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If you follow me on Instagram you know we recently adopted a puppy. This isn’t our first puppy or dog – my husband and I both grew up with dogs and we had two labs before our little Stella. Having a pet is a wonderful experience with lots of rewards and responsibilities.
If you’ve ever wondered if your home smelled like ‘dog’, I’m guessing you might welcome a couple tips to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. With a couple regularly cleaned areas and practices, your home won’t smell like a dog or dogs live there and you can open your door without wondering what it smells like to the person on the other side.
If you’re reading this and thinking that I’m not a ‘dog’ person, I love dogs, I just don’t like my home to smell like one 🙂
Have a cushion or blanket for the pet and wash it frequently
I like the idea of pets having specific areas that they sleep on. This keeps the pet oils and fur off furniture as well as keeping the smell contained to a washable area. Washing this cushion or blanket weekly or as needed will keep the scent out of your home. With a puppy, we use old bath towels in her kennel. They can quickly be washed and dried if needed and even tossed if necessary. When purchasing a bed for your pet, look for one that has a removable, washable cover. If it doesn’t have a removable cover, make sure that the bed itself is washable. If you have soft toys for your pet, toss them in the washing machine when you launder the bedding.
Try this fabric sanitizer spray on pet bedding to keep it smelling yummy:
LAVENDER FABRIC SANITIZER SPRAY
If you need to sanitize/freshen a dog bed or your furniture, this spray will become a new favorite. Lavender essential oil is soothing and calming and considered safe for pets.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (not all essential oils are safe for pets – do your research before using essential oils around them)
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray on fabric to freshen – let dry completely before using. If you are concerned about water on fabric, test in an inconspicuous area first. Feel free to use this spray on other fabrics as well 🙂
Shampoo carpets regularly
Clean carpets are the key to keeping that dog smell out of your home. I recommend purchasing an at-home carpet shampooer and having a professional carpet cleaner shampoo carpets every six months to one year. I love this carpet cleaner and I use this rug shampoo in it.
Brush and bathe frequently
Dog oils are the biggest contributors to that ‘dog smell’, so it makes sense that brushing and bathing would be the best way to keep the smell down to a minimum. Wiping feet when dogs come in from outside can also keep dirt down. In a pinch, these grooming wipes work well.
Use a lint roller
Keeping fur off furniture with a lint roller is an easy way to keep the smell out of your home. Roll fur off furniture and clothing right away and you’ll find that the smell won’t linger the way it would if you just left it.
Vacuum regularly
I vacuum weekly (on Wednesdays) but I do sweep and vacuum up daily little messes as needed. Keeping tabs on the fur is helpful to keep the smell away. If you have a canister vacuum cleaner, empty the bin after each vacuuming session to keep the oils and odors from accumulating and if you have a bagged vacuum cleaner, change the bag frequently. I always recommend purchasing the best vacuum cleaner that you can – look for one with a HEPA filter that’s made for getting pet hair and dander off and out of your floors and carpets. I recently purchased this vacuum cleaner and I am loving it! (I have been looking for a bagged vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and that’s why I switched. I’ll give you more details in an upcoming post.)
Use an enzymatic cleaner for accidents
With pet accidents it’s important to completely remove the scent of any accidents so they don’t come back to it and re-mark that area. An enzymatic cleaner will break down the stain and any scent – this one is my favorite – I make sure to always have it on hand. It works great for kid stains too 😉
Use a natural air freshener
When all else fails, spritz something in the air to combat that dog smell. I never recommend using artificial fragrances as air fresheners. My favorite choices for air freshening are essential oils (lemon and clove are my favorite scent combination) and natural, soy-based candles. Eucalyptus and lavender are good choices for dogs – soothing and non-toxic to them.
Do you have a dog or dogs? What’s your best tip for keeping your house smelling like you don’t have one?
Here are two posts that should help if you’re looking for natural air fresheners, sanitizers, and odor absorbers – just click on the image to head to each post:
Beverly Says...
Hi I clean homes and some clients sweepers smell horrible when I run them. Their dogs had previous accidents and I need to know how to get this odor out of their sweepers. They have sharks and dysons.
Becky Says...
Post authorThey need to be cleaned completely – here’s a tutorial:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2015/04/how-to-clean-your-vacuum-cleaner.html
Evelina Says...
Leather couch! We recently purchased a leather sectional to replace our upholstered one and it is so easy to wipe down to get rid of dog hair (black lab here). It has been an excellent purchase!!! It also doesn’t retain odors.
Lauren Says...
Does your leather get scratched easily from your dogs paws? I have often thought about switching to leather but worried about scratching. 🙂
Connie Says...
My daughter has 2 dogs and a leather couch. Holds up amazingly well. If I didn’t have cats also, I would get one. Lol
Jennifer Says...
We are considering getting a dog again and my main hang up was not wanting the smell- so thanks for this! I definitely feel more confident moving forward.
Becky Says...
Post authorYay!
MAIR HUNT Says...
I knew an old lady that made lavender bags and she hung them around her home. House never smelt of dogs! Great idea I thought. I prefer the natural smell than the air fresheners, much healthier. 🙂
Isaacdog Says...
I am VERY paranoid about my home smelling like “dog.” Every two weeks my dogs get baths, their ears cleaned and teeth brushed. I started this when they were adopted as puppies, so they love their “spa time” now. (The Shower Massage handheld sprayer is especially appreciated by my arthritic 14-year old.) I also wash their collars, bedding and blankies on the same schedule. Two hepa air cleaners- one for each level, help with any visitor’s allergies. #nodogsmell #whatdog
Becky Says...
Post authorGreat tips!
Susan Lewis Says...
What kind of air purifier do you use? I am in search for a good one – we have 2 cats and 2 dogs!
Cat Says...
So glad you mentioned washing collars! I had a pug/Boston and could figure out why she alway smelled like stale popcorn( typical I guess for pugs). Figured out that I’d give her a bath and then out back on that nasty nylon collar. Washed it and that took care of the smell for the most part.
Laura Says...
I don’t have carpets, but multiple rugs (some oriental some wool) that my dog is constantly one. I am starting to notice some slight discoloration on them (slightly darkened spots on them)… can I use a steam cleaner like the one you recommend above on the rugs? If not do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!
Becky Says...
Post authorI would probably have them professionally cleaned 🙂
Sandra Says...
We have 2 dogs and one is short hair. Believe it or not shirt haired one, he sheds like a ton! And we have found nothing that will remove all hair :(. Any suggestions? I mean it is crazy. Lint roller does NOTHING. Vacumming still leaves hair. It is horrible. Yet you brush him and no hair will be on the brush. Love that dog but HATE his hair!!
Brittany Says...
Specifically purchase a Furminator brush to brush him with. Also, use a damp wash cloth instead of a Lint roller. Also, a roomba is great for dogs that sshe a ton.
Maria Says...
Squeegee works miracles! I saw this lifehack while watching tv, decided to try it with the Squeegee i use for my bathroom and it has been my new best friend when it comes to getting the hair off my couch and chairs! I have 3 dogs and 2 cats,the Squeegee has been a life saver…hope this helps
Cristina Says...
WAWAK SEWING has lint rollers designed for commercial use. I buy them by the box because I use them regularly for cat fur.
They are also good for cleaning lamp shades.
Some lint rollers hardly do anything. These might work better for you.
WAWAK SEWING
1-800-654-2235
WAWAK.COM
Jessica | Falling Glitter Says...
I can not stand the smell of a dog. So getting the smell out of my home is essential. I will so treasure these tips.
Nikki Says...
We adopted a coonhound mix a year ago and people warned us that they are very smelly. Bathing him regularly really eliminates that sour-doggy smell. And washing his bed and the sofa cushion covers (we are a dog on sofa house) I will definitely try your lavender spray. Thanks for all of your tips! I love your blog!
Kjedro Says...
I sprinkle baking sofa on my carpets twice a month, let it set for about 15 minutes and then vacuum up!
Kimberly Tyler Says...
I love Weimaraners.I’m on my 4th one.A blue named Marlowe.
Becky Says...
Post authorAw, love that name!
Serena Says...
Where do you keep your dogs bowls so they are not in the way? And where do you store their food?
Becky Says...
Post authorDog dishes are washable and on a washable tray in the mudroom. I keep the food under the mudroom sink in a lidded small garbage can (new, just for the food).
Becca Says...
Becky, I know you’re all about all-natural and chemical-free, so I hope you don’t mind me saying this. A trash can is not food grade and may have chemicals you don’t want seeping into your pets food. I use a BPA free container to store pet food.
Georgie Says...
Hello! 🙂 I love this website! I’ve not made my own diy sprays before. Do you know if they have a use by date once you’ve made them? X
Becky Says...
Post authorTypically 1-2 weeks 🙂
Brooke Says...
We have a three dogs a basset Hound puppy, a shih tzu and a miniature poodle. When we added the basset hound to our group and two little boys I needed help! So my husband bought me a deebot for Christmas. He is a life saver! He is awesome with dog hair and cleans all by the baseboards and gets in all my corners. I was pleasantly surprised. I run it everyday for two hours and it keeps the hair and dirt down along with regular brushing(basset).
Cheryl Polito Says...
My problem is our 2013 truck with fold up back seat. Our 2 labs have ridden in it regularly. No matter what we can not get the wet dog/mildew smell out. We’ve had the carpets professionally cleaned. The seat are leather but the floorboards are carpet. I’ve been told by a mechanic there is not a cabin filter. HELP it is so bad and we haven’t found a solution we’ve considered trading it it.
Becky Says...
Post authorHave you tried bringing it to an auto detailer? They can usually get those smells out 🙂
Missy Says...
We have our puppy 2 weeks now, I am definitely trying some of these methods when I get home…I’m more concerned with my two rugs, I think I’m going to try putting a nice smelling essential oil in some baking soda and sprinkling that on the rugs, then vacuming
Elva Says...
Is your fabric sanitizer spray also safe on leather furniture?
Should I spray then wipe with microfiber before it dries? Or would this totally defeat the purpose?
b r Says...
Post authorI wouldn’t spray it directly on leather – but you could spray a little on a microfiber and then wipe the leather 🙂
Jill G Says...
Being a pet owner with one elderly dog and two 1 year old puppies (Basset Hound & a chiweenie) life in the house is a little chaotic. Our family has found the best way to stay on top of dog smells is weekly dogs baths, bedding washed every 2 days , keeping the puppies contained in one main area and a few air fresheners throughout the house.
Tabitha Says...
I just recently found your website and very excited to try all of your advice into getting my home clean and organized. This isn’t green but here we’re I live EVERYONE has a hound and at Petco I met a couple who had beagles and they bathe them in Johnson’s baby shampoo, their coats was very soft and no hound smell at all. Maybe a more natural baby shampoo could give same results.
Cristina Says...
Some human shampoos have ingredients that may be toxic to pets. Safer to stick to a pet shampoo or know your ingredients.
Jenn Says...
Hi! Is the rubbing alcohol safe for dogs if they like where it’s been sprayed? Thank you!
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorI use it with 2 dogs but I don’t spray it on them 🙂