How to Get Rid of Pet Odor: Simple and Effective Solutions
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Guess what — pet odor can be an unpleasant problem for pet owners! Duh, bet you didn’t know that, LOL. The good news though is that there is a solution and today we are going to share with you our guide on how to get rid of pet odor – the effective way.
Whether you have a new puppy or an old dog, accidents can and will happen. AND, PET ODOR CAN LINGER FOR A VERY LONG TIME. Not only can it be embarrassing when guests come over, but it can also be a health hazard if not cleaned up right away. Lucky for all of us, there are several really good ways to get rid of lingering pet odor in the home.
Obviously, one of the best ways to remove smelly pet odor is to vacuum regularly. This will remove any shed dog hair from your carpet and hard floors. Also, use a steam cleaner or cleaning service to deep clean your carpets and cloth upholstery as needed. Another effective method for quick cleaning is to use baking soda on carpeted floors. Do this by sprinkling baking soda on your carpets and upholstered furniture (these handy shakers make it easy), let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will help to absorb offending pet odors.
Understanding Pet Odor
If you have a pet, you know that they can bring joy and companionship to your life. However, unwanted odors in your home can also be part of the equation. Pet odor can be caused by a host of things, like:
- Urine and faeces: If your pet has an accident inside, the smell can linger even after you clean it up.
- Sweat: Just like humans, pets sweat and their sweat adds to smelly odors.
- Skin and fur: Pets shed, and their skin and fur can smell too.
- Wet Dog: When a dog gets wet it stinks! We’ve all smelled wet dog and no one thinks it’s a good smell for the home.
- Oral hygiene: A pet’s bad breath can make your home smell bad as well. Two things can help: Brushing the dog’s teeth and changing its diet.
Understanding the pet odor source is the first step in getting rid of it.
Here are five useful tips for you:
- Clean up accidents immediately: If your pet has an accident inside, clean it up as soon as possible. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet waste and vomit to eliminate the odor completely.
- Bathe your pet regularly: Regular baths can help keep your pet’s skin and fur clean, which can reduce odors. Don’t overdo bathing though, as that will remove the natural skin oils, making the skin too dry and unprotected. Once every two months or as needed is best. Dry your pet off thoroughly with a clean, dry towel.
- Brush your pet’s teeth: Just like humans, pets need good oral hygiene. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can help prevent stinky breath.
- Vacuum and dust regularly: Pet hair and dander can accumulate quickly, so it’s important to vacuum and dust often to keep your home smelling fresh.
- Use air purifiers: Air purifiers can help remove pet odors from the air, making your home smell fresher. Do not use scented candles or cover-up scents.
By understanding the source of pet odors and taking the suggested steps to eliminate it, you can keep your home smelling fresh and clean, even with one or more pets around.
Preventing Pet Odor
Pets can bring unpleasant odors to your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent pet odor from becoming a problem.
Proper Pet Hygiene
One of the best ways to prevent pet odor is to maintain proper pet hygiene. This includes regular grooming, bathing, and oral care.
- Grooming: Regular grooming can help reduce shedding and prevent mats from forming in your pet’s hair. Use a brush, comb, and grooming wipes to clean your pet’s paws and face between baths.
- Bathing: How often you should bathe your pet depends on their species, breed, coat type, and activity level. Generally, dogs should be bathed every 2-3 months, and cats should be bathed only when necessary. Use a vet-approved, pet-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly so no residue is left on your pet’s skin. Dry your pet well with an old towel after bathing. Do not use a plug-in electric hair dryer to blow-dry your pet.
- Oral Care: Like humans, dental hygiene is important for pets, too. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also provide special dental chews to help keep your pet’s teeth clean.
Regular Home Cleaning
In addition to proper pet hygiene, regular home cleaning can help prevent pet odor from becoming a problem.
Here are three good tips to keep your home smelling fresh:
- Vacuuming: Vacuum your floors, carpets, and furniture regularly to remove pet hair and dander. A modern vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and odors works wonders. If you don’t have one, then strongly consider renting or buying.
- Washing: Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and other items often to prevent odor buildup. Use a pet-safe detergent and hot water to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
- Air Purification: Consider buying an air purifier to eliminate pet odors and allergens from the indoor air. Look for a purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon to trap particles and odors.
By following these tips for proper pet and home cleaning, you can prevent pet odor from becoming a problem for you and your guests.
Identifying the Odor Source
As a pet owner, you should expect to experience unpleasant odors in your home. That doesn’t mean your guests should be offended, however. Identifying the source of pet odor has to be the first step in eliminating it.
Here are three fairly obvious places to check for pet odor:
Pet Beds
Your pet’s bed is a prime spot for pet odor to set in. Over time, pet hair, dander, bacteria, and drool can build up and create a lingering, unpleasant smell. Regular washing of your pet’s bedding is needed to keep it fresh and odor-free. Consider using a pet-safe detergent and adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate odors.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are a clear area where pet odor will accumulate. Pet accidents, vomit, spilled food, and pet body odor will add to that unsavory smell. Regular vacuuming can help remove pet hair and dander, but for deeper cleaning, consider using a carpet cleaner with a pet-specific formula. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming to help absorb odors.
Furniture
Your furniture can also be a source of pet odor. Upholstered furniture will accumulate pet hair and pet dander. In turn, these pet castoffs will stink up your furniture so think about using furniture covers or throws that can be easily washed. For deeper cleaning, we suggest using a fabric cleaner that will get rid of all pet stains and odors.
The first step is identifying the sources of pet odor in your home, then you can take steps to eliminate the odor. Regular house and furniture cleaning goes a long way in avoiding pet odor.
Pet Odor Neutralizers
There are two main categories of pet odor neutralizers — natural and commercial. But, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and effectiveness.
Natural Odor Neutralizers
Natural odor neutralizers are a popular product choice for pet owners who want to avoid harsh chemicals and prefer a more eco-friendly approach.
Some common alternative “home remedy” natural options are:
- Baking soda: A versatile and affordable option for neutralizing pet odors. Simply sprinkle it on carpets and furniture, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and vacuum it up.
- Vinegar: Can be used to neutralize pet odors. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray on affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it up.
- Activated charcoal: This is a highly effective natural odor absorber. Place it in a bowl or pouch near the source of the odor and it will absorb the smell.
Please Note: Natural odor neutralizers can be effective, but they may not be as powerful as commercial options and may require more frequent applications.
Commercial Odor Eliminators
Commercial odor eliminators are specifically engineered or formulated to eliminate pet odors and are often more powerful than natural options.
Here are some common commercial options:
- Enzymatic cleaners: Enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes to break down the proteins in pet urine and eliminate the odor. They are effective and safe for use on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.
- Oxidizing agents: Oxidizing agents work by chemically changing the odor molecules, making them odorless. They are highly effective but some types can be harsh and corrosive and unhealthy to breathe. Some may require ventilation during use. Be sure to read labels including cautionary statements.
- Pet odor candles: Pet odor candles are specifically formulated to neutralize intense pet odors in the air while they burn. They are a good choice for pet owners who just want to economically freshen up the air in their home.
Please Note: When choosing a commercial odor neutralizer, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for safe and effective use.
Using Pet Odor Neutralizers
Pet odor neutralizers, like Odor Bully and Angry Orange Concentrate are a great way to get rid of pet odors in your home. They mostly work by eliminating the odor-causing molecules.
Here are some ways you can use pet odor neutralizers:
Application on Carpets
Carpets are one of the main culprits when it comes to harboring pet odors. The fibers in the carpet can trap pet hair, urine, and other unwanted odors, making it difficult to get rid of the smell.
To use a pet odor neutralizer on carpets, follow these steps:
- Vacuum the carpet to remove any loose pet hair or debris.
- Apply the pet odor neutralizer to the affected area, following the instructions on the label.
- Allow the neutralizer to sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove any excess liquid.
Application on Furniture
Furniture is another area where pet odors like to linger. Upholstered furniture, in particular, can trap pet hair and smells, making it difficult to get rid of the odors.
To use a pet odor neutralizer on furniture, follow these steps:
- Vacuum the furniture to remove any loose pet hair, dander, or other debris.
- Apply the pet odor neutralizer to the affected area, following the instructions on the label.
- Allow the neutralizer to sit for the label’s recommended amount of time.
- Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove any excess liquid.
Application on Pet Beds
Pet beds are yet another place where pet odors are often a nasty nuisance. Over time, pet beds will become smelly and unpleasant. Smelly pet beds are obnoxious for you and uncomfortable for your pet to sleep on.
To use a pet odor neutralizer on pet beds, follow these steps:
- Remove any loose pet hair or debris from the pet bed.
- Apply the pet odor neutralizer to the affected area, following the instructions on the label.
- Allow the neutralizer to sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Wash the pet bed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pet odor neutralizers are a great way to get rid of pet odors. By following the above steps, you can effectively eliminate pet odors from carpets, furniture, pet beds, and anything else.
A Fresh Home Smell
To keep your home smelling fresh and clean, it’s important to maintain pet odor elimination. In addition to cleaning up messes promptly, try doing a few other things to keep your home healthy and smelling good.
Regular Ventilation
A really easy way to keep your home smelling fresh is to open windows and doors regularly. Pretty easy and this lets in fresh air to circulate around the inside of your home. Fresh air flows in and stinky, stale air goes out. If you have a pet, it’s a good idea to open windows and doors for a few minutes on nice days — take care that your house pet doesn’t escape!
Use of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are effective in keeping your home smelling fresh. These devices work by removing allergens, pet dander, and other polluting particles from the house air. Look for a purifier that can specifically remove pet odors. Notice that some air purifiers come with specialized filters designed to trap pet dander and other allergens.
Just be sure to buy purifiers that are safe for pets and won’t cause any distress or harm to you and your guests.
How to Get Rid of Pet Odor
If you want to know how to get rid of pet odor we have suggested a few things that pet owners like you can do to keep the home smelling fresh and clean. Things like using scented candles, essential oils, air purifiers, and various odor eliminators or neutralizers to remove pet odors and freshen the air in your home.
Just remember that PET ODOR CAN LINGER FOR A VERY LONG TIME and, it can be embarrassing and a serious health hazard if not cleaned up right away.
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