As dog owners, we know keeping your home smelling fresh and clean isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be down right daunting.
Here are a few simple reminders and tips to help you keep your home smelling clean so you can concentrate on enjoying all the great things about your furry friend without being overwhelmed by the less-than-pleasant scent that sometimes lingers.
Cleaning Routine
Vacuuming at least once a week, more often if your pup sheds a lot, can have a huge impact on the smell of your home in general. There are carpet refreshers made specifically for pet odors that can boost the freshness.
Other routines to include would be regularly washing their bedding and toys to help cut down on unwanted smells. If you have moved out of the training stage, it would also be a good idea to schedule a steam cleaning of your carpet as well.
Cleaning vents and replacing filters regularly are also essential tasks for dog owners. Next Modular has an excellent article on additional routine home maintenance for pet owners to help reduce the need for repairs and replacements.
Deodorize With Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Essential Oils
Baking soda is great at absorbing unwanted smells. Utilize this staple pantry item in areas of your home where pets like to hang out. If they have a particular spot where they like to lay down and relax after a long day of playing outside, sprinkle some baking soda on it, wait about 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. Routinely doing this will make sure those smells don’t get too intense over time!
White vinegar helps to rid your home of odors, and it’s also super versatile. You can use white vinegar to clean furniture, flooring, countertops, walls, windows, and appliances. If you’re trying to get rid of smells from your pet’s bedding or other materials, adding baking soda to the wash will help neutralize those odors. So if you need to remove any lingering scents, this trick should do it.
Essential oils are also great for fighting odors and making things smell fresh. They make fantastic air fresheners for homes with dogs because they’re naturally derived and don’t include harmful chemicals. Yet, they’re strong enough to overpower any dog-related smells in your home! However, ensure you buy good-quality essential oils to keep your pup safe.
Use Pet Odor-Neutralizing Candles and Sprays
Pet odor-neutralizing candles and sprays are available in many different scents. Try out your favorite combination of scents to see what works best for you. Once you have found that perfect match, place them around areas where smells tend to accumulate, like by beds or next to furniture.
While masking the odor of your best friend doesn’t eliminate the cause, it certainly helps mitigate the situation and can definitely help your home smell its best. Plugins are also great for strategic placement.
Making small changes and consistent effort really goes a long way to keeping your home smell more like a home and less like a dog kennel. If you build these into your daily routine, you’ll be ready to welcome anyone who drops by!
