Is your house smelling like a kennel? What if it did? Would you even know? You might be used to the smell of your pets, but guests might get a rude shock. Your home may be due for a deep clean. Follow this handy checklist and your home will be free of pooch perfume once again.
Why do our precious pooches smell so bad?
We love them like family, but let’s face it: we could do without all of the smells that come along with them. However, you can't deny the pride your dog takes in its scent. This is their identity, their mark on the world. Imagine that stinky hot dog breath and saliva on everything from their toys to their bed to your face. Just like humans, dogs have oily skin and waxy ears. Did you know they sweat through their feet? There's a lot of dog body odor to contend with.
Getting Rid of Smells!
You can get rid of dog odor in your house in a variety of ways. Depending on how bad the smell is, you may have a lot of work to do. Here are our best practices for deep cleaning your puppy palace.
Vacuum Everything. Repeat.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, repeat to remove hair, dirt, and dander. This routine should be followed regularly. It's probably more often than you think. All carpets, curtains, furniture, rugs, and floors need to be vacuumed. Also, make sure your vacuum filter is cleaned and changed frequently. After that, vacuum some more. The vacuum is a basic and essential chore that keeps your house from being overrun by fur.
Pet-specific Cleaning Tools.
Cleaning products and tools specifically designed for pet owners are your new best friend. These types of tools extend to reach those awkward places where hair might be hiding e.g. ceiling fans. They are designed with special fibers that trap and lock in dust and allergens such as dander and dust mite matter – yuck.
Call a Professional.
Clean your carpets with pet-friendly chemicals or hire a service to do so. There is a possibility that the change of carpet odor may confuse your pup. Be mindful and vigilant against unproductive territory marking after a deep clean.
Sweep
Sweep your floors with a replaceable cloth sweeper, which are ideally suited for quickly sweeping without having to mess with a dustbin. The dog hair sticks directly to the disposable cloths, which you can then remove and toss straight in the trash when you’re done. Most brands design their clothes to be recyclable so you don't have to be worrying about waste.
Mop
Mop finished floors with cloths mop, which will save you the trouble of having to haul out buckets of water and detergent. The wet mopping cloths are also disposable, leaving your floors hairless and your hands-free when you’re done.
Neutralize Furniture
Scrub any suspicious mystery stains with baking soda after washing removable covers in the laundry. Baking soda is your new best friend! Despite its odorlessness, baking soda absorbs other odors, making it the best deodorizer. You can dust hair and dander off your furniture with a soft-bristled brush if its covers are not removable. Vinegar and water can be used to clean leather furniture, but be careful not to oversaturate it.
Wash Your Dogs Bed
That musty smell radiating from your dog's bed is caused by dirt, saliva, urine, dander, and hair stored within the fabric and stuffing of the bed. If your dog’s bed isn’t washable and you suspect it stinks, it may be time for a new one and maybe opt for one that can be washed. Stain repellent can also be used to prevent future dog smells, but that's a short-term solution.
Clean Air is Good Air!
Open all of the windows and doors in your house to let fresh air in. To maximize airflow and circulation in your home, change the air filters in your heating and cooling systems. You may also want to consider investing in an air purifier if your budget allows. With these handy gadgets, you can reduce odor issues by killing bacteria and fungi in the air.
Last Resort
When all else fails, purchase an essential oil diffuser, scented candles, or fresh flowers to combat the dog odor, or at least offset it with something more pleasant.
Summary
Once you’ve worked through our deep cleaning checklist, your home should be smelling super fresh - or ideally not smelling like anything at all.
