We all love our dogs. They bring joy, love, and fun to our lives. But let’s be honest—dogs can also bring smell. If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“How do I get rid of dog smell in house?”
How to Get Rid of Dog Smell in House
The good news is, you don’t have to choose between having a dog and having a fresh-smelling home. With the right cleaning habits and some smart tricks, your home can smell clean even with pets around.
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This blog will show you 15 simple and natural ways to remove dog odor from your home—fast!
Why Does Your House Smell Like Dog?
Before we talk about how to fix it, let’s understand why your house smells like dog in the first place. The most common reasons include:
- Dog’s fur traps dirt, oils, and smells.
- Dog beds and blankets collect hair and bacteria.
- Urine or accidents on carpets or floors.
- Dirty ears or paws can bring bad odors inside.
- Lack of fresh air or regular cleaning.
Now, let’s move on to the solutions.
How to Get Rid of Dog Smell in House – 15 Easy Ways
1. Open the Windows Daily
The simplest trick is also the most powerful—fresh air.
Open your windows for at least 15–30 minutes each day. Let the old air go out and fresh air come in. This helps remove trapped smells and gives your home a natural, clean feel.
2. Vacuum the House Regularly
Dog hair and dander (dead skin) fall everywhere. These can cause smells if not cleaned.
Use a strong vacuum cleaner, especially one made for homes with pets. Vacuum your:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Sofas
- Under furniture
- Curtains
Do it at least 2–3 times a week.
3. Wash Your Dog’s Bed
A dirty dog bed is one of the main causes of that “doggy smell.”
Wash your dog’s bed and blankets at least once a week. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that is safe for pets. Make sure it dries completely to prevent mold.
4. Bathe Your Dog Often
If your dog smells, your house will smell too. Keep your pup clean by bathing them every 4–6 weeks, or as needed.
Use a dog-friendly shampoo. Too many baths can dry out their skin, so don’t overdo it.
5. Use Baking Soda for Odor Control
Baking soda is a natural odor remover.
Sprinkle it on carpets, dog beds, and couches. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
You can also put a bowl of baking soda in a room to absorb smells.
6. Clean Carpets and Rugs Deeply
Dog smells hide deep inside carpet fibers. Try steam cleaning or use a carpet shampooer once a month.
You can rent one or hire a professional. This deep cleaning helps remove dirt, dander, and smells that vacuuming misses.
7. Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help clean pet smells and hair from the air.
Place it in rooms where your dog spends the most time. It helps reduce allergens too, which is great if you or someone in your house has allergies.
8. Clean the Furniture
Dogs love to nap on the sofa. But their fur and oils soak into the fabric.
Use a fabric cleaner or a pet-safe upholstery spray. You can also use a handheld steam cleaner.
For leather furniture, use leather-safe cleaning products.
9. Use Natural Air Fresheners
Don’t just cover the smell—neutralize it.
Try natural air fresheners like:
- Lemon water spray
- Vinegar and water mix
- Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus (only use pet-safe oils)
- Houseplants that purify air (like spider plants or snake plants)
Avoid heavy chemical sprays—they only mask the smell and can harm your dog.
10. Mop Hard Floors with Vinegar Solution
For wood, tile, or laminate floors, use a vinegar and water solution to mop.
Mix:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 3 parts warm water
This removes dog smells naturally and kills bacteria. Don’t worry—the vinegar smell fades quickly.
11. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brushing your dog helps remove dirt, loose fur, and dander before it spreads in your home.
For best results:
- Brush short-haired dogs: 1–2 times a week
- Brush long-haired dogs: daily or every other day
Use a grooming brush made for your dog’s fur type.
12. Wash Blankets, Towels, and Cushions
Anything your dog touches often—wash it.
This includes:
- Throw blankets
- Towels used to dry them
- Couch covers
- Dog toys
Wash these items weekly to prevent smells from building up.
13. Keep the Litter or Pee Pads Clean
If you’re training a puppy or have an older dog, accidents may happen.
Clean pee pads or litter areas daily. Use enzyme cleaners to break down urine smells properly.
Don’t just wipe the area—deep clean it so no smell is left behind.
14. Groom Your Dog’s Ears and Paws
Dogs can bring smells in from outside, especially through their paws and ears.
Check their paws after walks. Wipe with a clean cloth if needed. Clean ears regularly using a vet-recommended cleaner.
This helps prevent infections and bad odors.
15. Get Rid of Urine Accidents Properly
Dog pee smell can stay for weeks if not cleaned right.
Use an enzyme-based pet cleaner. These cleaners break down urine molecules and remove the smell completely.
Never use ammonia—it smells like pee to dogs and may make them pee there again.
What to Avoid When Removing Dog Odors
Here are a few things you should NOT do:
- Don’t use strong perfumes or sprays. They can irritate your dog’s nose and lungs.
- Don’t ignore smells. The longer you wait, the harder they are to remove.
- Don’t mask smells. Always clean the source instead.
Final Thoughts
Having a dog doesn’t mean your house has to smell like one. With these simple and natural cleaning tips, you can enjoy life with your furry friend and still have a fresh-smelling home.
To recap, here’s what to do:
- Keep your dog and their stuff clean
- Vacuum and air out your house
- Use natural odor removers like baking soda and vinegar
- Groom and bathe your dog regularly
- Deal with accidents the right way
Dog love is wonderful—and now, your house can be too!
FAQs
Q1: What is the best air freshener for dog smell?
Use natural options like lemon water spray, baking soda, or essential oils (make sure they’re safe for pets). Avoid strong chemical sprays.
Q2: How often should I bathe my dog to reduce smell?
Most dogs should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, it depends on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
Q3: Does baking soda really remove dog smell?
Yes! Baking soda is great for absorbing and neutralizing odors. Sprinkle it on carpets, dog beds, or furniture and vacuum after 30 minutes.
Q4: How do I stop my couch from smelling like dog?
Vacuum it regularly, use fabric-safe cleaners, and wash any covers or blankets your dog uses. You can also use baking soda or a steam cleaner for deep cleaning.
Q5: Can an air purifier help with dog smell?
Yes, especially those with HEPA filters. They help clean the air of dog hair, dander, and bad smells.
Need more pet cleaning tips? Let us know in the comments!