How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Home: 15 Powerful Odor Fixes!
How to get rid of dog smell in the home is a question every pet owner faces at some point.
No matter how much you adore your furry friend, that lingering dog odor can make your space feel less fresh.
But don’t worry, there are simple solutions! As they say, “Cleanliness is next to dog-liness!”
With the right tricks, you can eliminate pet odors fast and keep your home smelling amazing.
How to get rid of dog smell in the home remedies
If you prefer natural solutions, home remedies can work wonders to eliminate dog smell.
Baking soda absorbs odors—just sprinkle it on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
White vinegar mixed with water is perfect for wiping down surfaces, neutralizing pet odors instantly.
For an extra fresh scent, place bowls of activated charcoal in smelly areas to pull odors from the air.
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How to get rid of dog smell in house fast
Need to get rid of dog smell in house fast before guests arrive? Open windows to let fresh air in, then use a pet-safe fabric spray on furniture.
Run an air purifier to filter out pet dander and odors.
If carpets or rugs smell, sprinkle baking soda, vacuum immediately, and follow up with a quick enzymatic spray.
Washing your dog’s bed and giving them a wipe-down with pet wipes also makes a noticeable difference.
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How to tell if your house smells like dog
Sometimes, we get so used to the smell that we don’t even notice it anymore.
To check if your house smells like a dog, step outside for a few minutes and then walk back in with a fresh nose.
If you’re unsure, ask a friend for their honest opinion.
Also, take note if your carpets, furniture, or your dog’s bedding smell musty; these are hotspots where dog odors tend to settle.
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My house smells like dog no matter how much I clean
If your house smells like a dog, no matter how much you clean, it’s time to deep clean hidden odor sources.
Wash curtains, couch covers, and pet toys, these trap smells more than you think.
Clean air vents and replace AC filters, as pet dander builds up there too.
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how to get rid of dog smell in home: 15 Effective ways!
Here are the top 15 unique ways to get rid of dog smell in home:
1. Give Your Dog a Bath(But Don’t Overdo It)
I know what you’re thinking, “I’ll just bathe my dog more often.” Not so fast.
Over-bathing strips away natural oils, making their skin produce more oil (which means more smell).
The trick? A bath every 2-4 weeks with a good, pet-safe shampoo.
If they roll in something nasty in between? Use pet wipes or a damp cloth to freshen them up.
2. Deep Brush to get rid of dog smell in the home
You wouldn’t skip brushing your own hair, right? Well, your dog’s fur traps odors, dirt, and dander.
So the more you brush, the less that stink ends up in your house.
Even if your pup isn’t a heavy shedder, brushing 3-4 times a week makes a world of difference.
Plus, it cuts down on the loose fur that ends up everywhere.
3. Wash Their Bed (You’ll Be Shocked at the Difference)
Dog beds are like odor sponges; all that fur, drool, and dander just settles in and stays.
And if you haven’t washed it in a while? Yeah, that’s probably where the smell is coming from.
Toss it in the wash once a week with a pet-safe detergent. If it still smells, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
And if it’s sunny outside, let it air-dry; sunlight kills bacteria that cause odors.
4. Vacuum Like Your Life Depends On
I’ll be honest, pet hair is sneaky. It gets into everything, your carpets, rugs, couch, even the air.
And where there’s pet hair, there’s dog smell. The fix? Vacuum every other day (daily if you can).
And if you have carpets, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a game-changer. It traps all the tiny particles, causing that lingering odor.
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5. Use Baking Soda to get rid of dog smell in home
If your carpets and rugs smell like a dog, don’t panic. Just grab some baking soda, it’s basically a natural odor magnet.
Sprinkle it all over, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Works like magic.
Bonus tip? You can also leave an open box of baking soda in smelly areas to soak up odors before they spread.
6. Try Enzymatic Cleaner to the Rescue
If your dog has ever had an oops moment on the carpet, you need an enzymatic cleaner.
Regular cleaners might get rid of the stain, but guess what? Dogs can still smell it, which means they might go in the same spot again.
Enzymatic cleaners break down odor molecules completely, so even your dog’s super-sensitive nose can’t pick up on.
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7. Use Air Purifier to get rid of dog smell in home
Ever wonder why some houses with dogs still smell fresh?
Air purifiers. A HEPA air purifier removes pet dander, fur, and even bacteria from the air, meaning that “dog smell” never has a chance to settle in.
8. Your Dog’s Toys Are Smelly Too (Wash Them!)
That squeaky toy your pup loves? Yeah, it stinks. Soft toys absorb drool and dirt, and rubber toys get grimy.
Toss fabric toys in the washing machine (gentle cycle), and wipe down rubber toys with a vinegar-water mix.
Do this weekly to get rid of the dog smell in your home easily.
9. Open the Windows (Even for 10 Minutes)
Fresh air is your best friend. Dog smell tends to linger in stale air, so just cracking the windows for a bit each day lets those odors escape.
If you can’t open windows because of the weather, use fans or air circulators to keep air moving.
10. Switch to Pet-Safe Air Fresheners
Most air fresheners just cover up odors, but pet-safe ones neutralize them.
Look for things like:
Activated charcoal bags (soak up smells naturally)
Odor-eliminating candles (pet-safe ones, of course)
Essential oil diffusers (but be careful, some oils aren’t safe for dogs!)
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11. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Even if you vacuum, dog smell can sink into carpets and furniture over time.
That’s why deep cleaning every few months is a must.
You can rent a carpet cleaner or get a pet-safe upholstery spray to freshen up couches and chairs.
12. Wipe Down Walls to get rid of dog smell in home
We always clean floors and furniture, but guess what? Your walls hold onto odors, too.
Dogs love to rub against things, and over time, oils from their fur stick to surfaces.
A simple wipe-down with vinegar and water every couple of weeks can keep walls fresh.
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13. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Vacuum!
Ever notice your vacuum smells like wet dog after cleaning? That’s because dog fur and dander get trapped inside.
Empty it after every use, wash or replace filters regularly, and let it air out so it doesn’t start spreading odors.
14. Odor-Neutralizing Sprays Work
Wonders If your couch, rugs, or curtains hold onto dog smell, a pet-safe odor neutralizer is your best bet.
It’s better than regular fabric sprays because it actually breaks down odors instead of just masking them.
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15. Stick to regular Routine to get rid of dog smell in home
The best way to get rid of dog smell in the home? Consistency. A little daily maintenance goes a long way.
Here’s a simple routine:
- Brush your dog every few days
- Wash their bedding weekly
- Vacuum a few times a week
- Use baking soda & fresh air to keep things smelling fresh
With a little effort, your home can smell just as good as it did before you had a dog, without kicking your pup out!
Conclusion
Eliminating dog smell in the home is all about consistency and the right approach.
From simple home remedies to deep cleaning, small changes make a big difference.
If your house smells like a dog, no matter how much you clean, focus on hidden odor sources.
As they say, A clean home is a happy home – for you and your dog!
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