You love your dog to bits, but that faint smell that clings to the sofa and the blankets isn't welcome in anyone's living room. If you're looking for how to get rid of dog smell in the house without covering the problem up with air fresheners, here's a complete guide. You'll see how to remove dog odour naturally, what to do about the sofa and the soft furnishings, and how to deal with wet dog smell, the one that turns up the moment you get back from a walk in the rain. Simple, cheap tricks that are safe for the whole family.
Where dog smell comes from
The smell doesn't come out of nowhere. A dog's skin produces a natural oil (sebum) which, mixed with saliva, moisture and bacteria, creates that distinctive scent. On top of that there's the hair they shed, which traps particles and spreads them across sofas, rugs and cushions.
That's why getting rid of the smell for good works on two fronts: looking after the animal's hygiene and properly cleaning the surfaces where it builds up. If you only scent the air, the smell is back within a couple of hours.
How to get rid of dog smell in the house step by step
Start with the basics and step it up as you need to:
- Air the house daily: open the windows for at least ten minutes in the morning to change the air and let moisture out.
- Vacuum thoroughly: go over floors, rugs and corners two or three times a week to lift the hair before it starts to smell.
- Wash the dog's bedding: their bed and blankets are the number one source. Wash them weekly on a hot wash.
- Use bicarbonate of soda: sprinkle it over the areas that smell, leave it to work and vacuum it up. It neutralises rather than masking.
You'll notice the difference with these basics alone. If you want to give the place an extra lift, our selection of home products has useful bits and pieces for keeping every room fresh.
How to get dog smell out of the sofa and soft furnishings
The sofa is the great collector of odours. To get it properly clean:
- Take the covers off and wash them according to the care label.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the whole surface, leave it for an hour and vacuum it up.
- Spray a mix of water with a splash of white vinegar and leave it to dry; the vinegar smell disappears and takes the dog smell with it.
- For curtains and cushions, a normal wash with your usual detergent is enough.
Repeat every couple of weeks if your dog spends a lot of time on the sofa. Clean fabric is half the battle won.
How to get rid of wet dog smell
Wet dog smell rockets when damp fur mixes with the bacteria on the skin. The key is drying them properly and quickly:
- When you get back from the walk, dry your dog with a microfibre towel, paying particular attention to paws and belly.
- If it's cold, finish off with a hairdryer on a low setting so no damp is left.
- Brush them often: a coat free of knots and dirt smells far less.
- Bathe them every four to six weeks, no more and no less, with a shampoo made for dogs.
Removing dog odour naturally
If you'd rather use home remedies without harsh chemicals, there are several ways to remove dog odour naturally:
- Bicarbonate of soda: your best ally for rugs, sofas and dog beds.
- White vinegar: diluted in water, it neutralises odours on washable surfaces.
- Activated charcoal: put some in a bowl near the dog's spot; it absorbs odours without perfuming anything.
- Lemon: a few peels in a corner give a fresh, natural touch.
These alternatives are safe if you have children or other pets at home, which a chemical air freshener doesn't always guarantee.
A routine to keep the house fresh
Consistency beats any miracle trick. A simple routine keeps the smell at bay with no effort:
- Air the house and vacuum several times a week.
- Wash the dog's bedding every seven days.
- Dry your dog properly after every walk in the rain.
- Give the sofa a deep clean every two weeks.
With these habits you know how to get rid of dog smell in the house and enjoy your pet without giving up a clean, welcoming home. At Velia Select we gather practical ideas for everyday life; have a browse in the shop and discover the small details that make a difference at home.