11 Tricks That Finally Got the Dog Smell Out of My House
Living with a dog means living with dog smell. Even after cleaning, I used to walk into my house and get hit with that unmistakable scent. But I didn’t give up; I tried every shortcut and product until I finally figured out what worked.
Here’s how I got the dog smell out for good.
Vacuumed Everything Nonstop
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Pet hair hides in every possible place, not just on the floor. Curtains, couch cushions, and even baseboards collect dander and dust. Vacuuming all of it on a regular schedule finally made the stink manageable. A high-quality vacuum with a clean filter was quite useful.
Mopped More Often Than Expected
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Mopping seemed simple until it wasn’t. Dry cloths pulled up hair I didn’t know was there, and the wet mopping cloths handled grime without the mess of a traditional mop. Using both kept the floors from becoming a breeding ground for mystery odors and dried-up paw prints.
Paid for a Deep Carpet Clean
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No DIY solution can replace a professional carpet steam. The treatment cleared years of odors out of the fibers, though it initially confused the dog. He marked his spot again the next day, but after a few reminders, the floors stayed scent-free much longer than before.
Opened Windows Like It Was a Job
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Even during cold months, cracking a few windows brought in enough fresh air to push out trapped smells. Many newer homes are airtight, which doesn’t help stink issues. Letting outside air circulate was one of the easiest and most reliable ways to make the entire place again.
Relied Heavily on Baking Soda
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Baking soda became the most-used item in my house. I sprinkled it on the carpet and rugs before vacuuming, as well as on the couch and dog bed. I also learned you can use it as dry shampoo on your dog, which sounds strange but actually works really well.
Mixed Vinegar Into Everything
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Equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle is a powerful solution. At first, I got whiffs of vinegar, of course, but once it dried, the air turned fresh and had no fragrance. For laundry, adding vinegar instead of fabric softener helped remove smells from towels, covers, and dog bedding in just one cycle.
Set Up a Quiet Air Purifier
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An air purifier with a HEPA filter and odor-neutralizing capability worked quietly in the background and slowly cleared the room. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but after a few days, the house was left smelling of nothing, which was exactly the goal.
Changed the Filters in the HVAC System
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I used to completely forget about this. Replacing filters regularly and choosing HEPA ones when possible had a noticeable impact. Once they were clean, I was surprised at how quickly the air stopped reeking of a blend of dog, dust, and whatever burned in the oven last week.
Focused on the Dog’s Bed
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One wash wasn’t enough, and my pup’s bed became a weekly laundry priority. Keeping a washable cover on it also kept everything else nearby from absorbing that deeply familiar dog-bed funk. But if the bed is too big to be put into the machine, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Used Washable Throws as Couch Covers
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Rather than banning the dog from the couch, a few nice-looking blankets were better at protecting the cushions. These went into the wash with the rest of the weekly laundry and came out smelling clean again. My pet always chose the soft blanket over the couch anyway, which made cleanup easier.
Used a Blacklight to Find Hidden Messes
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The blacklight revealed spots that would never have been discovered otherwise. I gave special attention to a few glowing patches along the baseboards using vinegar and baking soda. For areas that wouldn’t stop stinking, I brought in odor-sealing paint to trap what cleaning products couldn’t completely remove.
Sprayed Pet-Safe Deodorizers When Needed
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I do not rely on this alone, but a quick spray has been useful between deeper cleans. A couple of spritzes of a deodorizer kept dog-heavy areas from taking over the room. It worked especially well after vacuuming or washing throws, just to reset the space and cut through any remaining scents.
Stepped up the Grooming Schedule
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My furry best friend is not a fan of being brushed, but I try to stay on top of it. A regular practice outside cut down on both loose fur and the dander. When I did manage to give him a bath, I chose to do it with an apple cider vinegar rinse. This left his coat without any perfume-y residue or harsh chemicals.
Cleaned Accidents With Enzyme Sprays
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Urine and vomit stenches stick around longer than they should if they aren’t treated properly. Enzymatic cleaners broke everything down fast and prevented re-marking. Catching the accidents early was key, but figuring out why they were happening also stopped the recurring ones from coming back.
Set Out Natural Traps
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I leave bowls of activated charcoal in rooms where the dog spends the most time. They proved to work better than a lot of sprays as they quietly absorbed lingering smells. Some low-maintenance plants also added some visual appeal while helping filter the air.