Menu

How to Get Rid of Pet Odors in Carpet

Our furry friends, as welcoming and friendly as they are, can also make others feel uncomfortable in your home. Even after cleaning your house from top to bottom, you may notice a lingering pet smell. Here are some tips for how to get rid of the smells (and no, it doesn’t require getting rid of your pet).

Sweep or Vacuum up Debris

If you’re trying to tackle pet odor in your carpet once and for all the first thing to do is sweep or vacuum all debris. This includes hair, dander, and the dirt they inevitably drag in from outside. Some people prefer to use a broom and a mop, others vacuum, but you need to be careful to ensure you don’t spread the debris around the house. Sweep gently and pick up the piles of debris often in a dustpan and empty this into the trash.

Wash carpets, drapes, and upholstery

Pet odor gets absorbed by fabrics and carpet so you’ll need to shampoo these regularly. Alternatively, you could get them steam cleaned. Wash your drapes, furniture coverings, carpets, and rugs. Vacuum your carpets frequently. A general piece of advice is to opt for short-pile carpets, which are more low maintenance if you have pets. Don’t forget to wash your pet’s bed as well, as it’s probably the smelliest item in the house. Choose one with a removable cover that you can just throw in the laundry.

Proper ventilation

To get rid of nasty smells, it’s essential to ensure your home is properly ventilated. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and check your air filters regularly. After a time they might get clogged and your HVAC system won’t function as well. It may be time to change your air filters, so clean air can circulate. You could also consider investing in an air purifier, there are certain models that are specifically designed to eliminate pet odor.

Odor-sealing paint

A fresh coating of paint or seal on hard surfaces such as walls and woodwork can prevent pet odor from lingering. A layer of stain and odor-sealing paint primer will help protect your drywall from pet odor. There are similar types of odor-sealing paint for wood furniture and painted wooden floors too. Try to identify any problem areas in the house, your pet may have claimed a particular corner where it likes to leave its scent. Repaint these spots and clean the floor regularly.

Get the professionals in

If you’re struggling to get the carpet clean and you can still smell pet odor, then leave it up to the professionals. A cleaning service will have the best equipment and products to efficiently eliminate pet odor, and prevent it from returning. They’ll have the experience and expertise to clean your home thoroughly and safely, and you can rest assured they’ll use chemicals that are safe for pets. If you would like further information about how to get rid of that lingering smell, find out more about pet odor today.