Pet owners know that furry friends are the most lively and mischievous members of the family. Whether it’s a playful canine or a vivacious kitty, they are our true source of joy and happiness. Their unconditional love and true companionship are inevitable, and that’s why 69 % of households in Australia own pets, especially dogs.
Unfortunately, pets bring a lot of dust, dirt, and unpleasant odours, ruining the overall feel of your home. The bad smell can linger for many reasons, including accidental pet stains on carpets, damp fur, a dirty litter box, or contaminated pet toys. The sad part is that the market is flooded with fancy and expensive products that may effectively remove the lingering smell but are laden with harmful chemicals.
So, today, we bring you a comprehensive guide to help banish unpleasant pet odours using natural or chemical-free methods. Ensure you regularly groom and keep your beloved furry friends clean to promote a healthy indoor space.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Regular Pet Grooming Is Essential
This is one key step to prevent the spread of bad odours. As a responsible pet owner, you understand the importance of regular grooming of your dogs and cats. It can reduce dirt, dander, and germs and keep your pet clean and groomed.
- You can use pet-safe shampoo for bathing and dry them to prevent the smell of wet fur.
- Regular brushing can help remove loose hair, alleviating odour embedded in their coat.
- Keep their teeth and ears clean, as infections can lead to a strong smell and cause various health issues.
2. Vacuum Clean Your Home
Despite regular grooming and brushing, you can’t avoid pet shedding. Pet hair and fur embedded deep inside the fibres of carpets, rugs, and upholstery can lead to germs, pests, and bed smells. So, it is good to use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to clean delicate surfaces, nooks, and crannies around areas where your dog or cat likes to hang out. A HEPA filter is effective in fetching 98.7 % allergens from the surfaces, promoting clean indoor air.
3. Wash Pet Bedding in Hot Water
Hot water can help you get rid of dust mites and bed bugs effectively. So, regularly wash your pet’s bed sheets, blankets, and other linens in hot, soapy water. After washing, dry the linens in a high heat setting to kill the remaining mites and germs. This will also help you effectively banish unpleasant pet smells.
You must choose the best dog bed for your pet.
4. Clean and Disinfect Toys With Rubbing Alcohol
Pet toys are usually coated with saliva, which can become a breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria. These microbes produce bad odours as they cut through organic matter. Instead of using store-bought disinfectants, use 70 % rubbing alcohol to disinfect pet toys and bowls. Regular cleaning can make a world of difference and promote a healthy home environment.
Tip: Keep rubbing alcohol away from your furry friends and kids.
5. Tackle Pet Stains Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most powerful and versatile natural cleaning solutions, and that’s why many professionals use it for a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne. It can help remove pet urine stains, vomit stains and bad odours. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle and apply it on the affected areas. Next, gently blot the area with a damp cloth and remove stains and airborne smells.
Tip: Blot the accidental pet stains proactively to prevent stubborn stains and lingering odours.
6. Use Baking Soda to Neutralise Bad Odours
There is no denying that baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can effectively banish pet smells from almost all surfaces. Here is how to use baking soda:
- Carpets and Couches: You can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the surface, let it sit for two hours, and thoroughly vacuum.
- Clean Litter Boxes: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of a litter box (after cleaning it) to absorb bad odours.
- Pet Spots: You can prepare a thick paste, apply it to stained areas, and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide and Citrus Can Do Wonders
Both are natural and can help you clean pet messes from almost all surfaces. Citrus, such as lemon juice, works as a natural enzymatic cleaner, while hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove stains and grime from litter boxes, floors, and toys.
8. Keep Your Home Properly Ventilated
Believe it or not! Fresh air is one of the most natural ways to reduce pet odours. Keeping doors and windows open can neutralise bad smells and promote quality indoor air. You can also buy a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to fetch pet dander and smell. Good airflow also keeps germs and allergens at bay.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the most effective ways to banish pet odours without using chemically laden cleaning products or toxic ingredients. You can follow these simple tips to keep your pet and home clean and fresh-smelling using all-natural methods.