How difficult is it to remove pet odour from a home?

Welcome to our blog where we discuss one of the most common yet frustrating problems faced by pet owners – lingering pet odour. Have you ever walked into your home after a long day at work only to be greeted by the overpowering smell of wet dog or cat pee? Does it seem like no amount of cleaning can get rid of that pungent odour?

Well, fear not because in this post, we will explore just how difficult it is to remove pet odours from your home and offer some simple solutions that could help you say goodbye to those unpleasant smells once and for all!

The Different Types of Pet Odours

There are a few different types of pet odours that you may come across in your home. The first type is the lingering smell of pet urine. This can be tough to remove, especially if the accident happened on a carpet or upholstered furniture. You may need to use a special enzyme cleaner to break down the urine and remove the odour.

The second type of pet odour is the musky smell that comes from wet dogs. This is usually not as difficult to remove as urine smells, but it can still be tricky. You may need to wash your dog more often, or use a pet-specific shampoo that helps to neutralise the odour.

Practical Tips for Tackling Wet Dog Smell

• Regular bathing: Give your dog a bath every 1–2 weeks, depending on their breed and how adventurous they get outside. Always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs, as human products can irritate their skin and sometimes make odours worse.
• Daily brushing: Brushing your dog every day can do wonders. It helps remove loose fur and dander, which are often responsible for trapping that signature ‘doggy’ scent in your home.
• Dry thoroughly: After walks in the rain or a bath, make sure your dog is dried completely. Damp fur is a breeding ground for that musky smell.
• Clean bedding often: Don’t forget to regularly wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and soft toys, as these items quickly soak up odours.

By keeping up with these simple grooming habits, you can dramatically cut down on that persistent wet dog smell and keep your home fresher for longer.

The third type of pet odour is the stench of animal feces. This is probably the most difficult odour to remove, as it can quickly permeate fabrics and carpeting. You’ll need to clean up any accidents immediately, and then use a strong cleaning solution to remove any lingering stink.

The Causes of Pet Odours

There are many potential causes of pet odours, and it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem. Some common causes of pet odours include:

• Dirty litter boxes: If your cat’s litter box is not cleaned regularly, it can start to smell bad. The same is true for other pets’ waste systems (e.g., birdcages, rabbit hutches).
• Poor grooming: Pets that are not properly groomed can develop bad smells. This is especially true for dogs, who often roll in smelly things when they’re outside.
• Diet: What your pet eats can also affect its odour. For example, a diet that is high in protein can make your dog’s breath smell bad. In addition, a poor or unbalanced diet can contribute to shedding and increase dander, both of which can lead to more persistent pet smells in your home. Ensuring your pet gets proper nutrition not only keeps them healthy, but can also help prevent skin problems and unwanted odours.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can cause pets to develop bad odours. For example, diabetes can cause a sweet or fruity smell on your dog’s breath.

How to Remove Pet Odours

Pets are great companions, but they can also be a source of unpleasant odours in your home. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to remove pet odours and keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

1. Identify the source of the odour. Pet odours can come from a number of sources, including urine, feces, sweat, and skin oils. Once you know where the odour is coming from, you can target your cleaning efforts accordingly.

2. Clean up any accidents promptly. The sooner you clean up after your pet, the less time the odour has to set in. Blot up urine with paper towels or an absorbent cloth, and scoop up feces with a shovel or scoop. Be sure to dispose of waste properly in a sealed bag or container.

3. Wash bedding and clothing regularly. Pets often sleep on our beds or lounge on our furniture, so it’s important to wash bedding and clothing that comes into contact with them frequently. Use hot water and a strong detergent for best results. Don’t forget the dog beds and toys

• Wash pet bedding and blankets weekly using a pet-safe detergent. For an extra boost, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help neutralise stubborn odours.
• Clean toys regularly: Soft toys can usually go in the washing machine, while hard toys should be wiped down with a solution of water and white vinegar to keep them fresh and odour-free.

Regular cleaning of these items will go a long way in keeping pet smells at bay and maintaining a fresher home environment.

4. Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming not only removes dirt and debris, but it also helps to remove pet hair and dander that can contribute to odour problems. Be sure to vacuum carpets, furniture, and other surfaces that your pet comes into contact with often.

5. Use air purifiers and dehumidifiers. Air purifiers help to remove airborne particles that can contribute

Alongside an air purifier, consider running a dehumidifier—especially if your home tends to be humid. Damp air can make smells stick around longer and create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Lowering the humidity levels helps prevent odours from settling in fabrics and carpets.

Don’t forget the simplest step: ventilate your home. Open windows and doors whenever possible to let fresh air circulate and carry odours outside. You can also use pet-safe deodorisers, lightly spraying them in the air or on soft furnishings to help neutralise any persistent smells. Just make sure the products you use are safe for pets and won’t irritate sensitive noses.

These steps, combined, can make a noticeable difference in keeping your home smelling fresh even with pets around.

Why Masking Odours Isn’t Enough

It might be tempting to just spray a little air freshener and hope for the best, but that strategy is like putting a bandage on a leaky pipe. Covering up pet odours with fragrances only hides the smell for a short while—eventually, those stubborn scents resurface, often mingling unpleasantly with whatever floral or pine scent you picked.

The real issue is that the actual odour-causing particles are still present in your home. Unless you tackle the mess at its source—whether that’s a hidden patch of carpet, the corner of your sofa, or your pet’s favourite snooze spot—the smell will linger. The only way to truly banish pet odours is to get rid of what’s causing them in the first place. That means a thorough clean-up, not just a quick spritz.

Products to Use for Pet Odours

There are a number of products that can be used to remove pet odours from a home. Some of these products are designed specifically for this purpose, while others can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks.

One product that is designed specifically for removing pet odours is the OdorKlenz Pet Urine Eliminator. This product uses a variety of natural ingredients to neutralize and remove pet odours. It is safe to use around children and pets, and it is effective at removing a variety of different types of odours.

Essential Tools and Materials

Alongside these products, having the right tools and materials on hand can make a big difference in managing pet odours effectively. Consider keeping the following items ready:

• Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter: Helps remove pet hair, dander, and allergens from carpets and furniture.
• Carpet cleaner or steam cleaner: Useful for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery where odours often linger.
• Baking soda: A natural deodoriser that can be sprinkled on carpets or bedding before vacuuming to absorb smells.
• White vinegar: Effective for neutralising odours on hard surfaces and in washing cycles.
• Enzyme cleaner: Essential for breaking down organic stains and odours at their source.
• Air purifier: Helps to remove airborne particles and keep indoor air fresh.
• Pet-safe deodorisers: Use these sprays or powders to refresh spaces without harming your pets.
• Washing machine and pet-safe detergent: Regularly wash pet bedding, blankets, and toys.
• Microfibre cloths: Ideal for wiping up messes and applying cleaning solutions.

By combining targeted odour-removing products with these essential cleaning tools, you can tackle pet-related smells at the source and maintain a fresher home environment.

Another product that can be used to remove pet odours is the Bissell Pet Stain & Odour Remover. This product uses enzymes to break down pet stains and odours. It is safe to use around children and pets, and it is effective at removing a variety of different types of odours.

A third product that can be used to remove pet odours is the Rocco & Roxie Supply Co Professional Strength Pet Stain & Odour Eliminator. This product uses enzymes and bacteria to break down pet stains and odours. It is safe to use around children and pets, and it is effective at removing a variety of different types of odours.

Enzyme cleaners are a popular and effective option for tackling pet odours at the source. Unlike regular cleaning solutions, enzyme-based products such as Nature’s Miracle and Rocco & Roxie Supply Co actually contain natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria that work together to break down organic matter—like urine, feces, or vomit—at a molecular level.

When you apply an enzyme cleaner to an affected area, the enzymes get busy digesting the stain and neutralising the smelly compounds, not just covering them up. This process ensures that odours don’t linger or resurface, even after the area dries. Because these cleaners are typically safe for use around pets and children, they’re a great addition to your cleaning routine if you’re battling persistent pet smells.

For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s directions and allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time before blotting up any excess.

Using Baking Soda to Eliminate Pet Smells

Baking soda is another simple but effective tool for tackling pet odours in your home. It works as a natural deodorizer by absorbing unpleasant smells trapped in fabrics and carpet fibers.

To use baking soda, sprinkle a generous layer over the affected carpets or furniture. Allow it to sit undisturbed for at least 15–30 minutes so it can lift and trap the odours. Afterward, vacuum thoroughly to remove both the baking soda and the unwanted smells. This method is gentle, safe to use around pets and children, and can be repeated as needed for ongoing freshness.

Home remedies for pet odour removal

There are a few simple things you can do to remove pet odour from your home. First, make sure to clean up any accidents immediately. Second, wash your pet’s bedding regularly. Third, vacuum and shampoo your carpets regularly. Finally, keep your pet well-groomed. If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

More Ways to Keep Pet Odours at Bay

• Use washable slipcovers: Cover your furniture with slipcovers that can be tossed in the wash to quickly deal with lingering smells.
• Invest in high-quality air filters: Changing your HVAC filters regularly helps trap pet dander and odours before they spread.
• Clean pet areas often: Don’t forget to clean your pet’s sleeping spot, feeding station, and litter box frequently, as these are prime sources for lingering odours.
• Maintain a grooming routine: Regular brushing and bathing keeps dander and skin oils in check, both of which can contribute to unwanted smells.
• Try odour-absorbing products: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets or place activated charcoal in areas your pet loves to hang out to help soak up odours.
• Vacuum furniture and drapes: Pet hair and dander settle on more than just the floor—make it a habit to vacuum sofas, chairs, and curtains as well.
• Pay attention to your pet’s diet: A healthy, balanced diet can help reduce shedding and dander, supporting a fresher-smelling home.
• Use pet-specific cleaning products: Look for cleaners made for pet messes to make sure you’re not just masking the smell, but actually eliminating it.
• Designate a pet area: If possible, set aside a spot in your home for your pet—this helps contain fur, dirt, and odours, making cleanup even easier.
• Install a pet door: A pet door can help reduce the amount of dirt and debris your pet tracks inside, keeping your home cleaner overall.

By mixing these habits into your cleaning routine, you’ll make it much easier to keep odours under control—and enjoy a fresher, more inviting home.

Using Household Ingredients to Neutralise Dog Smells

If you’re looking for simple, budget-friendly ways to deal with dog odours, some common household staples can do the trick. With a few things you probably already have in your pantry, you can create effective cleaning solutions that help neutralise lingering smells.

• White vinegar: This multipurpose ingredient is a favourite for neutralising pet odours. To freshen up carpets, furniture, or dog bedding, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the affected area and allow it to air dry—the sharp vinegar scent fades as it dries, taking unpleasant pet odours with it.
• Baking soda: Known for its odour-absorbing powers, baking soda works well on soft surfaces. Sprinkle a generous layer over carpets, rugs, or upholstered areas where your dog likes to relax. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or even overnight for tough smells), then vacuum thoroughly to lift away odours and powder.
• Hydrogen peroxide: When you need to tackle tough stains and smells, you can combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Carefully apply the mixture to the spot, let it sit briefly, then blot dry and rinse with clean water. Always test this solution in a hidden area first, as hydrogen peroxide can affect some fabrics.
• Lemon juice: For a natural air freshener, mix lemon juice with water and spritz around dog areas. The citrus scent is pleasant for you, and it helps cut through musty smells. You can also combine lemon juice with baking soda to make a gentle scrubbing paste—perfect for wiping down surfaces your pup frequents.

A word of caution: While these homemade options are generally safe for cleaning, be sure to keep your pets from licking or ingesting any of the mixtures. Always rinse thoroughly if applying to areas where your dog lies or plays.

With these household tips, you’re well on your way to a fresher-smelling home.

When to Call a Professional for Pet Odour Removal

If your pet has an accident inside the house, it is important to clean it up immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the odour. If you cannot remove the odour yourself, you may need to call a professional.

There are a few things you can do to try to remove the odour yourself before calling a professional. First, you will want to blot up as much of the urine as possible with a paper towel or cloth. Next, you will want to use a cleaner made specifically for removing pet stains and odours. If the stain is still visible after cleaning, you may need to call a professional.

Calling a professional carpet cleaner is always an option if pet stains and odours are present in your home. A professional carpet cleaner will have access to stronger cleaners and equipment that can help remove set-in stains and odours.

Conclusion

Removing pet odours from a home can be difficult but it is not impossible. There are many methods available to help reduce or eliminate odours, such as washing fabrics and carpets regularly, using deodorising sprays or candles, and even having your carpets professionally cleaned. However, the best way to ensure that you have eliminated pet odour from your home for good is by taking preventative measures before it becomes an issue. Regularly cleaning up after pets and addressing any underlying issues with their health can help keep homes free of unpleasant odours in the long run.