You thought the day filled with meetings and reports would never end, but it is finally over, and you can go home to that one little fellow who loves you for who you are, warts and all. You can’t wait to turn the key in the lock because you know that when you open the door, Beef, your beloved Labradoodle, is waiting for you, his tail wagging with excitement. No, the doggo isn’t a pet; he is a member of the family.
However, you don’t love it when your home starts smelling like a dog. Nobody does! Wet-dog odor, damp fur, and those unexpected pet accidents can sometimes make you want to give up your dog for adoption.
But let’s not resort to desperation just yet. Keeping your furry friend and your home clean and pleasant doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. You can have the best of both by tackling pet odors effectively with the right cleaning methods and a few helpful tools.
What causes pet odor in your home?
Body oils, damp fur, feces, soiled bedding, saliva, and urine can cause pet odor. When they accumulate on surfaces like carpets, furniture, and bedding, the odor can linger even after you’ve cleaned and dried your four-legged friend.
However, not every pet odor is a hygiene or sanitation issue. Sometimes, foul breath, skin odor, itching, and redness can signal an underlying health problem. Once you identify the source with your veterinarian’s help, you can use the right cleaning method and keep your home animal-friendly and free of wet-dog smell.
Find the source
Finding the root cause for the odor is necessary to address problems correctly and effectively. After all, a doggie bath with lavender-scented shampoo can only do so much if you’re dealing with an oral health problem.
Inspect your pet’s favorite bedding, blanket, harness, and collar; they often retain smells from saliva and the outdoors even after you’ve cleaned your pet. Next, thoroughly check your pet for sores, swelling, discharge, wax, and redness. Call your veterinarian for an appointment if you notice concerning symptoms.
Wash pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers
You’ve bathed your dog, aired out the room, and cleaned the floors, but still can’t get rid of that damn dog smell. What could you be doing wrong? You’re probably neglecting your pet’s bedding and blanket. Little nugget’s bed might look perfectly alright from afar, but it could be the culprit.
Read the care labels and wash your pet’s bedding according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let everything dry thoroughly before putting it back in your pet’s sleeping area. If your dog’s bed is hard to clean and you don’t have the bandwidth for a high-maintenance pet bed, a model with a removable, machine-washable cover can be a lifesaver. One option to consider is the EHEYCIGA Orthopedic dog bed, which comes in different sizes.
Vacuum floors, furniture, and other surfaces
Regularly vacuuming floors, furniture, and other surfaces removes pet hair, dander, and other debris before they become bigger problems in your home. This practice also helps mitigate pet allergy problems. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a vacuum with HEPA filtration can be especially useful in managing airborne allergens.
Hard-to-reach areas are especially difficult to clean thoroughly, and that’s where the SMOTURE cordless vacuum cleaner comes in. Switching between modes is stress-free, and the LED smart screen and automatic mode adjust suction power to the surface you’re cleaning.
Deep-clean carpet, rugs, and upholstered furniture
Sometimes vacuuming simply isn’t enough, and you may need to go a step further for cleanliness and freshness. In those cases, a steam or spot cleaner can help eliminate odors that have seeped into carpet and upholstery fibers.
A portable steam carpet and furniture cleaner, such as the TREEUP C7 Max can make tackling pet stains, stubborn grime, and grease easier. However, if the odor remains after deep cleaning, it may be best to ask professionals for help.
Use an enzymatic cleaner for accidents
Occasionally, accidents happen, and when they do, you have to act immediately to prevent the stain and smell from setting into the fibers. Blot fresh accidents with an absorbent cloth, but avoid vigorous rubbing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and choose cleaning products specifically formulated for the stain type and material you’re treating.
Enzymatic cleaners work best for urine because they break down organic residues. Test on a small hidden area first, and check labels before applying heat or using a spot cleaner. Don’t forget to dry the material thoroughly first before using it again.
Ensure litter boxes and your pet’s area are clean
Your cat’s damp litter box or soiled bedding may be another source of that persistent odor, especially if you’ve already tried vacuuming floors, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
If you have a feline companion, scoop the litter box regularly and dispose of your cat’s waste properly. If daily scooping doesn’t fit your routine, the Ellenpent Open-Top Automatic litter box might be a great option. It automatically separates waste and seals it in a separate compartment after your cat does its business.
If you have other pets, change soiled bedding based on their needs. Thoroughly clean soiled areas because residual scent can prompt your cat to return. If your beloved cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box, it might be time to visit your veterinarian.
Get an air purifier with activated carbon filtration
You’ve washed and cleaned your pet’s bedding and area, the house looks shiny and new, and you’ve bathed your pet, but the unpleasant smell remains. Is there anything else you can do? An air purifier may help, especially if the odor comes from gases.
Choose a model that combines activated carbon and particle filtration. You’ll get the best of both worlds, but remember that neither replaces cleaning the surfaces where pet hair, dander, and other residue accumulate.
The WINIX 5520 Air Purifier is a model worth looking at. With its 4-stage filtration and PlasmaWave technology, it captures dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. It also reduces VOCs and household odors from pets, cooking, and smoke, and includes a visual indicator so you can see your room’s air quality in real time.
Establish a regular pet-grooming and home-cleaning routine
This may sound cliché, but the saying “prevention is better than cure” is quite accurate. If you want to spend your weekend relaxing and binge-watching your favorite series instead of scrubbing, establish a consistent pet-grooming and home-cleaning routine.
Brush your pet’s coat, clean its paws, wash bedding regularly, and thoroughly clean areas your pet frequents. The ASPCA dog grooming guide is an excellent resource for any dog owner who’s struggling with persistent odors.
Improve ventilation
Limited air circulation can leave fabrics and surfaces damp, worsening pet odors. Whenever possible, open your windows to let stale air out. Dry bedding, upholstery, and carpets thoroughly before reusing them.
If an area stays damp, find the root cause instead of covering the smell. A dehumidifier, such as the Oneskin dehumidifier, can help address problems with persistent dampness or excess humidity. This model lets you easily control settings with touch icons. Quieter than a refrigerator, it works quietly in the background without disturbing your sleep.
Keep your home fresh and clean
Having a pet doesn’t mean you need to live in a home that smells like one. With the right methods and a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your living space inviting and pleasant while keeping you and your pet comfortable.
Start by identifying the odor source and promptly addressing the root cause. Follow the care instructions for your carpet, furniture, and other surfaces, as well as directions on your cleaning products. And if your pet develops an unpleasant odor despite normal grooming, consult the veterinarian to rule out any health issue.