July 14, 2021
If you’ve ever wondered if your home smells like “dog”, you might want a few tips to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. With a few regularly cleaned areas and practices, your home won’t smell like a dog or dogs that live there, and you can open your door without wondering how it smells to the person on the other side.
With two dogs, there are many areas in the house that can stink quickly. I’ve found that pets make things easier to clean and keep fresh when they’re cleaned and maintained frequently.
Have a pillow or blanket available for your pet and wash them frequently
A specific area or areas that your pet sleeps will keep the pet oils and fur off of furniture and keep the odor in a washable area. Washing this pillow or blanket weekly or as needed will keep the smell out of your home. When our dogs were puppies we used old bath towels in their kennel. They can be quickly washed and dried if necessary, and even thrown if necessary. When buying a bed for your pet, look for one with a removable, washable cover. If it doesn’t have a removable cover, make sure the bed itself is washable. If you have stuffed animals for your pet, toss them in the washing machine when you wash the bedding. The bed above is from Costco.
Brush and bathe frequently
Dog oils are the main contributors to this “dog odor,” so it makes sense that brushing and bathing are the best way to keep the odor to a minimum. Wiping your feet when dogs come in can also keep the dirt down. Our dogs don’t like bathing at home (I have to let them bathe every month or two at the veterinarian / boarding school we use.
Ilsa and Stella tolerate this waterless pet wash of spruce (neither likes bathing, getting wet, or anything that causes them to get clean). You can imagine how much easier this is than struggling to bathe them and they’ll smell clean and freshly bathed. Doesn’t Stella look so happy to smell fresh and clean? This is the soft, clean cloth that I use to wipe clean.
Use an enzyme-based cleaner in the event of an accident
In the event of accidents involving pets, it is important to completely remove the smell from accidents so they don’t come back to it and re-mark this area. An enzyme-based cleaner removes stains and any odor – this is my favorite – I make sure to always have it on hand. It also works great on children’s stains 😉
Use a lint roller
Keeping fur off furniture with a lint roller is an easy way to keep the odor out of your home. Immediately roll the fur off furniture and clothing and you will find that the smell no longer lingers as it would if you just left it.
Vacuum and wash floors regularly
I vacuum weekly (Wednesdays), but I sweep and vacuum up small messes daily as needed. I wash the floors on Thursdays. Keeping an eye on the fur is helpful in keeping the odor out. If you have a cylinder vacuum cleaner, empty the container after each vacuum to prevent oils and odors from building up, and if you have a bagged vacuum cleaner, change the bag frequently. I always recommend buying the best vacuum cleaner you can – look for one with a HEPA filter that is made to remove pet hair and flakes from your floors and carpets. I recommend this vacuum cleaner for pets and fur, and for deep vacuuming.
Shampoo carpets regularly
Clean carpets are key to keeping dog odor out of your home. I recommend buying a carpet shampoo at home and a professional carpet cleaner every six months to a year. I love this carpet cleaner and I use this carpet shampoo in it.
Use a natural air freshener
When all else fails, inject something in the air to combat the dog odor. I never recommend using artificial fragrances as an air freshener. My favorite air freshener choices are essential oils (lemon and clove are my favorite scent combination) and natural soy-based candles. Eucalyptus and lavender are great choices for dogs – calming and non-toxic to them – I have a Calm Home blend of essential oils in the shop that is perfect!
Do you have a dog or dogs? What’s your top tip to make your house smell like you don’t have one?
