash Dog Bedding and Toys

Dog beds, blankets, and toys absorb the most odors due to constant contact with your pet.

  • Bedding: Machine-wash your dog’s bedding in hot water with a mild detergent, adding ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and helps neutralize strong odors.
  • Toys: Many dog toys are machine washable. For non-washable toys, hand-wash them with warm water and mild dish soap, ensuring to rinse thoroughly. Let them air dry completely before giving them back to your dog.

2. Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Carpets and upholstery trap pet hair, dander, and odors over time, making regular cleaning crucial.

  • Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove pet hair and dander. Focus on high-traffic areas, especially where your dog frequently rests, and remember to vacuum under furniture.
  • Baking soda treatment: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, allowing it to sit for 15-30 minutes or overnight for maximum odor absorption. Then vacuum the area thoroughly.
  • Deep cleaning: For stubborn odors, use a steam cleaner or rent one with a pet-specific cleaning solution. This method helps remove deep-down odors and bacteria from carpets and fabric furniture.

3. Identify and Remove Dog Odors from Floors

Hardwood, tile, and other floors can hold onto pet odors even when they appear clean. Common sources of floor odors include:

  • Pet accidents: Urine can seep into floorboards or grout, leaving behind a lingering smell.
    • Solution: Use enzyme-based cleaners designed for pet urine. These cleaners break down proteins in the urine that cause odors.
  • Hair and dander: Pet hair and dander settle into crevices and corners, contributing to odors over time.
    • Solution: Sweep or vacuum floors regularly. Use a vacuum with attachments to reach tight spaces and corners.
  • Moisture and spills: Moisture from water bowls or drool can lead to musty smells, particularly on hardwood floors.
    • Solution: Wipe up spills immediately. Mop floors with a solution of water and white vinegar (1 cup vinegar per gallon of water), which neutralizes odors. For hardwood, use a damp mop and dry the area quickly to avoid water damage.

4. Freshen Up the Air

Airborne pet odors can linger, especially in enclosed spaces. Here’s how to keep the air fresh:

  • Ventilation: Open windows frequently to allow fresh air to circulate and remove trapped odors.
  • Air purifiers: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne pet dander and odors.
  • Natural deodorizers: Activated charcoal bags or pet-safe air fresheners can help absorb lingering smells without the use of chemicals.

5. Clean Dog Collars and Leashes

Collars and leashes can hold onto sweat, dirt, and outdoor odors, contributing to an overall smell in your home.

  • Solution: Hand-wash collars and leashes in warm water with mild soap. Let them air dry completely before using them again to prevent mildew or mold growth.

6. Bathe Your Dog Regularly

If odors persist despite your efforts, it may be time to give your dog a bath. Regular grooming helps reduce the buildup of odors in your home.

  • Shampoo: Use a dog-friendly shampoo to avoid drying out your dog’s skin. Be thorough, especially in harder-to-reach areas like behind the ears and under the paws.
  • Dry thoroughly: Damp fur can lead to bacteria growth, which can cause even worse smells. Use towels or a pet-safe blow dryer to ensure your dog is completely dry after bathing.

7. Use a Deodorizing Spray

For quick refreshes between cleanings, use a pet-safe deodorizing spray on furniture, carpets, or directly on your pet’s bed. This helps neutralize any lingering odors without using harsh chemicals.

What Would a Pro Cleaner Do to Remove Odor Quickly?

A professional cleaner would assess the source of the odor first, identifying any hidden causes like mold, food spills, or pet accidents. To remove odor quickly, one solution they might suggest is using a mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spraying this solution onto fabrics, carpets, or upholstery, then letting it sit for 15 minutes before blotting dry, helps neutralize strong odors. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that effectively breaks down odor-causing molecules without masking them, leaving the area fresh and clean.

Pro Tips for Keeping Dog Odor at Bay:

  • Vacuum Regularly: Pet hair and dander accumulate quickly. Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture at least twice a week to keep odors under control.
  • Use a Robot Vacuum: Consider investing in a robot vacuum for daily maintenance. It can run automatically, picking up pet hair and dirt throughout the day, especially in high-traffic areas, making it an excellent solution for busy pet owners.
  • Use Washable Covers: Put washable covers on couches and beds where your dog lounges. This makes it easier to remove and wash pet odors frequently.
  • Groom Your Dog Often: Bathing and brushing your dog regularly helps minimize shedding and odor. Keeping their fur clean also prevents buildup on furniture and floors.
  • Clean the Air: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne particles like pet dander, which contribute to odors.
  • Wipe Paws at the Door: Before your dog comes inside, wipe their paws with pet-safe wipes to prevent dirt and outside smells from entering the home.
  • Wash Pet Accessories: Don’t forget to clean collars, leashes, and toys, as these items can hold onto smells. Hand wash them regularly with mild soap to keep odors at bay.

Looking for professional help to keep your home spotless and odor-free? Good Cleaner Co. provides comprehensive residential and commercial cleaning services that take care of pet odors, stubborn dirt, and more. Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, our skilled team is ready to tackle even the toughest cleaning challenges. Call 613-664-5678 to schedule your cleaning today and enjoy a fresh, clean space for both you and your furry friend!