We all love cuddling up to our four-legged friends on the couch, but unfortunately, they don’t always smell the best!
When they move, they can leave behind an unpleasant odor that you don’t want lingering in your living room.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get the dog smell out of your couch.
In this article, we’ll go through all the methods you can use together to get rid of that odor for good, as well as some tips to prevent it from coming back to make your house smell good.
Remove And Wash Couch Sections
It is recommended to remove and wash any removable components, such as cushions or couch coverings, from your couch.
These coverings should be taken off at least once every three weeks, and if they can be washed in a washing machine, do so. If not, wash them by hand or take them to a dry cleaner.
To help eliminate any odor, add some white vinegar to the water when cleaning these removable components.
Repeat the process until they are fresh if they are still smelly after washing. The sun's rays can also be used to air out the cushions, which will also eliminate any odor-producing bacteria.
Use Baking Soda
If you want to get the dog smell out of your couch, baking soda might be a big help. The odor is absorbed by the baking soda, leaving the couch smelling fresh and clean.
On the couch, sprinkle some baking soda, and let it sit there all night. The smell will fade if you thoroughly vacuum the couch the next day.
Repeat the process until the sofa smells fresh once again, if you can still smell the odor.
You can use baking soda as often as necessary without worrying that it will harm the dog or other couch users, as it is natural and safe.
Use Cold Water
When attempting to remove dog odor, it can be tempting to use hot water, but this frequently does more harm than good because the heat will further embed any stains in the fabric.
So always use cold water while washing any areas of the couch.
Before putting the item in the dryer, rewash the item if it still smells after washing.
Otherwise, the heat from the dryer will cause the odor to linger longer and be more difficult to get rid of.
Use Non-Chemical Cleaning Products
You should look for non-chemical alternatives if you wish to remove the smell from your couch.
Some of the substances you can use to remove the smell could be dangerous for your dog and other people in the house.
To keep your couch clean without endangering the dog, opt for natural remedies like the baking soda described above.
You can also utilize the following other natural remedies:
- Vodka and water solution
- Yucca powder and water solution
- Vinegar and water solution
- Vinegar, water, and dish soap solution
- Baking soda and vinegar solution
Use A Pet Odor Eliminator Or Enzyme Deodorizer
To get rid of the dog scent, you can purchase an enzyme deodorizer from pet stores or online.
Veterinarians advise using enzyme deodorizers since they include enzymes that successfully get rid of odors without using harsh chemicals. Spray it on the couch and give it some time to dry before vacuuming.
Pet odor removers function similarly and can successfully get rid of the smell. The market offers a wide variety of brands.
However, to avoid chemicals that can be detrimental to your or your dog's health, we advise looking at the ingredients before purchasing.
Use An Upholstery Machine Cleaner
The use of an upholstery cleaning machine aids in eliminating unpleasant odors from couch components that cannot be washed. This includes the couch's base and back, both of which may be responsible for the unpleasant odor.
An upholstery cleaning machine, which often uses steam to work, is available for rental or purchase. Use the cleaning agent that is compatible with your machine according to the recommendations.
Furniture steam cleaning eliminates the microorganisms responsible for the odor. In addition to eliminating the unpleasant smell, this creates a healthier atmosphere for you and your pet.
Get Your Couch Professionally Cleaned
Consider contacting professional cleaners if these techniques don't work for you or if you want to save yourself the trouble of cleaning the couch yourself. These cleaners have all the cleaning agents and tools required to thoroughly clean the couch.
Additionally, since they are aware of the appropriate solutions to use for various materials, you can stop worrying that you may damage the couch.
How To Prevent Dog Smell On Your Couch
Now that you’ve successfully eliminated the dog smell from your couch, you’re going to want to make sure that it doesn’t return. Here are some ways in which you can prevent the smell from coming back.
Use Washable Barriers
You can keep your couch odor-free by placing a layer or more of fabric between your dog and the couch.
You don't have to forgo style because there are countless options, and your dog might even love sleeping on a blanket. Just be sure to pick throws or blankets that are easy to wash.
Vacuum Your Couch Often
The residue that your dog leaves behind is what gives the couch its unpleasant smell. Therefore, vacuuming the couch before odors build up keeps it fresher for longer.
To reduce the likelihood that this foul-smelling debris will eventually accumulate on the couch, vacuum every day.
Additionally, as hair likes to hide in cracks and behind couches, don't forget to clean every crevice, including under the couch.
Regularly Groom Your Dog
The dog odor on your couch is largely caused by the detritus that collects on your dog's fur. This means that, by keeping your dog clean, you can reduce the likelihood that they will leave odors on your couch.
You can keep your dog clean by bathing and brushing them regularly. Although this does not ensure that your couches will always be fresh, it helps ease the burden of getting rid of the unpleasant smell because the dog is not as smelly.
Final Thoughts
With this guide, you won’t have to deprive yourself of the joy of having your dog snuggle up on the couch with you! Just use these methods to remove the dog smell, and you’ll have a fresh couch once again.
Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard. I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!