Stubborn Smells? Here Are Some Tricks on Eliminating Pet Odors

We love our furry friends, but the smells that come along with them? Not so much. Stubborn pet odors have a way of getting trapped in your home, and they can seem to linger no matter how many scented candles you use.

Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques you can try to keep your house smelling fresh and clean. Here are a few tips and tricks for eliminating pet odors in your home.

Tips for Eliminating Pet Odors

Pet odors have a way of getting into just about everything. This includes your carpets, furniture, curtains, and even your walls. Here are a few things you can do to get rid of that pet smell that just won’t seem to go away.

Vacuum All Surfaces

Pet hair and dander are major offenders when it comes to spreading pet smells around the house. Pet hair and dander can work their way into carpets and other fabrics over time.

Regular vacuum cleaning is essential for controlling the pet hair and dander in your home. Be sure to vacuum all carpets and upholstery as well as uncarpeted floors. It’s recommended that pet owners vacuum at least several times per week.

Make sure you have a high-powered vacuum, preferably with a HEPA filter. Use helpful attachments to fully clean stairs and other hard to reach areas.

For extra smelly carpeting or fabrics, you can use baking soda to draw out the odors. Just sprinkle baking soda on the surface and allow it to sit for a few hours. Then vacuum it up.

Get Some Fresh Air

Fresh air is great for getting rid of odors and staleness. On a dry and breezy day, leave your windows open for a few hours to allow new air to circulate into your home.

For smaller items that can be moved, such as throw rugs or drapery, consider bringing them outside. Hang them on a clothesline or railing for the day to allow the fresh breeze to remove odors, hair, and dust.

Deep Clean Furniture and Fabrics

A good washing is a great defense against pet odors in your home. After vacuuming your furniture and drapes, follow up with a thorough washing.

For items that can be machine washed, such as throw pillow covers and some drapes, follow washing instructions and use a fresh-smelling detergent. For larger items, such as upholstered furniture or very heavy drapery, use a deep cleaning process to remove those deep-set odors.

Pay special attention to areas that your pets use frequently. For example, be sure to vacuum and wash pet beds. If you allow your pets to sit on the furniture, consider covering it with a removable cover that can be thrown in the washing machine.

Clean Your Carpets

Carpets are a major source of set-in pet odors. Carpets can trap tons of pet hair, dander, and dust. Your should deep-clean your carpet regularly to keep your home smelling fresh.

Be sure to spot treat pet stains with a vinegar solution or other carpet cleaner. For pet accidents, you can use an enzymatic cleaner. It’s crucial to treat the spot as soon as possible to prevent the stain and smell from setting in.

Use a carpet cleaning solution that is safe for your type of carpeting. Don’t oversaturate your carpets when cleaning them, as that can lead to trapped moisture and even worse odors than before.

Check underneath furniture for hidden stains. There could be old spots you don’t even know about contributing to the overall odors in your home.

Depending on how much carpeting you have in your house, carpet cleaning can be a big job. Consider working with a carpet-cleaning professional to make things easier.

Wash the Floors and Walls

Pet odors can even affect hard surfaces like floors and walls. You should wash these surfaces regularly to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Sweep and dust them thoroughly before washing to remove pet hair and other debris.

To clean your walls and floors, make sure to use cleaning products that are safe for that type of surface. You should determine the type of paint on your walls before attempting to clean it. Not all cleaners are safe for all types of flooring, either.

Sometimes odors can be deeply set into walls and floors. This is especially true if pets have directly soiled the area.

In this case, you might opt to apply a fresh coat of paint or a wood stain. This will help to seal the odor and prevent new smells from being trapped in the future.

Groom Your Pet Regularly

Keeping your pet fresh and clean can help keep your house fresh and clean, too. Make sure to give dogs regular baths. Keep up with brushing for all furry pets to prevent excess shedding.

Regular coat trims can help reduce the amount of hair around your home, as well. Keep your pet’s nails short and clean to prevent tracking dirt and debris around the house.

If you have cats, make sure to keep the litter box clean. Scoop the litter regularly and change out the litter at least every few days. If the litter box still smells funky, consider washing it out with a pet-safe cleaner.

Consider an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help remove those unpleasant airborne smells. The filter in an air purifier is great for trapping pet dander. Not only will this cut down on the odors in your home, but it will help reduce allergens.

Freshen Up Your Home Today

Stubborn pet odors can be a real headache for homeowners. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get rid of that lingering dog or cat smell. Try out these cleaning tips for eliminating pet odors to keep your home and your furry friends fresh and clean.

Are you interested in working with a professional to give your home the deep-cleaning it needs? Feel free to contact us today to find out how we can help.