Is your home starting to smell, well, doggy? You are not alone. Many dog owners face this common issue. What is the dog smell? It comes from things like pet dander, oils on your dog’s skin, tiny bits of poop or pee, and dirt your dog brings inside. These bits break down over time. Bacteria grow on them, making the bad smells. Can I really get rid of it? Yes, you can! It takes time and effort. But with the right steps, you can make your home smell fresh again. This guide will show you how to deep clean your home to get rid of dog smells for good. We will cover every surface and source.
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Grasping the Source: Why Your Home Smells Like Dog
Before we can fight the smell, we need to know where it comes from. It’s not just one thing. It’s often a mix of many factors.
Dog’s Natural Oils and Dander
Your dog has natural oils on their skin and fur. These oils protect their skin. But they can also pick up smells from outside. Dead skin cells, called dander, fall off your dog. These dander particles can carry smells. They settle on carpets, furniture, and floors. Over time, these tiny bits build up. They become a source of bad smells. Regular brushing helps lessen dander. It also spreads the oils.
Bacteria and Yeasts
Your dog carries tiny germs on their skin and paws. These include bacteria and yeasts. They are natural. But they can make a smell, especially when wet. When your dog sheds hair or dander, these tiny germs go with them. They can then grow on carpets and furniture. This growth makes the dog smell worse. Think of it like body odor, but for your house.
Dirt and Outside Elements
Dogs love to play outside. They roll in grass. They dig in dirt. They walk through puddles. All these things stick to their fur and paws. When they come inside, they bring these smells with them. Wet dirt can have a very strong smell. This is often the cause of that “wet dog” smell.
Accidents and Urine Residue
Even the best-trained dogs can have accidents. Dog urine is a big source of bad smells. It has strong chemicals. When urine dries, it can crystalize. These crystals hold onto the smell. Even if you clean the spot, the smell can stay. This is because the old crystals are still there. Or maybe the urine soaked deep into the carpet pad. This is why eliminating dog urine smell needs special care.
The Attack Plan: A Deep Clean Strategy
Getting rid of dog smell means more than just a quick wipe. You need a deep clean. This means treating every part of your home. It’s a bit like a full-body workout for your house.
Start with the Dog
The first step in pet odor removal tips is to clean the dog itself. Your dog is part of the problem. So, they must be part of the solution.
- Bathing Your Dog: Give your dog a bath. Use a good dog shampoo. Make sure it is made for dogs. Human shampoos can dry out their skin. Rub the shampoo well into their fur. Get all the way down to the skin. Rinse them very, very well. Any left-over shampoo can cause skin problems. It can also hold onto smells. Dry your dog completely. A damp dog can quickly become a stinky dog.
- Grooming: Brush your dog often. Daily brushing is best. This removes loose fur and dander. It also spreads natural oils. This helps keep their coat healthy and less smelly. Trim their nails. Clean their ears. Dogs can get ear infections. These can smell bad. Regular grooming helps keep smells away.
- Paw Care: Your dog’s paws touch everything. They bring dirt inside. Wipe your dog’s paws each time they come in. Use a damp cloth or a paw cleaner. This stops dirt and smells from spreading.
The Dog’s Bed: A Smell Magnet
Your dog’s bed is often the worst spot for smells. It soaks up oils, dirt, and dander. Dog bed odor removal is key.
- Washing Frequency: Wash your dog’s bed often. Once a week is good. For very smelly dogs, wash it more.
- Washing Method: Check the label on the bed. Most beds have covers you can take off. Wash the cover in hot water. Use a pet-safe detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. This helps kill smells. If the bed itself can go in the washer, wash it too. Make sure it dries completely. A damp bed will grow mold and smell worse.
- Spot Cleaning: For small spots, use an enzyme cleaner. Spray it on the spot. Let it sit for a while. Then blot it dry.
Here is a table showing how to clean different types of dog beds:
| Dog Bed Material | Cleaning Method | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Cover | Machine wash hot with pet-safe detergent. Add 1 cup white vinegar. | Dry fully in dryer or air dry. Make sure no dampness remains. |
| Foam/Memory Foam | Remove cover. Spot clean foam with enzyme cleaner. | Do not machine wash foam inserts. Blot thoroughly. Air dry in a well-aired spot. Sun helps kill smells. |
| Orthopedic Beds | Follow fabric cover steps for outer shell. Spot clean inner supports. | Some supports may be plastic or firm foam. Wipe these with a damp cloth and enzyme cleaner. Ensure they are dry. |
| Crate Mats | Machine wash hot with pet-safe detergent. | These often dry quickly. Air dry or tumble dry low. |
| Outdoor Beds | Hose down with water and mild soap. | Scrub with a brush. Rinse well. Air dry in the sun. Sun is a great natural dryer and odor killer. |
Tackling Specific Areas of Your Home
Now that the dog and their bed are clean, it’s time to clean your house.
Deep Cleaning Carpets Pet Odor
Carpets are like big sponges. They soak up pet smells, dander, and dirt. Deep cleaning carpets pet odor is very important.
- Vacuum First: Start by vacuuming. Use a strong vacuum with a HEPA filter. Go slowly. Vacuum in different directions. This picks up more dirt and hair.
- Pre-Treat Smelly Spots: For strong smells or old urine spots, pre-treat them. Spray an enzyme cleaner on the spot. Let it sit for the time the bottle says. This lets the enzymes break down the smell.
- Use an Enzyme Cleaner: This is the most vital step. Enzyme cleaners have special bacteria. These bacteria eat the stuff that makes the smell. They don’t just cover it up. They get rid of it.
- Application: Follow the directions on the bottle. Often, you soak the area. Let it sit for a few hours. Then blot it dry. You might need to do this a few times for old smells.
- Best enzyme cleaner for pet odors: Look for cleaners labeled “enzymatic cleaner” or “bio-enzymatic odor eliminator.” Brands like Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator, Nature’s Miracle, and Angry Orange are popular. Choose one that is safe for carpets and pets. Always test a small hidden spot first. This checks if it will stain your carpet.
- Steam Clean Your Carpets: After using an enzyme cleaner, steam clean your carpets. You can rent a steam cleaner. Or hire a professional. Use hot water in the steam cleaner. You can add a pet-safe carpet cleaning solution. Steam cleaning gets deep into the carpet fibers. It pulls out dirt and grime. Make sure the carpet dries fully. Use fans or open windows to speed drying.
Upholstery Pet Smell Removal
Furniture can also hold a lot of dog smell. Upholstery pet smell removal needs careful work.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Use your vacuum’s brush tool. Go over all fabric surfaces. Get into cracks and seams. This picks up hair and dander.
- Baking Soda Power: Baking soda is a great natural smell absorber.
- Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over all fabric furniture.
- Let it sit for several hours. Overnight is best.
- The baking soda will soak up the smells.
- Vacuum it all up very carefully.
- Spot Treat with Enzyme Cleaner: For specific stains or strong smells, use an enzyme cleaner.
- Dampen a clean cloth with the cleaner.
- Gently blot the smelly area. Do not rub. Rubbing can spread the smell or damage the fabric.
- Let it air dry.
- Always test a small, hidden spot first. This makes sure the cleaner won’t stain or harm your fabric.
- Wash Removable Covers: If your cushions have covers, take them off. Wash them in your washing machine. Use a pet-safe detergent. Add white vinegar to the wash. Dry them fully.
Eliminating Dog Urine Smell (Accidents)
Urine is a big problem. It needs special care. Eliminating dog urine smell is very important for a fresh home.
- Act Fast: Clean up urine accidents right away. The faster you act, the easier it is to remove the smell.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Use paper towels or a clean cloth. Press down firmly to soak up as much urine as possible. Stand on the towels. Keep doing this until no more wetness comes up. Do not rub. Rubbing pushes the urine deeper.
- Soak with Enzyme Cleaner: Once you have blotted up the urine, pour an enzyme cleaner on the spot. Use enough to soak the area. It should soak as deep as the urine did. This is very important. If the urine went into the carpet pad, the cleaner must too.
- Let it Work: Let the enzyme cleaner sit. Follow the directions on the bottle. This might be for 10-15 minutes or even a few hours. Some cleaners need to sit overnight. This gives the enzymes time to eat the odor-causing stuff.
- Blot Again: After the time is up, blot the area again. Use clean paper towels. You want to remove as much cleaner as possible.
- Air Dry: Let the spot air dry completely. You can use a fan to speed this up. Do not put anything over the spot until it is fully dry.
- Check with a Blacklight: Old urine stains can be hard to see. But they still smell. Use a UV or blacklight in a dark room. Urine stains will glow yellow-green. This helps you find all the hidden spots. Then you can treat them.
- Repeat if Needed: For old or strong smells, you might need to treat the area again. Sometimes it takes two or three tries to get rid of the smell completely.
Hard Floors, Walls, and Baseboards
Hard surfaces are easier to clean. But they can still hold smells.
- Mopping Hard Floors: Mop hard floors with a good cleaner. You can add a cup of white vinegar to your mop water. This helps kill smells. Pay extra attention to corners and edges. Urine can splash onto baseboards.
- Wipe Walls and Baseboards: Use a damp cloth with a mild cleaner. Wipe down walls and baseboards. Focus on areas where your dog rests or rubs. This removes oils and dander.
- Check Grout Lines: Grout lines between tiles can soak up smells. Scrub them with a brush and a cleaning solution.
Advanced Help and Natural Solutions
Sometimes, a deep clean is not enough. You might need extra tools or want to try natural ways.
Air Purifier for Dog Smell
An air purifier can be a big help. It cleans the air.
- How They Work: Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.
- HEPA filters catch tiny particles like dander, dust, and pet hair.
- Activated carbon filters soak up smells from the air. They are very good at removing pet odors.
- Placement: Put the air purifier in the room where your dog spends the most time. Run it often.
- Benefits: An air purifier helps remove smells that are floating in the air. It also helps with allergies by taking out dander. This makes your home smell fresh all the time.
Natural Remedies for Pet Stench / DIY Dog Odor Eliminator
You can use everyday items to fight dog smells. These are safe and often cheap.
- Baking Soda:
- For Carpets and Upholstery: Sprinkle baking soda on smelly areas. Let it sit for hours or overnight. Then vacuum it up.
- In Pet Areas: Put small bowls of baking soda in rooms where your dog spends time. It will soak up smells from the air. Change it every few days.
- White Vinegar:
- General Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Use this to clean hard floors, walls, and pet crates. It kills bacteria and neutralizes smells. The vinegar smell goes away as it dries.
- Laundry Aid: Add a cup of white vinegar to your pet laundry. This includes dog beds, blankets, and towels. It helps remove smells.
- Spray Bottle: Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the air or smelly fabrics. Let it air dry.
- Citrus Peels:
- Boil citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit) in water. Let the steam fill your home. This makes a nice, fresh smell.
- Coffee Grounds:
- Place small bowls of used coffee grounds in smelly areas. They are great at soaking up bad smells. Change them often.
- Ventilation:
- Open windows and doors. Let fresh air flow through your home. This helps push out stale, smelly air. Use fans to move air around. Do this often, especially on nice days.
- Activated Charcoal:
- This is not the same as coffee charcoal. Buy activated charcoal bags. Hang them in rooms. They soak up smells from the air.
Ongoing Prevention and Maintenance: Keep the Smell Away
Getting rid of the dog smell is one thing. Keeping it gone is another. These pet odor removal tips help maintain a fresh home.
- Consistent Grooming: Stick to a regular grooming schedule for your dog. This means bathing, brushing, and paw cleaning. A clean dog means a cleaner home.
- Wash Pet Items Often: Wash dog beds, blankets, toys, and collars regularly. These items gather a lot of smells.
- Quick Accident Cleanup: Always clean up accidents right away. Have enzyme cleaner ready. The faster you clean, the less chance the smell has to set in.
- Regular Cleaning Schedule:
- Daily: Vacuum floors and furniture. Wipe down high-traffic areas.
- Weekly: Wash pet bedding. Mop hard floors. Wipe baseboards.
- Monthly: Deep vacuum carpets and upholstery. Spot treat any new smells.
- Every Few Months/Yearly: Steam clean carpets.
- Protect Furniture: Use washable throws or blankets on furniture where your dog sits. You can wash these easily.
- Change Air Filters: Change your HVAC system’s air filters often. Pet dander can clog them. Clean filters mean better air flow and less trapped smell.
- Deodorize Drains: Pour a cup of white vinegar down drains. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then flush with hot water. Sometimes pet odors come from drains, especially in laundry rooms or mudrooms.
How to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell
The wet dog smell is special. It happens when water mixes with your dog’s oils and bacteria. It smells like a dirty gym sock.
- Dry Your Dog Completely: The most important step is to dry your dog fully after baths or walks in the rain. Use towels. A high-velocity pet dryer works best if you have one.
- Clean Dog’s Paws: Muddy or wet paws track smells everywhere. Wipe them down well.
- Ventilate: After your dog gets wet, open windows. Turn on fans. Help air move through your home. This dries the air. It also pushes out the wet dog smell.
- Use Enzyme Cleaner on Wet Spots: If your wet dog lay on a carpet or furniture, use an enzyme cleaner on that spot. The smell will be on the surface too.
- Wash Towels and Blankets: Any towels or blankets used to dry your dog need to be washed right away. Do not let them sit damp. Wash with pet-safe detergent and vinegar.
FAQ Section
Can dog smell really be removed completely?
Yes, it can. But it takes a deep clean. You must address the source of the smell, not just cover it up. This means cleaning your dog, their bed, and all the surfaces in your home. It also needs ongoing effort.
How often should I clean my dog’s bed?
It is best to wash your dog’s bed cover once a week. If your dog is very active or prone to smells, you might need to wash it more often. Foam inserts should be spot cleaned and aired out regularly.
Are all enzyme cleaners the same?
No, not all enzyme cleaners are the same. Look for “bio-enzymatic” cleaners. These have living enzymes that break down organic matter causing the smell. Some cheaper cleaners just mask smells. Read reviews and look for products made specifically for pet odors.
Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar together?
Yes, for cleaning it is often safe. Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. When mixed, they fizz. This reaction can help lift dirt and clean. However, for pet odors, it’s often better to use them one after the other. For example, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit, then vacuum. Then, clean with a vinegar-water mix. This way, each product works best. For urine, use enzyme cleaner first. Then, after the spot is dry, you can use baking soda for extra odor help.
Conclusion
Getting rid of dog smell from your house is a big job. But it is very possible. It needs a full attack plan. You must clean your dog and their things. You must deep clean all surfaces in your home. Enzyme cleaners are your best friend for deep-set smells. Regular cleaning and good air flow will keep your home fresh. By following these steps, you can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling home. And your dog can still be a happy part of your family.