Having pets at home offers so many benefits. It helps reduce stress, minimizes feelings of loneliness, and encourages you to be more physically active. It also gives you more opportunities to socialize with others.
Owning pets, however, comes with its own set of challenges and it includes keeping your home smelling fresh and clean. To help you deal with that, here are 35 tips you can use to make sure that your house doesn’t stink.
1. Maintain a clean home.
This one’s pretty obvious. If you want a clean home, you should consider dusting, vacuuming, and mopping on a regular basis. Don’t forget to wash fabrics regularly, too.
2. Groom your pet.
Just like you, your pet also needs good grooming. Bathing, tooth brushing, nail clipping, and brushing can have a huge impact on how your pet smells. If you have a problem doing all of those things regularly, then consider a grooming service.
3. Deodorize the carpet.
Instead of using toxic carpet deodorizers, you can use something safer and cheaper. Sprinkling some baking soda before vacuuming your carpet can help remove any lingering odors.
4. Open your windows.
If possible, leave your windows open. Natural fresh air can help get rid of any unwanted smell from your pets. Of course, always consider safety before leaving your windows open.
5. Get an air purifier.
If opening your windows isn’t enough, you can buy an air purifier. It’s one of the most efficient ways to remove any unwanted odors at home.
6. Wipe surfaces with pet-safe disinfectant wipes.
Get rid of bacteria in your home by cleaning countertops, tables, and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes. You can also use them to clean up your dog’s little accidents at home.
7. Take your pet to a doggie dentist.
If your dog smells bad despite taking a bath regularly, you may want to consider taking him to a doggie dentist. This is to make sure that the smell isn’t coming from his mouth.
8. Wash your dog’s collar.
Because your dog is wearing his collar 24 hours a day, expect it to stink eventually. To avoid that, try to wash it as you’re giving your dog a bath. Another option is to wash the collar in your washing machine, along with your dog’s towels and blankets.
9. Clean your dog’s toys.
Cleaning your dog’s toys won’t just help keep your home smelling fresh, but it’s also one way to ensure his safety. The last thing you want to happen is for your dog to get sick from playing with extremely dirty toys.
10. Wipe his paws at the door.
Don’t let your dog get inside your home without wiping his paws first. He might have walked through dog poop, mud, and grass and you wouldn’t want any of those things to get in your home.
11. Look for the right litter for your pet.
Not all litter brands work the same way in putting unwanted smell under control. This is one good reason to try out a few brands to see what will work best for you, your home, and your pet.
12. Remember to scoop the litter box once a day (at least).
If possible, try to do this multiple times a day to prevent odor buildup. If you can commit to that, then consider investing in a litter box that automatically does the job for you.
13. Make sure that your litter box is in the most contained spot in your home.
It could be the basement or your bathroom. Putting the litter box in a closet might work, too.
14. Cover up the smell.
Scented candles, dryer sheets, and plug-in air fresheners can mask unwanted odors at home. You can use them as a quick fix during unexpected situations.
15. Paint your walls.
Your pet releases dander that can circulate inside your house and attach to any surface it comes in contact with. To remove the odor or cover the scent, you may need to give your walls a fresh coat of paint.
16. Look for crumbs.
If you often give your pet some treats, it’s likely that there’ll be crumbs on your floor. Clean them up with a disinfecting spray or wet wipe to make sure that they don’t stink or attract ants.
17. Remove hair on clothes with lint rollers.
Some pets shed a lot. Their hair can get on everything they come in contact with. So, before leaving your home, make it a habit to use lint rollers. If you don’t have one, a piece of masking tape will do.
18. Go carpet-free.
It doesn’t really matter how careful you are. If you have pets, you should expect accidents to happen. This includes spilled water and dropped wet food. So, instead of constantly cleaning your carpet, choose to go carpet-free. It makes cleaning up a lot faster.
19. Pick the right bed for your pet.
Some materials are more likely to pick up scent than others and those are what you need to avoid when buying a new bed for your pet. You should also skip beds that are likely to pick up hair.
20. Clean up after your dog right away.
Accidents can happen while you’re still potty training your pet. In case one happens at home, be sure to clean it up right away. Don’t let it sit on the floor for a long time as that will allow the odor to get into the floor.
21. Add baking soda in litter boxes.
Baking soda can neutralize bad odors. If your litter box isn’t containing the smell, you may sprinkle some of it into the cat sand. Make sure that it’s fully dispersed.
22. Cover leftover wet pet food.
Some dog and cat foods, particularly the wet type, don’t smell too good. With that in mind, always remember to put the lids on any leftover pet food. You can use plastic lids before storing it inside your refrigerator.
23. Dry your dog thoroughly after a bath.
Don’t let your dog run around the house while he’s still wet. Get a microfiber towel and thoroughly dry him up before you let him loose.
24. Get a water fountain for your pet.
If your cat likes drinking out from the toilet bowl, you might find yourself dealing with muddy footprints often. Plus, he’s likely to spread bacteria all over your house, too. You can get a water fountain to discourage your cat from ever drinking dirty water again.
25. Choose a leak-proof crate.
Before you start cleaning your house, it’s a good idea to put your pet in a separate area first. That way, he won’t get in your way while cleaning. You can put him in a leak-proof crane that has enough space to let her lie down and stretch comfortably.
26. Use an essential oil diffuser.
An essential oil diffuser can let you enjoy a nice smelling home even if you live with a dozen pets. Before you buy one, however, consider asking the vet first. This is because some essential oils are bad for pets.
27. Give some dental treats to your dog.
Try to give your dog a dental treat once a day. This is to help maintain clean teeth between brushing.
28. Don’t allow your pets on your furniture.
If that’s inevitable, make sure that you choose the right furniture for your home. Skip leather and wood and go with metal and fabric because they are more durable and easier to maintain.
29. Feed your pet a healthy diet.
Believe it or not, the kind of food your pet eats can affect the way he smells. Giving him low-quality dog food can cause belches, constipation, and bad breath. You should also be careful about giving him table scraps.
30. Check your dog’s ears.
Surprisingly, your dog’s ears are a common source of bad dog odor because of the scent glands in the area. Remember to clean the area regularly using a piece of cotton ball with a bit of hydrogen peroxide or water.
31. Look for old pet messes.
If you’re having a hard time removing bad odors at home, you might want to try using a blacklight. It can help you spot old pet messes you’ve missed.
32. Use an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odors.
After finding the exact source of the odor, apply an enzyme cleaner. It’s helpful in breaking down smelly substances.
33. Be smart with the rugs you choose.
As much as possible, choose rugs that are low pile. Make sure that they are easy to clean or replace if needed.
34. Clean your pet’s travel crate.
Even if your pet doesn’t actually pee or poop in his travel crate, it can still stink. To clean it, remove any liners and blankets and wash them. Clean every inch of the carrier using an enzyme cleaner and rinse after. Don’t forget to air dry the crate.
35. Purchase high-quality dog shampoos.
High-quality dog shampoos and conditioners tend to have a nicer smell than cheap ones. Plus, they are often formulated with ingredients that can help keep your pet’s coats healthy and shiny.
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