How to Get Rid of Dog Smell Inside Your House Instantly

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: July 27, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely that at some point, you’ve had to deal with the unpleasant odor that can linger in your home as a result of your furry friend. While it may seem like an impossible task, there are actually several effective ways to get rid of the dog smell inside your house instantly.

One option is to use purchased products specifically designed to eliminate pet odors. These can range from odor-neutralizing sprays and powders to specialized cleaning solutions for carpets and upholstery. Look for products that contain enzymes or bacteria-based formulas, as these are particularly effective at breaking down and neutralizing the compounds responsible for strong odors.

Another approach is to try out various home remedies using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Vinegar, baking soda, and activated charcoal are all commonly used natural deodorizers that can be quite effective when applied correctly. For example, mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle makes an excellent cleaning solution for hard surfaces like floors and walls.

When dealing with carpeting or furniture upholstery, sprinkling baking soda liberally over the affected area before vacuuming up after 30 minutes can help absorb any lingering odors trapped within fibers. Similarly, activated charcoal sachets placed strategically around rooms where your pets spend time can help absorb moisture and prevent musty smells from developing.

In addition to addressing specific areas where dog smells tend to accumulate (like beds or kennels), it’s also important to focus on overall cleanliness throughout your living space.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Dog Smells Inside Your House

There are many ways to get rid of dog odors inside the home. Here are a few tried and true methods.

Vacuum Up Hair

hand-held accu vacuum cleaner. isolated on white.

Finding a good pet hair vacuum that can handle that job is step number one.

©Axel Bueckert/Shutterstock.com

As pet owners, we all love our furry friends, but managing their shedding can be quite a task. While vacuuming the floor is an obvious step in maintaining cleanliness, it’s also important to ensure that you are removing all traces of pet hair and dander from your home. This means going beyond just the floors and paying attention to areas where your pet spends time, such as couch cushions, behind furniture, and even in those hard-to-reach cracks and baseboards.

Pet dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin shed by pets along with their fur or feathers, can trigger allergies in humans. Even if your pet doesn’t shed much hair or have feathers (like birds), they will still produce dander that needs to be cleaned up regularly. Vacuuming these areas on a daily basis helps keep allergens at bay while ensuring that your home smells fresh and clean.

So when it comes to getting rid of the dog smell inside your house instantly, remember that vacuuming is key! Make sure you’re not only cleaning the floors but also giving extra attention to other surfaces where pet hair tends to accumulate over time. By doing so, you’ll create a healthy environment for both yourself and your furry friend!

Wash and Dry

A dog cuddles up in a washable dog bed.

A good indestructible dog bed will be made of tough, durable fabric that can be machine washed.

©Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com

One of the best ways to get rid of the dog smell inside your house is to keep the fabrics and linens clean. One way to do this is by routinely cleaning all of the items that your canine utilizes daily. This includes their pet bed coverings, cushion covers on furniture (if they are washable), and pet blankets. It’s also crucial to clean bedding and sheets if you let your furry friend sleep in your bed.

Pet beds can be a breeding ground for bacteria and odors if not cleaned regularly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing these items, as some may require special care or delicate cycles. Cushion covers on furniture should also be washed periodically to remove any hair or dirt that may have accumulated over time.

Pet blankets can trap odors quickly, so it’s important to wash them frequently with a gentle detergent. If you allow your pet on the couch or other furniture, consider using protective covers that can easily be removed and washed.

Finally, if you allow your dog in your bed at night, make sure you are washing bedding and sheets often enough to keep them fresh and odor-free. Investing in high-quality linens that are resistant to stains and odors could also help minimize any unpleasant smells caused by pets.

By following these simple tips for washing and drying all of the items used by your furry friend regularly, you’ll ensure a cleaner home environment for both yourself and your beloved pup!

Clean Dog Items

dog toy box

Don’t forget to disinfect and wash toys, clothes, and dishes.

©Masarik/Shutterstock.com

As a responsible dog owner, it is important to keep not only your furry friend clean but also their belongings. Cleaning your dog’s water and food dishes regularly can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could cause health issues for both you and your pet. Similarly, collars and leashes can become breeding grounds for germs if left uncleaned.

But beyond just hygiene concerns, neglecting to clean these items can contribute significantly to the unpleasant dog smell in your home. Leashes and collars are particularly problematic as they come into close contact with your pet’s skin and fur – areas where odors tend to linger.

To combat this issue, make sure to incorporate regular cleaning of these items into your cleaning routine. Collars and leashes should be washed or wiped down at least once a week using mild soap or an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for removing pet odors. Dog toys should also be cleaned frequently as saliva buildup on them can lead to unpleasant smells.

By taking proactive steps like these, you’ll not only help eliminate any lingering smells in your home but also promote a healthy environment for you and your furry companion alike.

Bathe Dog

Corgi getting a bath.

Not all dogs enjoy bathtime, but it is a necessary activity.

©Masarik/Shutterstock.com

To truly eliminate the odors that your furry friend brings into your home, you must start with the source itself – your dog. Although not all dogs enjoy bath time, it is crucial to make sure they are clean and fresh-smelling in order to keep your house smelling pleasant. Giving your dog a regular bath can help reduce shedding and dander, which are major contributors to pet odors. This task can be done by yourself or outsourced to professional groomers who have specialized equipment for deep cleansing of fur and skin.

When bathing your pooch at home, ensure that you use a mild shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, as human shampoos may contain harsh chemicals that irritate their sensitive skin. It is important to rinse thoroughly after washing so there is no residue left on their coat or skin which would cause itching or dryness.

Regular grooming not only helps remove unwanted smells but also promotes good health for pets by preventing matting and tangling of hair, keeping nails trimmed, and cleaning ears properly, among other things. A well-groomed pup will not only smell better but will also look healthier and happier overall!

Baking Soda

baking soda

A great odor eliminator is baking soda.

©Geo-grafika/Shutterstock.com

Baking soda is a miracle ingredient when it comes to neutralizing unpleasant odors inside your home. It is a well-known fact that we use baking soda in our refrigerators and freezers to keep them smelling fresh, but did you know that it can also be used to get rid of dog smell inside your house? Yes, you heard it right! Baking soda has amazing odor-neutralizing properties that can help eliminate the stinky smells from your pet’s bed or couch cushions.

To use baking soda as an effective odor eliminator, simply sprinkle some on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming it up. However, make sure to check labels and test in a small area first before applying the baking soda on larger surfaces. This will ensure that there are no adverse effects or damage caused by the use of baking soda.

In addition to being safe and easy to use, another great advantage of using baking soda as an odor neutralizer is its affordability. Unlike other expensive products available in the market, baking soda is readily available at any grocery store at an affordable price.

So why wait? Grab some baking soda today and say goodbye to that lingering dog smell inside your house instantly!

Vinegar

Vinegar being poured from a bottle into a glass bowl

White vinegar can remove odors from hard surfaces or laundry.

©iStock.com/Michelle Lee Photography

Vinegar is a versatile and effective solution for neutralizing unpleasant odors in your home, particularly those caused by pets. When it comes to hard surfaces like floors, vinegar can be a highly effective odor neutralizer. In fact, adding just a cup of vinegar to a gallon of mop water can help remove tough pet smells from your floors in no time.

But that’s not all. Vinegar can also work wonders when it comes to tackling serious pet odors on laundry items like blankets, towels, or bedding. To get rid of these stubborn smells, simply pre-soak the affected items in a solution made up of water and white vinegar before washing them as normal.

The power of vinegar lies in its ability to break down and eliminate odor-causing bacteria at the source. And since it’s natural and non-toxic, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals lingering around your home after use.

So if you’re struggling with persistent dog smells inside your house, give vinegar a try. It might just be the quick-fix solution you’ve been looking for!

Enzymatic Cleaner

Funny dog and its dirty trails on carpet

Enzymatic cleaners are great for carpet messes.

©Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

Urine odors can be a persistent problem for pet owners, particularly those with dogs that are still in the process of house training. However, even if your pup is fully trained, accidents can happen from time to time. When they do, it’s important to have an effective solution on hand. One option that many pet owners turn to is an enzymatic neutralizer like Nature’s Miracle.

Enzymatic cleaners work by breaking down the proteins in urine and other bodily fluids that cause odors. They contain special bacteria or enzymes that digest these proteins and convert them into harmless compounds like water and carbon dioxide. This process not only eliminates the odor but also helps to prevent future marking behavior by removing scent traces.

Nature’s Miracle is one popular brand of enzymatic cleaner, but there are many others available as well. When using this type of product, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and allow enough time for it to work its magic. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary for deep-set stains or stubborn odors.

While enzymatic cleaners are most commonly used for urine stains and odors, they can also be effective against other types of pet messes, such as vomit or feces. By keeping a bottle on hand at all times, you’ll be prepared for whatever surprises your furry friend might bring your way!

Citrus and Hydrogen Peroxide

Rangpur, Citrus × limonia or Citrus reticulata × medica, sometimes called the rangpur lime, mandarin lime or lemandarin, is a hybrid between the mandarin orange and the citron. Selective focus

Citrus has an odor-neutralizing effect.

©Murilo Mazzo/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to cleaning up after pets, there are a variety of solutions available that can help eliminate unpleasant odors. Two particularly effective options include citrus and hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners. Citrus is a natural enzymatic cleaner, meaning it contains enzymes that break down organic matter, such as pet waste or urine. This makes it an excellent choice for tackling tough stains and eliminating associated smells.

Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful ingredient commonly found in pet cleaners because of its ability to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. However, caution must be exercised when using hydrogen peroxide on certain fabrics as it has been known to bleach colors if left on for too long or used at too high a concentration. To avoid any potential damage, always test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it more widely.

Filter

Air purifier health technology in cozy modern living room and cleaning removing dust PM2.5, Air purifier for fresh air and healthy life, Health care Air Pollution Concept. clean dust and fresh home

An effective solution for allergy sufferers is to invest in an air purifier.

©Healthy Definition/Shutterstock.com

For those who suffer from allergies or have sensitive respiratory systems, dealing with pet dander and odor can be a constant struggle. One effective solution for these issues is to invest in a HEPA air filter. A HEPA filter is designed to mechanically purify the air by forcing it through a fine mesh that captures harmful particles like pet dander and other allergens.

HEPA filters are particularly efficient at removing pet odors and airborne pollutants that may cause allergic reactions. They work by trapping tiny particles of dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency rate of 99.97%.

Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help keep your indoor environment fresh and smelling while also reducing the amount of allergens present in the air inside your home. There are many different types of air purifiers available on the market today that feature HEPA filtration technology.

Moreover, some vacuum cleaners also come equipped with powerful HEPA filters, which allow you to clean up any hair or debris left behind by pets without spreading more irritants throughout your home’s airspace.

Deodorize Hang-Out Spots

Cuddling with a golden retriever

Clean all of your dogs hang-out spots to remove odors.

©iStock.com/Irina Kashaeva

As a pet owner, it’s important to remember that while you may focus on cleaning the areas where you and your family spend most of your time in the house, there are other spots where your furry friends hang out that also need attention. These spots can include under beds, in closets, and even on stairs. While they may not be as obvious to us humans, they can certainly contribute to unwanted pet odors.

To effectively tackle these less top-of-mind areas in your home, be sure to incorporate them into your regular cleaning routine. Vacuuming regularly is key for removing dirt and hair from carpets and rugs underneath furniture or in tight spaces where pets like to hide out. Additionally, wiping down hard surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner will help eliminate any lingering smells.

If possible, consider providing designated areas for your pets to hang out that are easy to clean and maintain, such as pet beds or blankets that can be easily washed. By paying attention to these often overlooked spots around the house and being proactive about keeping them clean, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh-smelling home no matter how many four-legged friends you have running around.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Share on:
About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.