Easy Tricks to Remove Pet Odors in Your Home

We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.

Pet odors can be a persistent challenge, whether you’re dealing with a wet dog smell, litter box issues, or the lingering scent of a hamster cage.

Our guide will walk you through effective strategies to eliminate pet odors, including odor prevention and deep cleaning techniques. By following these tips, you can enjoy the companionship of your furry friends without compromising on a clean and inviting living space.

Understanding Pet Odors: Causes and Challenges

Pet odors can stem from various sources, including natural body oils, dander, urine, feces, and even saliva. These organic materials can become trapped in fabrics, carpets, and furniture, leading to persistent smells that are difficult to eliminate.

Factors such as humidity, poor ventilation, and the type of surfaces in your home can exacerbate pet odors. For instance, carpets and upholstered furniture are especially prone to absorbing and retaining smells. Your odor removal strategy will depend heavily on both the cause of the odor and where it’s located.

Essential Tools and Products for Pet Odor Removal

To effectively combat pet odors, you’ll need an arsenal of cleaning tools and products. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Carpet Cleaning Solutions for Pet Odors

Look for enzyme-based cleaners that break down organic matter, such as urine and feces. Here are some highly rated options:

These products penetrate deep into fabrics and carpets, neutralizing odors at their source rather than simply masking them.

Absorbents and Neutralizers

Absorbent materials play a vital role in soaking up liquid messes and neutralizing odors. Baking soda is an excellent natural odor neutralizer that can be used on carpets and furniture. For newer carpets where baking soda isn’t recommended, consider a dry carpet cleaner like Host Dry Carpet Cleaner, which is safe for various rug types, including wool and oriental rugs.

Specialized Equipment

Investing in the right equipment can make a significant difference in your odor-fighting efforts. We recommend buying the following items:

A high-quality vacuum cleaner with a washable filter
A carpet cleaner or steam cleaner for deep cleaning
An air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne pollutants
Charcoal bags for passive odor absorption

Effective Techniques for Removing Pet Odors from Carpets

When an accident happens, it’s crucial to act quickly and use the right techniques to remove pet odors from carpets effectively.

Natural Methods Using Household Items

For those who prefer natural solutions, several household items can be effective in removing pet odors from carpets.

Baking soda: Sprinkle a liberal amount on the affected area, let it sit overnight, and vacuum thoroughly.
Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply to the stained area, blot with a clean cloth, and let it dry.
Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap: For tough stains, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of concentrated dish soap. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and blot clean. Be aware that hydrogen peroxide can bleach materials, so test this solution on a small, hidden section of your carpet beforehand.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Commercial carpet cleaning solutions may be necessary for stubborn odors or larger affected areas. You can rent professional-grade carpet cleaners from Lowe’s and Home Depot. Local businesses in your city may also offer carpet cleaner rentals. These are often rented by the day for around $40 (purchasing one of these machines costs upwards of $500).

McCulloch Steam Cleaner

$229

Prices taken at time of publishing.

A powerful steam clean with almost two dozen accessories that works across a variety of surfaces.

$229 at Amazon

Eliminating Pet Smells from Furniture and Upholstery

It can be particularly challenging to remove pet owners from furniture and upholstery. Here are some effective strategies to freshen up your soft furnishings:

Vacuum thoroughly, including under cushions and in crevices.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum.
Use a fabric freshener spray designed for pet odors.
For washable items like throw pillows and blankets, launder them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For leather furniture, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to remove odors without damaging the material.
Consider steam cleaning upholstered furniture, but only if the fabric allows it and there are no urine stains present.
For severe cases or valuable furniture, professional cleaning may be the best option.

Always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the fabric.

Tackling Litter Box Odors

The litter box is a common and persistent source of pet stench in the home. While it’s difficult to entirely eliminate litter box smells, there are steps you can take to significantly curb the spread and intensity of this odor.

Choosing the Right Litter and Box

The foundation of odor control starts with selecting the appropriate litter and litter box:

Opt for clumping litter, which makes it easier to remove waste completely.
Consider using a litter with activated charcoal or other odor-absorbing additives.
Choose a litter box size that’s appropriate for your cat — larger boxes are generally better for odor control.
For multi-cat households, follow the rule of one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

Buying an automatic litter box can further reduce odors, though these are significantly more expensive than traditional litter boxes (at $600 or more, compared to around $50–$100 for a traditional litter box).

Maintenance Tips for Odor Control

Regular maintenance is key to keeping litter box odors at bay:

Scoop the litter box at least once daily, more often for multiple cats.
Completely empty and clean the litter box weekly using mild soap and water.
Replace the entire litter box every 6–12 months, as plastic can absorb odors over time.
Place a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box before adding litter for extra odor absorption.
Ensure the litter box area is well-ventilated to prevent odors from becoming stagnant.

How to Keep Your Whole House Smelling Fresh

Sometimes, localized cleaning isn’t enough to combat pet odors that have permeated your entire home. In this case, you can try a few of these strategies.

Air Purification Methods

Improving air quality can significantly reduce pet odors. Here are some tips:

Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where your pets spend the most time.
Regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters, opting for ones designed to trap pet dander and odors.
Open windows when weather permits to allow fresh air circulation.
Consider using UV air sanitizers to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and allergens.

How to Freshen Air in Home

To freshen the air throughout your home, take the following steps:

Place activated charcoal bags in each room to absorb odors naturally.
Use essential oil diffusers with pet-safe scents like lavender or citrus.
Try odor-neutralizing sprays designed specifically for pet odors, such as Angry Orange Odor Eliminator.
Place bowls of white vinegar around your home overnight to absorb odors (keep out of reach of pets).

Remember, while these methods can help manage odors, they should be used with regular cleaning and odor prevention techniques for the best results.

Professional Pet Odor Removal

In some situations, DIY methods may be insufficient to eliminate severe pet odors. Consider professional help in these circumstances:

Odors persist despite thorough cleaning efforts.
You’re dealing with extensive urine damage, especially if it has penetrated subflooring.
You have valuable or antique furniture that requires specialized cleaning.
You’re preparing to sell your home and need to eliminate all traces of pet odors.

Professional services may include the following:

Carpet and upholstery deep cleaning
Ozone treatments for whole-house odor elimination
Specialized cleaning for hardwood floors or other surfaces
Replacement of severely damaged materials

While professional services can be costly, they may be necessary for extreme cases and can provide long-lasting results.

Preventing Pet Odors

While you may not be able to eliminate pet odors from your home entirely, taking proactive steps to keep your house fresh can significantly reduce the likelihood of odors becoming a persistent problem.

Proactive Measures for Dog Owners

For dog owners, preventing odors often starts with proper grooming and hygiene practices. Here are some tips to keep your home smelling fresh:

Never allow a wet dog on carpets or furniture. Dry your pet thoroughly after baths or walks in the rain.
Use washable slipcovers on furniture where your dog likes to lounge. Clean these covers weekly in hot water.
Vacuum carpets and furniture at least once a week, paying special attention to areas where your dog spends the most time.
Consider building an outdoor dog bed to provide a comfortable space for your pet outside, reducing indoor odors.

Cat-Specific Odor Prevention Strategies

Cat owners face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to litter box odors. Here are some strategies to keep cat-related smells at bay:

Scoop the litter box daily to remove waste promptly.
Use a high-quality, odor-absorbing cat litter.
Place litter boxes in well-ventilated areas of your home.
Consider using litter box deodorizers or placing a layer of baking soda under the litter for extra odor control.

Rodent Cage Cleaning Strategies

Small pets like rodents, birds, and reptiles can also contribute to household odors if their habitats aren’t properly maintained. Here are a few tips:

Choose a wire cage with good ventilation rather than a glass aquarium.
Use absorbent bedding like wood shavings or paper-based products.
Spot clean the cage daily, focusing on areas your pet uses as a bathroom.
Perform a deep clean weekly, washing the cage and all accessories with mild soap and water.
Avoid using strong-smelling cleaners, as these can be harmful to your pet.

Odor Management for Bird Cages and Reptile Terrariums

For birds and reptiles, take these steps:

Clean food and water dishes daily to prevent bacterial growth.
For bird cages, use newspaper or other easily changeable liners at the bottom of the cage.
In reptile terrariums, remove waste and uneaten food promptly.
Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces, including perches and hiding spots.
Ensure proper humidity levels in reptile habitats to prevent odor-causing bacteria growth.

Pet Odor Removal: Our Conclusion

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home while enjoying the companionship of pets is achievable with the right approach. By combining regular cleaning routines and targeted odor-removal techniques, you can effectively manage pet odors in your home. Remember that consistency is key—addressing odors promptly and maintaining a clean environment for your pets will go a long way in keeping your home smelling fresh.

For particularly challenging situations, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Whether you’re dealing with skunk smell removal or deep-set odors in carpets and furniture, experts can provide solutions that may not be available to the average homeowner. With these strategies in your arsenal, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a clean, fresh-smelling home and the joy of pet ownership.