8 ways to get rid of pet smells
We wouldn’t change our pets for the world, but the smells they leave behind are a different story. Those who regularly deal with the aroma of ‘wet dog’ will understand the difficulties. As cute as our pets are, that musty smell that greets you as you walk in the door is less endearing.
The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce the whiff, while keeping furry family members happy and healthy. We’ve rounded up eight essential ways to get your home smelling fresh again.
1. Vacuum regularly
Loose hair is a major contributor to pet smells around the home, which means the vacuum cleaner is your best friend – especially during shedding season, when more fur will end up on the floors. Fur smells because it carries oils, dirt and bacteria, which will spread throughout your home as it’s shed. Keeping your pet’s coat clean can help lessen the effect (more on this later), but you’ll still need to vacuum up any loose strands.
To reduce the workload, it’s a good idea to invest in a vacuum specifically designed to tackle pet hair, such as our winning cylinder model, the Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog PowerLine Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner (scored 97/100). Your vacuum needs to be able to collect hair that’s been ground into the carpet and entangled without jamming.
I recommend you take your time around the edges and corners of the carpets, as this is where fur can accumulate; use the crevice tool to reach here, loosening it first with a rubber glove if necessary. The same goes for any areas your pet frequents, such as around their bed or next to a scratching post. We recommend vacuuming at least once or even twice a week to keep on top of pet hair; more often may be necessary during shedding season or if you have multiple pets.
If your carpets have retained pet smells, you can help restore them with a carpet cleaner. For pet owners, floorcare expert Bissell recommends shampooing your carpets three to four times a year.
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2. Cover upholstery
Smells can follow everywhere your pet goes, so that means your upholstery and bedding might be at risk, too. A quick fix is to keep these protected using blankets and throws. That way, you can easily remove and wash them when necessary, at the highest temperature allowed by the care label.
Try to remove any loose pet hair from the surface with a lint roller before you bung these items into the washing machine, though; otherwise it can contribute to blockages.
If any fur has found its way on to your upholstery, a wet rubber glove can collect it easily. It creates static as you brush it against the surface, which picks up any loose hairs. Just rinse the glove under running water to remove afterwards, then throw the hair away rather than letting it run down the drain.
3. Clean pet beds and any favourite toys
While we’re here, you should give your pet beds a similar treatment. You’ll want to wash these once a week or every two weeks to keep on top of residual smells. Depending on the bed, it will either have a removable cover, or sometimes the whole thing can go in the wash – that’s if your washing machine is big enough! To remove smells, stick to the highest temperature allowed by the care label, and ideally you’ll want to wash them with a non-bio detergent that’s designed for pet bedding, such as Pro-Kleen Pet Bedding Laundry Detergent. Don’t forget to remove any pet hair beforehand. Dry thoroughly before replacing to prevent mould.
If your dog has a favourite chew toy, it’s inevitably going to smell. Give these a clean with some warm, soapy water to renew them. An old toothbrush can help reach into any crevices; then rinse and leave to air-dry before replacing.
4. Keep the litter box clean
If you have cats, the litter box can really contribute to smells around the home. But it doesn’t need to be this way. First, make sure you’re maintaining the litter box; that means checking it daily to remove any residue and emptying it, washing and replacing the litter once a week. It’s best to use a scentless soap when washing your litter box so it doesn’t put off your cat on next use.
A hooded design with an activated carbon filter, such as the Catit Style Hooded Litter Box, can help keep smells contained, if your cat’s happy to use this kind of box. We also recommend using a litter mat beneath to catch any rogue pieces of litter. These also come in handy if your cat misses the box (better here than on the carpet). Vacuum any residual litter away from the mat and around the box as you clean it. Litter mats can sometimes be washed with soapy water for a refresh, but check the care instructions first.
If you really want to keep on top of litter tray smells, self-emptying litter boxes that sense the cat’s presence and clean themselves automatically for immediate removal are available, too. But these do require specific types of clumping cat litter and a power source.
Don’t leave residue sitting in the litter tray for longer than necessary; no one wants that smell lingering around the home! As soon as you spot it, remove it and contain it by wrapping it in newspaper, or use a small biodegradable bag (I use nappy bags) and dispose of it – there are products you can buy for this very purpose, such as LitterLocker by Litter Genie.
5. Try an air purifier
Air purifiers are brilliant for keeping on top of smells around the home. That’s because most filters contain a layer of active carbon that deodorises. Air purifiers are great for filtering pet hair and dander from the atmosphere, too, which can help those with allergies and keep on top of odours at the same time.
In the GHI’s tests to find the best air purifiers, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK was crowned the best model for odour control, quickly removing both dust and pet dander from the test room.
6. Use bicarb and air freshener
Of course, we can’t forget about bicarbonate of soda. This too will deodorise, by neutralising acidic and alkali odour molecules in the air. Placing a bowl filled with bicarb near to the source of the smell, or directly on the carpet or upholstery, will have an impact. Just leave it overnight and vacuum away the following day. Bicarb is safe to have around pets so long as it’s not consumed in large quantities.
Failing that, there are lots of air fresheners out there designed specifically to tackle pet smells, such as Febreze Air Pet Odour Eliminator.
7. Wash and groom your pets
You should be grooming your pets regularly, with the frequency depending on the breed, hair length and whether it’s shedding season. Brushing once per week may be enough for short-haired pets, but as much as daily may be needed for medium to long hair. Doing this keeps your pet’s coat free from tangles and knots, and prevents so much hair from ending up on your floors. Your dog may require professional grooming every so often as well; check with your vet for advice here.
Baths are messy, but sometimes necessary. According to PDSA vet nurse Gemma Renwick: “How often a dog needs to be bathed is usually less to do with its breed and fur length and more about how often they get dirty! Unless needed for medical reasons, dogs don’t usually need bathing too often, as shampoos can strip their coats of natural oils.
“If they get muddy while out on a walk, just rinse them in warm water. If your dog has got particularly dirty, or rolled in something, and does need to be washed at home, make sure you use a dog-specific shampoo for them, as human shampoos can cause skin irritation. If your dog has a skin condition, your vet may advise you on specific shampoos to use and they may need to be bathed on a more regular basis, depending on the condition.”
Try to give your dog a once-over before they come through the door, so they won’t accidentally spread dirt and smells around before you realise a bath is needed.
8. Seal up food
Open packs of dry pet food don’t have the best smell. Luckily, you can keep this to a minimum by storing food in an airtight container; this will deter pests at the same time. Some advanced pet bowls, such as SureFeed Automatic Food Dispenser, feature lids that will open on detecting your pet’s microchip. This keeps smells to a minimum if your pet (somehow) doesn’t scoff the lot at once, and also prevents other household pets from stealing meals. This particular model is designed for cats and small dogs.
Otherwise, try not to leave food sitting in the open, as it will smell and attract pests. Smaller, regular meals may be the answer. Remember to wash the bowl between meals to prevent bacterial growth and keep your pet safe.
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