• 04
  • Jun
odor removal

Freshen Up Your Home With Pet Odor Removal

Your floors may be shined and your shelves dust free, but there’s that one little thing keeping you from a squeaky clean home. Pet odor.

We get it; we love our furry friends too! However, we don’t need to love the pesky smells that come along with pet ownership.

Have no fear, follow us and we’ll show you the best tips for odor removal so you can finally have that fresh smelling house you always wanted.

Start at the Source

The simplest place to start with odor removal is with your pet itself. Before you put hard work into odor removal, let’s look into how we can prevent it all together.

Bathing and Grooming

While regular bathing seems like common sense, did you know some vets recommend bathing your pet once a week? It does depend on the type of hair your cat or dog has, so be sure to ask your vet for their personal recommendation.

Regular brushing is an excellent way to keep dander-related odors from stinking up your house. If weather permits, try to brush your pet outdoors to ensure their fur doesn’t get redeposited onto your furniture.

Hygiene

You wouldn’t dream of leaving your house without brushing your teeth, but how much effort do you put into the oral needs of your pet? There are countless options for both cats and dogs in the form of chew toys that help cut down on stinky pet mouth.

Infection

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to ear infections than others (think long-eared dogs such as hounds.) Often the odor will be the first sign of trouble, so be sure to keep an eye (or nose) out.

Accessories

Another secret hiding place for foul pet odors is accessories like their collar or bed. If your pet’s collar can withstand the washing machine, go for it. If not, you can hand-wash it in the sink and hang up to dry. The key word here is DRY. A damp collar going back onto your pet is a surefire way too add odor problems.

Pet beds, in particular, are a huge culprit when it comes to odor. Owners should opt for a bed with a machine-washable cover whenever possible and wash them weekly. Remember to either vacuum (using a pet hair attachment if possible) or use a lint brush in between washings to help keep dander at bay.

Furniture

If you’ve taken all the preventative measures, you’re probably ready to begin the odor removal process.

First and foremost, you should address any furniture your pet has access to. Does your pet sleep in your bed? Are they allowed on the couches? If so, you may have multiple opponents in your quest for odor removal.

You will want to remove all pillows and blankets and vacuum the base furniture carefully and thoroughly. While you are vacuuming, throw any removable coverings (pillow cases, couch skirts, etc.) into the washing machine.

Be sure to use a good fur attachment as pet fur can be tricky to remove. The last thing you want is lingering hair adding to the odor.

Lastly, sprinkle a little baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it away. This is an excellent way to neutralize odors on soft pieces of furniture like beds or couches.

Flooring

Hardwood

Investing in a good mop, such as a Swiffer, can make all the difference. Vacuuming hardwood is also a great way to eradicate pet hair. Either method you choose, be sure to play close attention to under couches and appliances where hair can accumulate.

Carpets

While carpeting feels great under your pets’ paws, it’s one of your number one spots for odor removal.

While doing routine maintenance cleaning will help, homeowners will see a longer life of their carpet if they invest in a good professional carpet cleaning from time to time.

Depending on how much or little your pet sheds, you need to vacuum at least once a week to keep odors at bay. A vacuum with smaller attachments is ideal for getting under and in-between furniture.

Uh-Oh Accidents

Another culprit that makes pet odor removal feel impossible? Pet urine.

While no one is happy about our little friends’ accidents, they do happen and can wreak havoc on our sense of smell (and your carpets!)

How can you stop your pet’s accidents from standing between you and a fresh smelling house? The trick is to address the accident as soon as possible and absorb as much as you can before treating it. “Early intervention” will not only give your carpet the best chance of staying stain-free but will help with odor.

Once you’ve absorbed as much as you can, you should re-wet the spot with cold water before treating it with an enzyme remover. Once the remover has had its chance to work, reabsorb any remaining liquid with a paper towel.

The Air

Proper ventilation and clean air are great ways to keep pet smells from bringing you down.

Certain air freshener sprays can temporarily mask the smells but is not going to help with odor removal. Additionally, many room sprays are toxic to animals, which brings us to our next point.

What You Use Is Important!

The cleaning industry is beginning to move toward more green products, but you should still read labels very carefully.

Just as you wouldn’t put harsh chemicals on your skin, you should be careful about the products you use on surfaces your pets touch each day. There are plenty of organic options to cleaning products that are thought to be much safer for homes with pets. Take a moment to choose the right cleansers for you and your pets home!

There you have it! A comprehensive list of the best ways to keep pet odor removal to a minimum.

We love having our furry friends around but hate the lingering odors. Armed with these cleaning tips, you can let Sparky cuddle you all you want and still have a fresh smelling home!

Joey Johnston administrator