We all love our pets, but sometimes they can cause unwanted odors in our homes. Maybe you have tried different remedies to get rid of pet odors, but none have worked very well. Perhaps you’ve even tried professional cleaning services that can quickly become expensive. Here are ten tips to help you have a pleasant smelling home for you and your furry friend.
1. Clean Their Toys, Bowls, and Other Objects
Often used objects like these are easy to forget. Things like leashes, collars, and toys can become breeding grounds for odors and unpleasant smells. Pet toys are a significant culprit. If you don’t wash them, your pet’s favorite chew toys can harbor odors. Make a point to launder these items consistently to keep down on smells.
If you have a pet bed, make sure to wash it often. While using an odor neutralizer can help cut down on some scents, washing it is best. If you can’t clean it and it smells dirty, it may be time to get a new one.
For cats, the litter box can be an area that smells unpleasant. Try sprinkling baking soda over the litter, and periodically throw it out. After throwing the cat litter out, wipe down the box with an odor neutralizer. Taking the time to clean the box properly can assist in achieving a consistently fresh home.
2. Use Odor Neutralizers
There are some household items that you can use as odor neutralizers. While some products say they get rid of smells, they are only masking odors. It may be a temporary fix, but you want something long-term. Baking soda is one of the most well-known. To use it for pet odors, sprinkle some on the affected areas, like pet beds, carpets, and couches. However, make sure to test a small patch first to avoid damage to surfaces. After waiting, vacuum up the powder.
Another household ingredient that works great for odors is vinegar. Dilute a little with some water and put it in a spray bottle. When used on carpets or floors, it can help eliminate more stubborn odors. Try using it in combination with baking soda for even more effectiveness. Other choices include citrus and hydrogen peroxide. These are both efficient cleaners and will help your house smell great.
3. Use Enzymatic Cleaners for a Deep Clean
While odor neutralizers are great at reducing smells, sometimes you need something more powerful. An enzymatic cleaner breaks down bacteria causing odors from pet waste. You may try soaking linens and other fabrics in this solution to get rid of particularly tough smells. You can also spray the solution directly on the problem area, such as a spot on your carpet. This type of cleaner allows you to target specific areas to get them particularly clean. It is an essential item in a pet owners’ home.
4. Bathe Them Regularly
Make it a point to bathe your pets regularly to reduce odors. A consistent cleaning schedule should keep your pet smelling fresh. You might opt for a groomer, or you may consider washing them at home. Be cautious of pet hair going down the drain if you choose to bathe them in your bathroom. To keep your plumbing in excellent shape, consider consulting a plumber St George Utah. Also, wipe your pets’ paws and brush its coat weekly to keep down on shedding and dirt.
5. Consider Getting an Air Purifier
An air purifier should help reduce odors and unpleasant smells in your home. There are many different types of air filters, but one with a HEPA filter should work best. To truly eradicate pet smells, the machine needs to filter out small particles. Consider putting it in the most affected area, like beside the pet bed or litter box. Air purifiers are good to invest in because they kill odor-causing bacteria in the air. When choosing one, keep in mind the size of the room it will be going in. A device that is too small will not be as effective. Don’t forget areas that are heavily trafficked by your pet as well. Changing your home’s air filter can make a difference as well. A clogged or dirty filter can cause a slowdown of air circulation, making pet smells linger in your home.
6. Keep Cleaners Handy for Pet Accidents
Even if your pet is house trained, you might consider cleaners for pet accidents. By keeping odor neutralizers and detergents on hand, you can avoid having unpleasant smells in your home for a long time. A steam cleaner can also work wonders on stains left behind. Steam cleaners are also very effective at deep cleaning carpets and getting any odors deep in the fibers. If you don’t have one, you can rent one. Another handy item is a blacklight device. It can show leftover pet stains that you cannot see. Try this device if you have cleaned an accident and aren’t sure if you have gotten rid of it. A hidden stain is a perfect candidate for a black light. Another issue may be pet stains on walls. These are difficult to get rid of, and one of the simplest ways to mask the odor is to paint over the area with an odor sealing paint. If that is not an option, replacing the affected drywall is possible.
7. Clean Your Carpets and Fabrics
Carpets and other soft surfaces can hang on to pet smells. Try cleaning these things regularly to cut down on odors left by pets. When cleaning, try using simple household ingredients to help your home smell fresh. Check to see if the cleaners you use are pet-friendly as well.
Don’t forget linens, sofas, and curtains as well. If your pet likes to sleep or lay on beds, make sure to launder your sheets. If they lay on your sofa, try washing the cushions or using an odor neutralizer on them. Also, consider putting covers on furniture where your pets like to lay. Wash these covers weekly. Using baking soda in your laundry can assist in keeping it fresh. When washing linens and other fabrics, consider washing your clothing as well. Your clothes may be holding onto smells that you haven’t noticed.
8. Vacuum and Mop Everything Often
Along with cleaning carpets and other surfaces, make sure you vacuum and mop often. The more often you do this, the less chance you have of odors showing up. Also, clean the vacuum filter. You might forget because it is not something obvious, but it can help. A clean filter helps a vacuum clean more effectively. When you finish vacuuming, be sure to dump out the canister if you have one. There are vacuums designed for cleaning up after pets, so consider investing in one of these.
A mop will capture dirt and hair on hard surfaces like tile and wood. You should make sure you are mopping these areas routinely; so they do not have a build-up of unwanted substances. Mops do an excellent job capturing loose hair, dander, and dirt, even more so than sweeping. Because of this fact, mopping should be in your house cleaning routine. You can use some natural cleaning ingredients as well to give off a fresh, clean scent. You may also want to use a wood floor cleaner, vinegar, or other cleaning solution and scrub your floors and lower walls to make sure they are clean.
9. Invest in Fresh Smelling Items and Air Fresheners
Having things like flowers, eucalyptus plants, or essential oil diffusers can help your house smell nice. Potpourri baskets and candles are good choices as well. Try placing air fresheners in strategic places, and make sure they are out of reach of your pet. If you have tried to neutralize odors, cleaned your pets’ belongings, and you still have lingering scents, try this. Fresh plants and air fresheners can combat pet odors and potentially mask them or make them less noticeable.
10. Air Out Your House
Another easy tip is to air out your house periodically. Open some doors and windows to get some fresh air in. When doing this, also turn on all the ceiling fans to get air circulating. Turning on the fan on your air conditioning unit can help as well. If possible, to reduce expenses, pick a time of year when it is not too hot or too cold. A day with mild temperatures is the best choice. However, be sure to keep a close eye on your pet to be confident they don’t escape. If possible, use a pet gate to keep your pet inside and safe.
Pets are a part of the family, and we want to treat them as such. However, pets can leave behind unwanted scents that we want to eliminate. While it can seem daunting, easy steps like vacuuming, mopping, and using air purifiers can help. A simple action like having a cleaning schedule can keep you on track. When used together, these ten tips should help you achieve a clean and fresh-smelling home that is a joy for you and your pets.
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