Pets can be an enormous source of joy. There’s nothing like cozying up to a cute kitten on a chilly evening or bonding with your pup outside on a beautiful day (plus all the purr- and tail wag-worthy moments shared in between).
But our fur babies are also sneaky sources of odor that, when left unattended, can linger, penetrating fabrics and flooring, and the last thing we want during the holiday hosting season is for you to worry – and guests to wonder – what’s that smell? “Most commonly, pet odors are caused by an excess of fur, dander and oils from animals’ skin leaving traces on items inside the home, including their favorite toys and comfy spots like beds and couches,” explains Kate Karam, a pet expert and editor-in-chief of Chewy.
Those icky scents can also emanate right from your pet. “If your dog simply smells like a dog, they might just need a bath,” says Jessica Samson, a former professional cleaner with The Maids. “Dogs like to roll around outside, sometimes in less-than-pleasant-smelling things. Odors can be exacerbated by your pet getting wet and even influenced by the type of breed.” (According to Chewy, some dogs produce more oil and secretions. Own a Doberman or Poodle? Lucky you — they’re among the less stinky.)
As Yahoo Life reports, regardless of the kind of pet you have, you can combat unpleasant scents before they creep in (let alone roam). Read on for professional tips and expert- and editor-approved products for embracing your four-legged friends while maintaining a cleaner, healthier, better-smelling home.
Tips for getting rid of pet odors in your home
1. Groom pets regularly
While both cats and dogs self-clean, Karam advises bathing pets with a deodorizing shampoo and warm water (or whatever temperature they seem most comfortable with) for a firmer grip on grime. This is especially important for dogs because they tend to spend more time outdoors than cats. “Using a waterless shampoo between baths can help keep your pet smelling fresh while conditioning their fur — a win-win!” she adds.
How often you bathe your pet (aside from the occasional one-off to eliminate obvious odor) should correlate with what type of coat they have, says Karam. “Medium- and long-haired dogs should be bathed every four to six weeks, whereas shorter coats can typically go a little longer, such as every one to three months.”
“Try to brush your pet daily to stay on top of any dirt or bacteria that has built up,” adds Samson. “Wet wipes are helpful for ears and noses, and you should aim to brush their teeth at least once a week. There are also chewing bones designed for better dental hygiene.”
2. Spot-treat paws
One of the easiest ways to ban odors is to stop them right in their tracks. “Wiping pets’ paws before they enter the house can cut back on the amount of unwanted bacteria carried into your home,” said Karam. “Try to have towels, deodorizing wipes or paw cleaners on hand for combatting backyard and neighborhood dirt and debris at the door.”
Samson suggests looking into doggie boots for protecting paws in high-traffic areas (such as public trails and dog parks) and having a dedicated entry point for a quick dry or clean. And try to avoid doggie doors, which offer no limitations on what your pet can drag in. “They go outside, get wet or dirty, and then bring all that odor back with them.”
3. Change litter diligently
Just like with other odor aggressors (read: trash cans), it’s best to steer litter boxes clear of main areas and, as Karam suggests, scoop them daily. Plan to change the entire contents of your litter box at least once every two weeks. “Consider scented cat litter and self-cleaning litter systems, and always dispose of the dirty litter outside to keep odors away,” she says.
Samson suggests avoiding potty pads for pets. “Wee pads can be a source of germs and odor you don’t want in your home. If you must use them, aim to throw them away in the trash daily and discard the trash in your outdoor bin.”
4. Prioritize easy-to-wash accessories
When shopping for toys and leashes, Karam says to focus on machine-washable and/or dishwasher-safe versions to minimize drool and bacteria that can transfer to rugs and surrounding areas. “Believe it or not, you can toss most plush toys right in the washing machine and air-dry, which I recommend doing monthly to rid odors and germs.” If you’re unsure whether a toy can be machine-washed, Karam says dabbing items with a little soap and water will usually suffice.
As Samson notes, cleaning and reusing toys and other accessories will save you money in the long run, too. “You should also try and clean pet food bowls once daily if possible, as they can get dirty quickly,” said Samson.
5. Vacuum often
A good vacuum is one of your best weapons for putting odor-causing pet dander and hair in its place. “You’ll want to vacuum often, ideally daily, and aim to dust at least several times a week,” advises Samson. “Look for a strong vacuum with versatile attachments that are effective at removing pet hair from crevices in the sofa, under your furniture and other tough-to-reach areas.”
Of course, there are some instances where a vacuum and duster just aren’t going to cut it, in which case a deeper clean may be in order. “Washing your floors, especially carpets, at least once a week is a great way to tackle germs, eliminate odors and rejuvenate your space,” said Samson. “A handheld steamer is a household staple for sanitizing smaller spaces and upholsteries.”
6. Clear the air (subtly)
Time to bring in reinforcements? Don’t underestimate the importance of having a powerful odor-eliminating spray on hand. “If the smell gets away from you (it happens), products that break down materials and then neutralize odors are your best bet,” says Karam. When it comes to isolated incidents, such as a pet vomiting or accidents, experts stress acting fast — if possible, immediately — to dissipate bad smells and minimize stains.
Karam is a fan of pet odor-eliminating candles and diffusers for an added scent boost, plus fans for pushing bad smells out of the house and circulating any good fragrances. “An air purifier can also help with air quality control, but may not be able to eliminate all of the odors just on its own.”
7. Create a Designated “Pet Stuff” Area
Samson says creating a designated animal area can also aid in curbing smells. Stash your pets’ toys and other stuff in the laundry room or wherever you put their bed to eliminate the amount of slobber and odor transferring to other rooms, she adds.
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