Ways to Get Rid of Dog Smell in Your House
If you are a pet parent, then you are familiar with the pet odor that is haunting your home. It’s nearly impossible to get around that problem unless you are the owner. Dogs stink for the same reasons you do when you don’t bathe; however, dogs only need about 4 to 6 baths a year. More than that will cause rashes, legions, and stiff fur.
Between baths, dogs sweat and get wax buildup in their ears. Dogs are not capable to sweat through its fur; instead, they sweat through its feet. They then scratch their waxy ears with their sweaty paws and sit down on the carpet. Your dog is also undeniably proud of its scent. It’s their identity, their mark on the world. A lot of it is your dog’s way of marking territory. Urine isn’t the only marker. Dogs leave their total scent – from their oily skin to the smell of their saliva, everywhere. All of these odors combine to create that dog smell. While it can be challenging to eliminate dog-related odors, it is entirely possible to do so with a bit of effort and strategic thinking.
Investigate where the dog smell comes from. Dogs have habits. They also have a favorite place to lounge. Naturally these places will have an overwhelming dog smell. Often, dogs prefer more than one place. It’s a good idea to note them and treat all of them to remove and control the pet odor. You can also observe your dogs’ habits and see where it loves to lie, or where it spends most of its time.
If your house already smells like a kennel, perhaps it’s time for a deep clean. Those puppy selfies of you guys snuggling in bed and on the couch are absolutely adorable, but that pooch perfume seeping into your upholstery isn’t so cute at all. Here are some tips on how you can help eliminate dog odors in your home:
The floor is just the beginning. It’s important to vacuum up all the pet hair and dander. This includes: the cushions of your couch, behind furniture and in all the cracks and crevices around areas that your pet likes to hang out. Even if your pet doesn't shed much, it’s important not to skip this step, as you will still have pet dander to deal with.
As well as vacuuming, you should mop often, too. Our dog sits in the hallway until they’re dry from their rainy walks, and so we need to mop the hallway every couple of days to keep on top of the smell.
After mopping and vacuuming, the most crucial step is neutralizing the odors, and one which you should never skip. Mix together one part water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it all throughout the house including the beddings, furniture, and floors.
Never forget about washing your dog’s stuff, especially their food and drinking bowls, and toys. This is one of the simplest things that most pet owners tend to forget. Our pets lick these stuff, and we cannot allow it to be breeding ground for bacteria.
Brush your pets. Beyond odor control, brushing your dog has other advantages. Brushing eliminates dead hair and skin, distributes natural oils, and increases circulation flow to the skin. Brushing your dog at least twice a week will help to reduce dander and hair in your home.
Invest on an air purifier. Air purifiers remove not only pet odor and dander, but also smoke, dust mites, pollutants, and pollen, which is good for both odor control and health. For the best results, look for air purifiers with a HEPA filter.
Bathe your dog with the shampoo and condition that are harmless but leaves a nice scent on their coats. Clean coat would help dog colognes to stay longer.
Open your windows during the day. True indeed, that the best way to purify air is to welcome fresh air from the outside. Not only will it neutralize dog scent but also help with dust and molds.
Use carpet fresheners. Homes with pets are not advised to have carpeted flooring but if there is carpet, book a carpet cleaning service at least once a month. You can do spot cleaning as well but mixing a cup of soda with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture on your carpet for 30 minutes before vacuuming.
Always use enzyme cleanings. We cannot avoid accidents. For spot cleaning, it is best to soak it with diluted enzyme cleaners for an hour or two before wiping it down.
Use damp microfiber cloth to wipe paw prints and peed puddles especially on hardwood floors and tiles. When dogs enter the house after playing and digging outside, wipe their feet when they go inside.
Replace your air filters on a regular basis to ensure that clean air is always circulating. Filters that are dirty or clogged can limit air flow in your home, making any unpleasant odors more noticeable.
A plug-in odor eliminator with a carbon filter captures and neutralizes scents for up to three months can help you breathe easier. A useful indicator at the top indicates when it's time to replace the filters.
For a more thorough cleaning to get rid of dog smell in your home and to keep it fresh smelling, you can always count on Carzor Home Cleaning. Call us at (612) 887-7299.