Are you struggling to maintain a fresh and clean-smelling home due to persistent pet odors? Don't worry, you're not alone! Every pet owner comes across this issue at some point, but fortunately, there are simple steps you can take and DIY's you can make, to help eliminate pet odor. In this blog post, I'll share a host of quick, natural, and safe tips to eliminate pets odor from your living space. So, let's dive right in and make your home smell amazing once again!
The basics: understanding pet odor
Before we talk about how to eliminate pet odors, it's essential to know what causes them. Pet odors can originate from various sources, including pet fur, dander, saliva, urine, feces, and even poor hygiene. These odors then become a part of your home, settling into carpets, furniture, and other surfaces, making it challenging to remove them completely. If your dog has an excessive odor, check in with your veterinarian as that's not normal. Skin issues and dental issues may need to be addressed.
Preventing pet odors in carpets and furniture
Being proactive and preventing pet odors from settling into your home is the first step towards maintaining a fresh and clean environment. You'll want to regularly (as in at least once per week):
-wash your pets toys, bowls, collars, and leashes.
-vacuum
-mop
Don't forget about your pets favorite spots, such as stairs or closets.
Use slipcovers on furniture that can be easily removed and washed. Also buy pet beds that have a washable cover. Try adding a pet odor neutralizer to your carpet before vacuuming.
For an easy DIY pet odor eliminator for carpets, use baking soda. I like to add Lemon essential oil. Simply add 15 drops of essential oil to 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle on carpet and let sit at least 10 minutes or even overnight for really tough odors. Then vacuum up. Occasional deep cleaning of carpets and steam cleaning furniture can greatly contribute to maintaining a fresh and pleasant home environment.
Regularly bathing your dog is helpful. For times when you can't bathe, use a pet deodorizer. This DIY dry shampoo is helpful. Grab the recipe HERE
You can also make easy DIY pet wipes and wipe your dogs coat and paws when they come in from outside, get the recipe HERE
Ensuring an odor-free litter box for your cat can also help prevent the accumulation of unpleasant smells. Scoop your letterbox daily, completely change out the litter and wash the box weekly, and consider a layer of baking soda underneath the litter. You can also make an essential oil kitty litter deodorizer by adding 5 drops of essential oil to a cup of baking soda and sprinkling in the bottom of the litter box. Use a pure and premium essential oil, I like Lavender.
DIY pet odor removers
There is a wide range of DIY pet odor removers and cleaners, utilizing everyday household items, including baking soda, vinegar, citrus, and hydrogen peroxide. Head to this blog to find out what needs to be on your shopping list for natural home cleaning. The addition of essential oils can help neutralize pet odor and give your home a fresh and clean aroma.
For hard surfaces, a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice can be used to clean and eliminate odors. Citrus can be a natural enzymatic neutralizer.
Enzymatic Surface Cleaner
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
For more tips and recipes to clean your home naturally, click HERE
This is my favorite pet urine remover DIY:
Pet Urine Remover
2 cups water
2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
15 drops cinnamon essential oil
Freshening the air naturally
DIY air fresheners are easy to make and cost effective. They are also safer than chemical laden air fresheners or plug ins that you can buy. All you really need is baking soda and essential oils. And yes, pure essential oils diluted as an air freshener can be safe for your dog and cats! To grab a quick and easy recipe for a DIY air freshener using baking soda, click HERE
To eliminate pet odors in the air naturally, try using essential oils in a diffuser, such as lavender or lemon. These natural fragrances can be beneficial in neutralizing unpleasant smells and promoting a clean environment.
Investing in an essential oil diffuser is an easy and cost effective way to neutralize odors. Using an ultrasonic diffuser dilutes the essential oil, keeping it safe for your dog. To read more about safely diffusing essential oils with your dogs, click HERE.
Diffusing 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil in a diffuser can be a powerful urine odor eliminator.
Additional tips for eliminating pet odors
Beyond the standard cleaning methods and DIY solutions, there are a few extra tips to consider. For instance, using an air purifier to filter out pet dander and other airborne particles can significantly reduce pet odors. If the weather permits, open up windows regularly and air out the house. Opening windows to improve airflow and allow fresh air to circulate in your home regularly is a must.
Additionally, placing DIY air fresheners in common odor hotspots such as the vicinity of litter boxes or near pet beds can work wonders. You can easily make safe air fresheners with baking soda. Adding essential oils gives more odor control and a pleasant aroma to your home. For some quick and easy DIY air freshener recipes and tips, click HERE.
Pet odors may seem like a permanent problem, but with the right measures, you can keep your home smelling clean and fresh. By understanding what causes pet odors, proactively preventing their accumulation, and using natural and safe DIY remedies, you can maintain an odor-free and inviting home. Remember, the key is consistency in your cleaning routine, and with these tips and tricks, both you and your beloved furry friends can enjoy a comfortable and odor-free living space.
For more essential oil recipes, tips, and tricks...join 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE keepin' the "oily lifestyle' simple and easy for you, your horses, and dogs...
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