There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a furry friend.

However, as any pet owner knows, living with dogs and cats comes with its own set of challenges—among them being persistent pet odours. From litter boxes to dog beds, these smells can invade your home and linger longer than you’d like.

Our guide will show you some tips to eliminate pet odours naturally, ensuring your home stays fresh and your pets stay happy.

Understanding the Source of Pet Odours

Identifying Common Pet Odour Sources

Before tackling pet odours, it’s crucial to understand their sources. Pets contribute to odours through their fur, skin, and bodily functions. Dogs often emit a “doggy” smell due to natural oils in their fur, which can intensify when they get wet. Cats may produce strong odours from their litter boxes or if they mark their territory. Identifying these sources can help you target your cleaning efforts more effectively.

How Pets Contribute to Odour

In addition to body odour, pets can carry smells from outside. Rolling in the grass or splashing in muddy puddles can bring unwelcome scents into your home. Understanding these details helps in creating a more focused cleaning strategy.

The Power of Ventilation

Benefits of Proper Ventilation

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat pet odours is proper ventilation. Allowing fresh air to circulate through your home can dilute and disperse unpleasant smells. Opening windows and doors for at least 15 minutes daily can significantly improve indoor air quality. This practice is particularly useful in areas where your pets spend most of their time, such as living rooms or bedrooms.

Tips for Effective Ventilation

Utilising fans and air purifiers can further enhance ventilation. These devices help move air around, preventing it from becoming stale and trapping odours inside. Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture pet dander and other airborne particles.

Natural Odour Neutralisers

Vinegar Solutions for Stain and Odour Removal

Vinegar is another natural ingredient that excels in combating pet odours. Its acidity helps neutralise bad smells and break down organic compounds causing the odour.

Making a Vinegar Cleaning Solution:

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to create a powerful cleaning solution. Use it to wipe down surfaces, clean pet toys, or refresh litter boxes.
• For tougher stains, like urine on carpets, apply the vinegar solution directly to the stain, blot with a clean cloth, and then sprinkle with baking soda. Allow it to dry before vacuuming to remove any residual smell.

Enhancing Your Air Quality

Natural deodorisers like Eau de Purrfroom, a volcanic powder with calming scents, can help manage pet odours by eliminating airborne particles and neutralising unpleasant smells. Integrating such air-purifying products into your home can enhance your overall indoor environment, making it more enjoyable for both you and your pets.

Essential Oils for a Fresh-Smelling Home

Essential oils not only smell fantastic but also have natural antibacterial properties that can help combat pet odours. However, always exercise caution as some essential oils can be harmful to pets.

Safe Essential Oils for Pets:

• Lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus oils are generally safe and effective. Add a few drops to a water spray bottle and use it to mist areas where pet odours persist.
• You can also create a homemade air freshener by combining essential oils with water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. This can be sprayed in rooms or directly onto fabrics for an instant refresh.

Cleaning Pet Bedding and Toys

Pet bedding and toys can harbour a significant amount of odour. Regular cleaning of these items is essential to maintain a fresh home environment.

Best Practices for Washing Pet Bedding:

• Wash pet beds and blankets in hot water with a pet-safe detergent. Adding half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can provide an extra boost in eliminating odours.

Cleaning Non-Washable Pet Toys:

• For toys that can't be machine washed, soak them in a solution of water and vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely before returning them to your pet.

Maintaining Litter Box Freshness

Cats are notorious for their smelly litter boxes. Keeping these areas clean is crucial for odour control.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routines:

• Scoop out waste daily and replace litter regularly to keep smells at bay. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box to help absorb odours between cleanings.
• Consider using a high-quality, odour-absorbing litter. Some litters are specially designed to neutralise smells, providing an additional layer of defence against pet odours.

Odour-Free Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs are common culprits when it comes to trapping pet odours. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent smells from becoming embedded in the fibres.

Regular Carpet Maintenance:

• Vacuum carpets frequently to remove pet hair and dander, both of which can contribute to odour build-up. For a deeper clean, consider using a carpet cleaner with a pet-specific detergent.

Spot Cleaning with Baking Soda:

• For spot cleaning, a mixture of baking soda, water, and a few drops of essential oil can be applied to the affected area. Scrub gently, allow it to dry, and then vacuum thoroughly.

The Role of Diet in Reducing Pet Odours

Believe it or not, your pet’s diet can influence their natural odour. A well-balanced diet can lead to healthier skin and coat, reducing the amount of odour they produce.

Recommended Foods for Less Odour:

• Consult with your vet to ensure your pet is eating high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin health, reducing oils that cause odour.
• Regularly providing fresh water and maintaining a consistent feeding schedule can also contribute to a healthier, less smelly pet.

Grooming Practices to Minimise Odour

Regular grooming is another key factor in controlling pet odours. Bathing your pet with a pet-safe shampoo can remove dirt, oils, and other substances that contribute to bad smells.

Choosing the Right Pet Shampoo:

• Brush your pet frequently to remove loose fur and prevent matting, which can trap odours. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils evenly through the coat, reducing the overall smell.
• Don’t forget about dental hygiene! Brushing your pet’s teeth can prevent bad breath and contribute to their overall health.

Household Plants that Purify Air

Certain household plants can naturally purify the air and help combat pet odours. Plants like spider plants, snake plants, and Boston ferns are known for their air-cleaning properties.

Effective Air-Purifying Plants:

• Place these plants in areas where odours are most prevalent, such as near litter boxes or pet beds. Not only do they help clean the air, but they also add a touch of greenery to your home.
• Be sure to choose pet-safe plants to avoid any potential health risks for your furry friends.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

There are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning products on the market designed to tackle pet odours. These products are often made with natural ingredients and are safe for both pets and the environment.

Selecting Safe, Natural Cleaners:

• Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Many eco-friendly cleaners use plant-based enzymes to break down odours at the source.
• Incorporating these products into your cleaning routine can help maintain a fresh home without compromising your pet’s health.

FAQ's

Q: How do you get rid of pet odor naturally?
A:Natural methods like proper ventilation, regular cleaning of pet bedding, and using natural deodorisers such as baking soda, vinegar, and Eau de Purrfroom can effectively neutralise pet odours without harsh chemicals.

 

Q: What smell repels cats and dogs?
A: Citrus scents, such as lemon or orange, and essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, are known to repel cats and dogs. However, use these scents carefully to ensure they're safe for pets.

Q: How do I keep my house from smelling like a dog?
A: Regularly bathe and groom your dog, clean pet areas frequently, and use natural deodorizers like baking soda on carpets and furniture. Ventilating your home and using air purifiers can also help reduce dog odors.

Q: What kills the smell of dog urine?
A: A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is effective for removing dog urine odors. Apply the vinegar solution to the affected area, blot with a cloth, then sprinkle baking soda, let it dry, and vacuum.

Q: What scents eliminate pet odor?
A: Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus can help mask odours. For a more comprehensive solution, natural products like Eau de Purrfroom not only add a calming scent but also neutralise odours from the air.

We have to rememember..

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home with pets doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By understanding the sources of pet odours and utilising natural cleaning methods, you can keep your home inviting and odour-free. Regular grooming, proper diet, and eco-friendly products like Eau de Purrfroom, which neutralises airborne odours, all contribute to making your living space pleasant for both you and your furry friends.

Ready to take the next step? Start implementing these natural odour-fighting strategies today and enjoy a fresher, happier home. For more tips and personalised advice, feel free to reach out to our community of pet care experts. Your pet deserves the best, and so do you!