Pet Odor Alert: How to Remove Lingering Pet Smells
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Dec 12, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 12, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Pets are often beloved family members, but that amazing animal love often comes with a stench.
From hairballs and litter boxes to fecal piles and vomit, our furry friends can quickly turn a happy home into a nose-pinching disaster zone.
To remove lingering pet smells, the tricks are to:
- Prevent them from occurring whenever possible
- Maintain cleanliness by cleaning up accidents when they occur
- Consider major intervention (if all else fails)
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Pet Odor Prevention
The easiest way to control pet odor is prevention via routine cleaning.
- Regularly vacuum and clean the areas and objects that the pet frequents including bedding, crates, toys, dishes, etc.
- Bathe dogs as needed and brush out the coats of dogs and cats that will tolerate grooming.
- Frequently change filters for air conditioning and furnace units.
- A fresh dryer sheet tucked inside a bed or crate can help combat odors, but make sure the pet can’t get to or ingest the sheet.
- Open windows that allow for a cross breeze to help diffuse some of the airborne odors.
- Baking soda, coffee grounds or white vinegar placed in open shallow containers, or vanilla scented candles may also help absorb or neutralize pet odors.
Litter box odors not only stink up the house, but they also discourage the cat from using the box.
- Always have at least one more box than you have cats (2 cats = 3 boxes).
- Clean the litter boxes daily and use litters that are appealing to the cats.
- Avoid cat liners that can snag claws and make sure the box is in a place that the cat will use.
- Do not use a scented litter that may lead to urinary tract problems, especially in male cats.
- Scrubbing the litter box in between complete litter changes can help avoid odor build up.
- Most dish detergents or a solution of 20 parts water to 1 part bleach will work well.
- Always thoroughly rinse and dry the box before refilling with litter.
- Clean the areas around the litter boxes with every litter change to remove spills or accidents. For cats that spray, this may include wiping down the adjacent wall and baseboards.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Most dogs use the bathroom outdoors, but the yard can also start to smell as a result of frequent urination and defecation.
- Use a pooper scooper to remove all the solid waste from the yard.
- Take a water hose and liberally spray all areas the dog favors for urination.
- Scrub any areas of the yard that are favorite urination spots, such as a dog house or fence.
- If odor still permeates the backyard, consider using an enzymatic cleaner.
Since some pets may be sensitive to the smell or chemical makeup of cleaners, make sure to:
- Carefully read product instructions.
- Thoroughly rinse any treated areas before allowing the pet back in the area.
- Monitor for any signs of reaction, especially eye or skin irritation.
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Maintenance
Accidents are just part of having pets.
In most cases, the stain or pile is readily evident, but for some odors, especially cat urine, the location of the accident can be more difficult to determine.
A simple black light can be used to find urine. The urine glows because it contains high levels of the element phosphorus.
An easy way to keep track of the stain is to trace the area in chalk, which can then be dusted out once the urine is removed.
Eliminate the smells by taking the following steps:
- Remove the pile or puddle.
- Rinse with water and soak it up with an absorbent sheet (towel or paper towel).
- Repeat this process as needed. It may take several attempts.
A number of methods can be used to clean carpets and floors.
Carpet cleaners or spot cleaners are excellent tools for cleaning carpets that have been soiled.
The machine forces the water through the carpet and sucks it back up into the machine, taking the dirt and grime with it.
Always follow the directions and use plain water.
Make sure to also look under the carpet and treat the pad or underlying floor as needed. Avoid steam cleaners.
The heat generated can actually set the stain long-term into carpets and furniture.
Odor neutralizers and stain removers can be useful.
Once the area is clean and dry, an odor neutralizer can be used. Most pet stores carry a selection of products that will work.
Make sure to always test a small part of the fabric or carpet to ensure it doesn’t bleach or stain the material.
Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer and can be sprinkled liberally onto carpets before vacuuming.
Baking soda can also be used to neutralize odors in litter boxes and trash cans used for poop removal, or added to the washing machine when washing soiled bedding and clothes.
If a stain still remains after the area is thoroughly cleaned and neutralized, there are several commercially available stain removers and homemade concoctions that may be used.
Be careful with any solutions that contain ingredients with strong odors such as ammonia, vinegar, or pine scent.
Some pets may be more likely to mark in areas that smell like these substances.
Please note that using multiple cleaners in one area is not suggested.
Enzymatic cleaners may bond to a previous cleaner instead of removing the proteins associated with the stain.
Remove any previous cleaners prior to attempting the use of another one.
Major Intervention
If none of the above works, it may be time for more drastic measures.
- Throw out any objects that still smell.
- Hire a professional cleaning crew.
- Replace carpets and carpet pads, and possibly other flooring.
- Remove and replace varnish and/or paint on wood furniture, walls, baseboards, and floors.
- Upgrade the house’s ventilation system. Consider HEPA and HVAC systems.
- Use a fast-drying sealer to encapsulate lingering smells on drywall, plaster, brick, paneling, masonry or woodwork.
- Consider calling an environmental cleanup firm that can identify the chemistry of the unpleasant smells and help provide additional guidance.
Some pets may be more sensitive to commercial cleaners than others.
Always monitor pets carefully when using any product cleaners for signs of reaction that can include:
- Gastrointestinal upset due to ingestion
- Skin and eye irritation from direct contact
Pets that have an unusual accident of frequent accidents should see a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical problems.
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Pet Odor Alert: How to Remove Lingering Pet Smells
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent and remove lingering pet smells in my home?
To prevent and remove pet smells, consider routine cleaning to control odors. For litter boxes, clean regularly to avoid unpleasant smells and encourage your cat to use it. For accidents, use a black light to locate urine stains, then clean with appropriate methods like carpet cleaners, odor neutralizers, or enzymatic cleaners. If the smell persists, commercial stain removers or homemade solutions may be used.
Is pet insurance necessary, and how does it work?
Pet insurance can be crucial for covering up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured. It helps with unexpected medical costs and ensures your pet receives the necessary care. Pet Insurance U offers a free online resource to compare quotes from top companies, allowing you to find the best coverage for your furry friend.
How does Pet Insurance U make money?
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from third parties, including payment for clicks to insurance providers’ sites and generated quote requests. This compensation allows the site to remain free and regularly updated. The rankings and reviews on the site are not influenced by payments from insurance companies, ensuring unbiased and professional information.
Are the reviews on Pet Insurance U unbiased?
Yes, the reviews on Pet Insurance U are guaranteed to be unbiased. The site reviews pet insurance providers based on their merits and does not let advertising compensation influence rankings. The goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for pet insurance, providing valuable information for users.
What additional resources does Pet Insurance U offer?
Pet Insurance U offers a variety of resources, including articles on topics like pet insurance for exotic pets, the best pet insurance by state, and common health problems for dogs and cats. There are also informative sections on dog training, safe foods for pets, and other pet-related advice.
How long has Pet Insurance U been providing information?
Pet Insurance U has been a free online resource since 2000, offering information and guidance on pet insurance. The site is regularly updated, and its content is reviewed by pet insurance experts to ensure accuracy and relevance.
How can I find the cheapest pet insurance rates?
To find the cheapest pet insurance rates, you can use Pet Insurance U’s online tool by entering your ZIP code. The site has been helping users find affordable pet insurance since 2000 and provides a comprehensive directory of articles and guides to assist in the process.
How can I contact Pet Insurance U for more information?
For more information or inquiries, you can visit the Pet Insurance U website at petinsuranceu.com. The site includes contact details and additional resources to help you with your pet insurance needs.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.