There’s no denying that we absolutely love our cuddly pets. But sometimes, even for the most affectionate of pet owners, the smells that they leave behind can become a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to manage those odors, so you won’t scare off any of your human guests.

Dog Odor

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you’ll know they often leave a very distinct and nasty smell on things they rub against, especially if they're not bathed enough. The source of this smell left behind, especially on furniture, is usually from the hair that rubs off of them. So the first thing you’ll need to do is take the furniture apart and vacuum every part thoroughly (Pillows, blankets, cushions, etc). Get deep into the crevices of the furniture and remove all the hair. If it’s a mattress, flip it over and vacuum the other side as well. Also be sure to vacuum under the furniture, where hair usually accumulates over time. After you’ve done this, you can just use any pet odor remover found in a supply store.

What Not To Use

Whether you’re getting rid of urine smell or just dog smell, there are a few things you definitely should NOT use:

Bleach- This will disinfect, but won’t actually remove the odor in question. It can also be harmful to breathe, and even toxic for your pets.

Ammonia- Dog and cat urine actually have an ammonia odor. Therefore, ammonia will only intensify the smell. Also, make sure you never mix ammonia and bleach, as this can be fatal.

Homemade Remedies- People may suggest using things like vinegar, peroxide, dish detergent or baking soda. These may be somewhat effective, but won’t fully remove the odor.

Urine Odor

It may seem obvious, but the most effective way of removing any urine odor in a stained carpet is by removing and replacing that soiled area altogether. But if this is too difficult or costly, you can use an enzyme-based product that breaks down the bacteria and neutralizes the odor. These can be purchased online or in pet stores.

Professional Odor Treatment

If your home is riddled with stains and pet odors that seem like too much to handle, call The Steam Team and get those odors removed the right way!