38% of Americans own at least one dog. These loving companions add much joy to your life. They can also create some unfavorable smells in your home.
Pet odors occur from dander, drool, and bathroom accidents. This can leave your home smelling less than fresh. These smells are also tough to get rid of, yet there are a few helpful tactics to try.
Read on to learn the best tips for how to get rid of dog smell in your home.
Set a Weekly Cleaning Routine
A cleaning routine is a top way for how to get pet smell out of the house. The key is to clean up pet hair, dander, and drool that all contribute to odors in the home. Doing this once a week will help reduce any buildup and keep odors at bay.
Start by sweeping the entire home from top to bottom. Then mop hard-surface floors like hardwood and tile. Finish up by vacuuming all the carpets and rugs in the home.
You also want to focus on cleaning furniture and curtains. Use special vacuum attachments for cleaning upholstery. A fabric refresher spray can also reduce smells from pets.
Wash throw blankets, pillow covers, and other linens that your pet may come into contact with. Once a month, it helps to shampoo carpets and wash rugs.
Steam cleaning also works to release dirt, dander, and fur that become trapped in your carpet. You can do this yourself by renting a steam cleaning machine or hire a cleaning service.
Be sure to machine wash smaller area rugs as well. Ruggable is a great company for pet owners; their rugs allow you to easily detach the surface of the rug. Then you can place it right in the washing machine.
Select the Right Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can help to further remove dog smell in a house. Many cleaning agents on the market contain harsh ingredients and synthetic chemicals. These can be toxic to pets and irritate their skin, eyes, and throat.
Always be sure to use cleaning agents that are safe for pets. Non-toxic brands include Mrs. Meyer’s, Simply Green, and Puracy.
You also want to use a laundry detergent that won’t irritate your pet’s skin. Many pets have allergies and are sensitive to strong fragrances and ingredients. Seventh Generation and Method are gentle detergents that do a good job of deep cleaning.
Another key tip is to always clean up any pet accidents right away. Vomit, urine, and poop not only cause odors but can damage your flooring or drywall.
Be careful when using fabric sprays or odor masking products as these can be toxic as well. Light scented soy candles are a good option for masking odor. You can even make a fresh scent spray with essential oils and witch hazel.
Give Your Dog a Bath
A regular bathing routine can keep your pet’s fur smelling fresh and help eliminate dog odor. Be careful about letting that wet dog smell into your home. After the bath, avoid letting your wet pet sit on any furniture until they are fully dry.
Another tip is to groom your pet well. This includes trimming their fur and clipping their nails. Check their paws for any dirt or traces of fecal matter from outside.
It helps to give your dog a designated area outdoors for doing their business. This avoids them from stepping in poop and bringing it into the home.
A pooper scooper removal service is another smart way for how to get rid of dog smell. This service ensures there are no smelly poops in the yard for your dog to step in and track inside.
Rethink Your Dog’s Sleeping Space
Having your dog sleep in bed with you can provide a sense of comfort and security. This can also leave your bed and blankets with an unpleasant smell.
Giving your dog their own designated sleeping space will help in getting dog smell out of the house. This makes it easier to control and reduce odors.
Buy your pet a comfortable dog bed to place in your bedroom. You can place another dog bed near the couch to try and keep the dog from sitting on the furniture.
Be sure to wash these dog beds regularly. It helps to buy a dog bed that has a removable cover that you can throw in the washing machine.
Placing a blanket over the dog bed is another option. Then you can wash the blanket once a week to remove fur and reduce odor.
Improve Your Air Quality
Better air quality helps to get dog smell out of the house. Do this by opening the windows whenever the weather is nice. This allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home.
Swapping out your air filters can also help reduce odors. It’s best to change these about every three months for better air quality.
Another idea is to place plants around the home to help cleanse the air. Fresh flowers will also add a nice smell to the home.
For tougher odor problems, invest in an air purifier. These work to clean the air while removing toxins and odors from your home. The best models include Rabbit Air, Honeywell, and LEVOIT.
How to Get Rid of Dog Smell Once and for All
Owning pets can make it tough to keep odors out of your home. Yet, these tips will teach you the best ways for how to get rid of dog smell once and for all.
A regular cleaning and pet pampering routine is key for eliminating these odors. Improving your indoor air quality will also help to keep your home smelling fresh and odor-free.
Looking for more pet ownership tips to live by? Check out the latest on our blog for more helpful advice.
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