Having a dog (or several of them) can be an extremely rewarding experience. The countless hours spent outside walking and playing, having someone who’s always happy to see you and who can help you take your mind off your problems are just some of the reasons people like to have dogs as their pets. But how do you remove dog smell from your home?
Dogs require a lot of work and help, like all other living creatures which we gladly give them.
However, one of the worst problems most dog owners face is dog smell.
There’s no denying it – they smell.
So, what can we do to eliminate that smell from our homes? Because nobody likes spending time in a smelly space?
Clean as often as possible
Needless to say, you should deal with all of the loose debris your dog creates as soon as possible.
You have to deal with hair, dust particles and dander carefully and sweep them gently since you don’t want to kick them up into the air.
So, sweep delicately and regularly. Better yet, vacuum – even hard floor surfaces.
When disposing of the dirt from the dustpan, place a paper towel or sheet of newspaper on top of the dust after you discard it into the trashcan, unless you want the dust to blow out of the trashcan.
When you’re done sweeping, it’s time to mop all the hard surface flooring that you might have missed.
Vacuuming
There is only one way to deal with carpets and that’s vacuuming.
You can imagine the amount of hair, dander and dust your carpets and rugs contain.
Also, you should apply the same treatment to your furniture such as sofas and armchairs even though your dog may not use them, paying special attention to all the cracks and crevices.
Don’t want to tackle it yourself? If not, there are services like Upholstery Cleaning Melbourne that can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
In addition, there are now some vacuum cleaners specifically designed for homes with pets.
Empty the canister after vacuuming and keep the air filters clean at all times.
You can also use carpet deodorizer and fresheners. We make our own carpet deodorizer using essential oils.
Air fresheners
It’s a great idea to use some kind of air freshener in your home if you have a dog.
Luckily, you can choose from a wide range of different products that should help your home smell fresh and neutralize any smells.
One such product is scented soy melts which you can use as an alternative to oils.
Simply break off a block and place it on the top of an oil burner and you’ll notice how your home will smell much nicer.
Steam cleaning
If you have a dog, it’s advisable to steam clean your carpets and rugs to remove any odors trapped in the carpet’s fibers.
If you don’t have a steam cleaner, turn to a carpet-cleaning service in your town to do the job for you occasionally.
However, make sure that they use pet-friendly chemicals before you arrange the time of their arrival.
Don’t let your dog inside the house while steam cleaning is in progress and make sure all the carpets are completely dry before allowing it back inside.
Wash your linen regularly
It’s vital that you wash all of your bed linens, covers on cushions and pillows and everything else that is machine-washable as often as possible.
You should apply the same treatment to your clothes because your clothing can also start smelling like your dog.
Your house will smell better and you won’t take any unpleasant odor with you when you leave the house.
Your dog’s bed needs to be washed
You can safely assume that your dog’s bed is the smelliest item in your entire home.
Luckily, most good beds nowadays are machine-washable and all you have to do is take the cover off and run it through the washing machine.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to washing to avoid making the bed unusable.
Ventilate
No matter how hard you try, you can never eliminate any unpleasant smell without ventilating the house regularly.
Yes, it can be tricky when the weather is very hot or cold, but it simply has to be done.
You can also turn on your ceiling fan if you have one, but make sure your AC is off.
Perfuming as the last resort
Serious dog odors can never be neutralized using scented sprays, but some minor ones can.
You need to make sure that you use a type of spray that is dog-friendly, though it’s always a good idea to keep your dog outside when applying the spray.
Also, you should keep scented candles, sprays, potpourri baskets and similar products in places where your four-legged friend can’t reach them.
Dealing with dog smell is a constant struggle, but it’s definitely worth it.
Not only will your place be cleaner and more hygienic, but you’ll also be able to enjoy good indoor air quality, which is very important for everyone living in the house.
Cassandra D
Saturday 15th of June 2019
I like to use different types of essential oils for the home.
Zoey
Saturday 15th of June 2019
Yes to washing the dog's bed! I have seen some nasty dog beds! If you clean your own bed, why wouldn't you clean your dog's??
Sheila Ressel
Saturday 15th of June 2019
These are all great tips to help get rid of smells. I also like to use an air purifier as well as a scented oil diffuser to help freshen the air.
LeAnn Harbert
Tuesday 11th of June 2019
Thanks for the tips. I can definitely use some help with my girls.
Sarah L
Tuesday 11th of June 2019
Funny, but this post makes me glad I don't have a dog.