Sarah Eliminating Pet Odors from Your Home
Few things are worse than returning home to the unpleasant smell of pet odors. Whether it’s your dog, cat, or hamster, no one wants to be greeted by a funky smell when they enter their home. However, pet odors don’t have to be a permanent fixture in your home. Here, we have a comprehensive guide to eliminating pet odors and keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.
Preventing Pet Odors in Your Carpets and Furniture
The best way to keep your carpets and furniture from holding onto pet odors is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
- Never let your wet pet on the carpet or furniture. You know they love to rub down after a bath, but don’t allow them in a carpeted room or on the couch until they’re completely dry. If you’ve come in from a wet walk, dry off with an old towel at the door. Use a blow dryer if you have to.
- Purchase a vacuum with a washable filter and wash the filter after each use. Keep a supply of extra filters, so you always have a clean one handy. Also, vacuum furniture and carpets at least once a week. If possible, remove the cushions from the couch and vacuum underneath and in all crevices.
- Use a slipcover. If your furry friend must lounge on the couch or has claimed the recliner as their own, use a washable slipcover to keep hair and dander off the furniture. Once a week, shake it vigorously outside and wash it in hot water.
Removing Pet Odors from Carpet
If you have a puppy or senior pet, accidents will happen. In that event, it’s essential to remove the waste, and accompanying odor, as soon as possible. Use paper towels or newspaper to soak up as much of the urine as possible. Step on and apply pressure to the paper to soak up even more. If possible, place an old (but clean) towel under a rug, too. Odors like to linger in carpets, though. Here are a few ways to make sure you thoroughly remove it:
- Baking soda: An all-natural odor neutralizer, baking soda helps remove pet odors from carpeting. Sprinkle a liberal amount on the affected area and let it sit overnight to do its magic. Thoroughly vacuum to remove.
- Dry carpet cleaner: If you have newer carpet, the manufacturer may discourage using baking soda on it. In that case, consider a dry carpet cleaner. A granular product with a sawdust-like consistency, it works its way into the carpet fibers to absorb spills, odors, and stains. Since it’s dry, you don’t have to stay off the floor, and once it’s done its magic, you vacuum. Host Dry Carpet Cleaner is safe for wool, sisal, and oriental rugs.
- Spray odor neutralizers: Once you’ve soaked up as much of the urine as possible, apply a high-quality pet odor neutralizer. Some highly rated options include Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odor Remover, Resolve Urine Destroyer, and Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator.
Getting Pet Odors Out of Furniture
If, despite all your preventative measures, you still smell your pet on the couch, follow these odor-busting steps:
- Vacuum thoroughly.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions, wash everything washable, including throw pillows.
- Apply a pet odor neutralizer
