There’s no question that dogs are man’s best friend, but pet odor? That’s no one’s friend. The worst part is that you can become immune to pet odor because you’re around it all the time. If you’re concerned about your home having a bit of Fido funk, we have some advice on how to get rid of those pet odors in your house.
We spoke with Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, to get her tips on how to keep your home clean and free of pet odors.
First things first, target the areas where pet odors can linger. Upholstery and carpeting are the main culprits, Kerr says, especially that favorite chair or rug where your dog likes to hang out and nap. Make sure you keep those areas regularly vacuumed and free of pet hair.
If it’s time for a deep clean, try using a product that you sprinkle on carpets and area rugs and then vacuum up like . That will help get rid of odors that may be deep within your carpets. After doing a deep clean, Kerr recommends using an odor-eliminating product every couple of months to make sure smells don’t linger.
When your dog has an accident, make sure you’re really cleaning it up. “The most important thing is to clean up accidents as soon as they happen, and to use an enzymatic cleaner or a mild soap,” Kerr says. And make sure to blot the area with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
“For furniture and other fabrics that can’t be easily cleaned, spritzing them with vodka will help neutralize odors. It’s a weird and wonderful trick that actually works,” Kerr says. She also recommends steam cleaning (you can use a scented water if you like) to help neutralize odors, along with airing out your home. “Turns out fresh air and sunshine are also great odor removers.”
Tell us: What do you do to keep Fido from stinking up your house?
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