How to get pet odors out of your home
There are many health benefits of having a pet (or pets) in your life. Studies show they can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help manage feelings of loneliness and depression. They offer companionship and love, and bring a healthy dose of joy into your life. And sometimes a whole lot of stench.
If you feel like your furry family member’s smell is out of control, it may be time to give your furniture and carpeting a thorough cleaning and put in place an odor control regiment.
Along with general house cleaning, identify where specific areas the odors are coming from by looking as soon as you come in from the outside – before you “get used” to smells. There are likely certain areas of your home that your pet likes to hang out in that may have picked up more of their scent than others.
Getting rid of pet odors usually requires a multi-faceted approach to cleaning. Here are some of the best ways to combat stubborn pet odors.
How to remove animal odors from carpets and furniture
Eureka PowerSpeed vacuum cleaner
Use a vacuum with a washable filter that you can clean after each use, like the Eureka Power Speed. Thoroughly vacuum carpets and furniture at least once a week. In this case, “thoroughly” means getting into every nook and cranny you can reach with the various accessories that come with the vacuum. The Eureka Power Speed comes with a pet turbo brush for removing hair and fur from all types of surfaces, as well as a crevice tool and a dusting brush.
The Bissel Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum cleaner
The Bissel Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum is another great option for sweeping up pet hair and dirt if you prefer a cordless device. Attachments include a motorized brush for removing embedded dirt and pet fur, an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
To continue cleaning the furniture, wash everything that can be washed, including any pillows. Take cushions outside and leave them in the sun for the afternoon.
baking soda
Baking soda, made from soda ash or sodium carbonate, is a naturally occurring substance extracted from nahcolite and trona ore. The world’s largest deposit of Trona is in Wyoming’s Green River Basin, making it a true “Made in the USA” product. The only ingredient in baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which is an excellent stain and odor remover. Chemically, baking soda is a base that dissolves organic compounds (urine, feces, vomit) that create stains and odors.
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and furniture. Leave it on overnight if possible and then vacuum it off.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural odor neutralizer and cleaner. Dilute with water in a spray bottle for use on carpets and furniture. After spraying, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, then gently blot or scrub to remove stains.
Dry carpet cleaner
Some manufacturers recommend using a dry cleaner on newer carpets. Dry carpet cleaners have a gritty consistency that absorbs spills, odors, and stains. Sprinkle over your carpet, brush to reach embedded odors, then vacuum. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s label directions for the best results.
Spray odor neutralizers
Simple solution
amazon.com
$13.79
Enzyme cleaners contain bacteria that release enzymes capable of breaking down the molecules of organic matter in urine, feces and food. After the enzymes have done their job, the bacteria consume what’s left, effectively eliminating stains and odors.
Obtain wonders of nature
wonder of nature
amazon.com
$13.55
Nature’s Miracle has a whole range of enzyme based products specifically made to combat all types of pet odors. To use the advanced stain and odor remover, soak the area after wiping up as much of the stain as possible. Leave for 15 minutes to remove stains, then blot with a clean cloth. If there is an odor, simply allow the area to air dry.
Keep the litter boxes in order
IRIS USA, Inc.
amazon.com
$39.99
If you have a feline family member (or family members), chances are you also have a litter box. Litter boxes present their own kind of olfactory challenges. To manage the odor, scoop daily and wash the box yourself weekly with soap and water (Not bleach, which can produce a dangerous gas). Use an odor-neutralizing bedding and add a layer of baking soda underneath.
While some litters have a “fresh scent,” I’ve always been interested in the unscented options. In my opinion, scented litter just masks unwanted smells rather than eliminating them.
Use an odor neutralizing bedding
Both Fresh Step and Arm and Hammer make excellent clumping, odor-busting bedding. Both are also 99.9% dust-free, which eliminates stubborn clouds of dust and helps keep the crate area clean.
Regular cleaning is the best defense against pet odors. Some other preventive measures include never letting a wet dog on the carpet or furniture, using slipcovers on your pet’s favorite chair or couch, and giving your dog regular baths. Consider an air purifier (or two) with a HEPA filter to keep pet dander and odors at bay, too.
Pets are always a wonderful addition to any family (I think), but not many of us want our homes to smell like our furry companions. The good news is that having the right cleaning supplies on hand and keeping up with the never-ending battle against pet hair and dander means you don’t have to.