If your furry companion is still in training, you’re probably not a stranger to the little fragrant gifts they leave from time to time on your bed or couch.
While cleaning up these messes isn’t exactly hard, the stench they leave behind can lead to some embarrassing moments with your guests.
You don’t have to put up with this anymore, though. Luckily, there are organic remedies that will completely eliminate them. The best part is that they’re affordable, safe, and available in all homes. Keep reading to discover some of our best tried-and-true hacks.
Identify the Source of the Smell
Before you can properly freshen up your home, start by tracking down the source of those stubborn smells. Pet odours have a sneaky way of clinging to soft surfaces like carpets, couches, and beds.
Giving those spots a once-over is a good place to start, although tracking down the exact culprit isn’t always as easy as it sounds. It takes a bit of work, and maybe a few deep sniffs, to figure out the real cause.
After some time, our brain tends to filter out persistent smells. So, if this has been a problem for a while, you probably won’t be able to notice these whiffs.
Instead of guessing, it’s a good idea to buy a blacklight since it will help you detect concealed stains contributing to the problem. Once you pinpoint these areas, document them to make sure you won’t miss any spots when applying the treatments later.
Spending a little more time now means you won’t be chasing the same mess twice. It’s a one-and-done solution.
Wash Pet Bedding and Toys Regularly
Your companion’s belongings are usually a hotspot for hidden smudges and bad odours, so you need to wash them frequently.
To eliminate unwanted scents, pop their bedding, toys, and blankets in the washing machine and run a hot water cycle. Alternatively, you can soak them overnight in warm water and pet-appropriate detergent.
Nothing beats the sun for tackling germs and giving textiles a fresh lift, so if you have that option, dry your pet’s bedding out in the open air.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to do this every two weeks, or at least once a month, if you’re too busy. If your furry friend sheds extensively or leaves behind strong odours, you can increase this frequency.
Use Sodium Bicarbonate
This trusty kitchen staple isn’t just for baking cakes to impress your in-laws. It’s a bit of a secret weapon when it comes to neutralising those stubborn pet smells, and the best part is that it’s completely natural.
Even better, it’s gentle. So, there’s no risk of your favourite couch losing its colour or your carpet looking worse for wear. All you need to do is sprinkle a good layer over rugs, sofas, or that one corner your pet has claimed as their own.
Let it work its magic for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Trust us, you’ll be amazed at the significant improvement.
For longer-lasting freshness, place a few spoonfuls of powder into small breathable fabric bags and tuck them discreetly under couches or other hidden spots. These bundles absorb odours and keep your home smelling clean for months.
Create a Vinegar Solution
This natural ingredient is exceptional for addressing pet whiffs, thanks to its acidity, which allows it to double as a strong neutraliser.
Plus, you don’t need to mix it with any fancy products. Simply combine equal portions of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and it’ll be ready for use.
Mist it lightly over the affected areas, but be careful not to oversaturate the surfaces, as this could damage textiles. To speed up the drying process, open the windows or run your fans. As the sharp vinegar smell fades, it takes the pet odours with it.
The best part is that the concoction works well on hard surfaces and textiles, not to mention that it can also be used as an air freshener.
Try Essential Oils
Aromatic extracts give off amazing fragrances, which can completely transform how you feel when you enter a room.
That’s because they don’t just cover up smells. They transform your space into a fragrant haven, all while keeping those pesky pet odours at bay. There’s no need to drown your home in chemical sprays anymore when nature has got your back.
Lavender and chamomile are great for easing tension, and they can even settle down your four-legged friends. With benefits like that, they’re well worth trying.
First off, start by choosing pure options that don’t have any additives. These are more expensive, but generally more effective. You should also steer away from overly strong variants like tea tree oil, which most cats don’t tolerate.
Fill a spray bottle with water, then add several drops of your chosen oil. Around 5 to 10 drops should be enough.
Shake the container well to mix the ingredients, lightly mist it over fabrics or furniture that need a refresh, then sit back and enjoy the results.
Use Activated Charcoal
Activated carbon is quite clever at tackling stubborn odours. Its porous surface is filled with tiny grooves that capture and lock smells away. Best of all, it isn’t just a short-term fix—it remains effective for months.
Place a few small bowls in problem areas, such as near litter boxes, pet beds, or other odour-prone spots.
If you want to take it up a notch, try crushing the charcoal and mixing it with other natural ingredients like baking soda or a splash of vinegar.
Consider Professional Cleaning Services
While DIY solutions are incredible for day-to-day upkeep, they aren’t always a one-size-fits-all fix. In these cases, bringing in professionals can make all the difference.
Specialised cleaning services offer more than just a surface refresh—they deliver deep-cleaning treatments designed to target odours at their source.
Techniques like hot water extraction, enzyme-based solutions, and professional-grade deodorisers don’t just mask smells. They neutralise them for lasting freshness.
Another advantage is their trained eye. Professionals can detect hidden problem areas you might overlook, ensuring no stubborn odour lingers behind.
If you share your home with multiple pets or are dealing with particularly persistent smells, it’s worth considering these treatments once or twice a year. While this may cost more than DIY fixes, the thorough results are well worth the investment.
Conclusion
You don’t have to cover your nose every time you step into your house or frantically spray air freshener and pray for the best when you have guests. With these tips, your home will smell divine every single day.
Whether you prefer essential oils, charcoal, or baking soda, give our hacks a try today and see the difference for yourself.
