Stubborn Smells: 5 Tips and Tricks on Eliminating Pet Odors

Those of us who love having pets around know that their presence can be an added source of comfort and joy. But those same furry and feathered family members can also be guilty of staining your upholstery, scratching your furniture, and leaving their mark on your floor. Fortunately, cleaning up after your pet is relatively easy. Check out the following cleaning tips that will help you eliminate those stubborn smells left by your pet.

1. Vacuum All Surfaces

By vacuuming your rugs and carpets frequently (2-3 times a week), you can keep most of the fur and pet dander from becoming embedded in the fibers. Believe it or not, pet dander can leave some of those bad smells behind. By vacuuming often, you remove the pet hair, dander, and any other messes left by your furry family members, thereby making it easier to clean and freshen your home.

2. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner for Problem Areas

After vacuuming, apply an enzymatic cleaner that’s designed to break down the proteins left by your pet. You can use enzymatic cleaners on your carpets and rugs, but for other surfaces like upholstery and bathroom floors, you’re better off using a solution made specifically for those surfaces.

Read the label directions carefully and make sure that you’re using the cleaner correctly. Also, when using any cleaner on your rugs and carpets, keep in mind that spraying the liquid directly onto your carpet will more than likely cause discoloration and damage. A better idea is to spray the cleaner onto a cloth or sponge and then rub it into the carpet.

3. Use a Vinegar Solution to Get Rid of Pet Odors

If your floor is made of tile, hardwood, linoleum, or anything else that’s non-porous, you can clean it with a simple solution of water and vinegar. Just make sure that you use the right kind of vinegar; ordinary distilled vinegar shouldn’t be used! Instead, use white vinegar that’s designed specifically for cleaning purposes.

Add a couple of teaspoons of vinegar to a bucket of warm water and then mop the floor. If your floors are carpeted or if you have area rugs, you might want to try this homemade carpet cleaner instead.

4. Wash Your Pet Regularly

If your pet EVER gets into something that makes him smell funky, never be afraid to bathe them. Even if your pet smells a little bit, it’s best to have them thoroughly bathed regularly. The more you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the odor.

Regular bathing will also help to prevent your pet from leaving behind those stubborn pet odors. With regular bathing, you can also reduce your chances of your pet getting fleas. When you bathe your pet, don’t forget to use a pet-specific shampoo, which will also help give your pet a clean, pleasant smell.

5. Invest in an Air Purifier 

An air purifier is a handy device that eliminates pet odors from the air in your house. By simply running the device on a daily basis, you can make your house smell fresh and clean. Depending on the size of your home, you may need to run the air purifier several times a day.

Conclusion

If you have a pet, you’re going to have to put in some time and effort to keep your house smelling fresh. You may even need to get into a routine of cleaning on a regular basis. But if you put in the time to regularly clean your pet’s messes, you’ll be rewarded with a clean and fresh-smelling home.

While these DIY tips are quite effective in removing pet odors and other stubborn smells, nothing beats professional cleaning. CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning is here to provide professional cleaning services to keep your home smelling fresh and clean at all times. Our team is equipped with the best cleaning solutions and tools to ensure that your house is cleaned to perfection. Contact us today to request a carpet cleaning service!