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Sharing your home with pets is one of life’s great joys, but it often comes with a few extra odors. From muddy paws and shedding fur to litter boxes and damp dog smells, pet odors can build up faster than you realize.
The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference. Here are 18 practical ways to keep your home smelling clean while still giving your pets plenty of room to enjoy it.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
One of the easiest ways to reduce pet odors is by keeping up with regular grooming. Brushing removes loose fur, dirt, and dander before they end up around your home. Regular baths, when appropriate for your pet, also help keep their coat clean and fresh.
Related: 15 Farm Animals That Make Great Pets
Vacuum Often
Pet hair, dander, and tracked-in dirt settle into carpets, rugs, and furniture. Vacuuming several times a week keeps those materials from building up and causing lingering odors. If you have multiple pets, daily vacuuming may be worth the effort.
Related: How Preppers Can Keep Their Pets Safe During Times of Crisis
Clean the Litter Box Every Day
For cat owners, the litter box is often the biggest source of unwanted smells. Scoop it at least once a day and replace the litter regularly. Odor-control litter or a light sprinkle of baking soda can also help keep smells under control.
Related: How to Keep Fleas Out of Your Yard and Off Your Pets
Wash Pet Beds Frequently
Pet beds collect fur, dirt, drool, and body oils over time. Wash removable covers according to the care label, and don’t forget blankets, crate pads, and favorite sleeping cushions. Keeping these clean makes a noticeable difference.
Clean Toys, Collars, and Leashes
Pet accessories often get overlooked during cleaning. Fabric toys, collars, harnesses, and leashes can trap dirt and odors after daily use. Wash them regularly using pet-safe products or follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Mop Hard Floors
Hard flooring may look clean, but it can still collect muddy paw prints, drool, and pet hair. Sweep first, then mop with a pet-safe floor cleaner to remove the residue that can leave unpleasant smells behind.
Replace HVAC Air Filters
Air filters collect dust, pet hair, and dander that circulate through your home. Replacing your HVAC filter every few months helps improve air quality and keeps pet odors from lingering in the air.
Open the Windows
Fresh air is one of the easiest ways to clear out stale odors. Opening windows whenever the weather allows helps improve airflow and keeps your home from trapping pet smells indoors.
Stay Ahead of Shedding
Loose fur tends to collect on furniture, carpets, and clothing, where it can trap odors over time. Brushing your pet regularly helps reduce shedding before the hair spreads throughout your home.
Choose Pet-Safe Air Fresheners
If you like using air fresheners, make sure they’re safe for pets. Some sprays, candles, and essential oils can be harmful to animals. Products made specifically for pet households are usually the safest choice.
Clean Upholstered Furniture
If your dog or cat spends hours on the couch, the fabric can begin to absorb odors. Vacuum upholstery regularly and use a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner from time to time to remove dirt, stains, and lingering smells.
Deep Clean Carpets
Carpets soak up pet accidents, muddy footprints, and everyday odors. A deep carpet cleaning every few months helps remove trapped dirt that regular vacuuming can’t reach. For stubborn smells, use a cleaner made for pet stains or hire a professional carpet cleaning service.
Wash Curtains and Other Fabrics
Curtains, throw blankets, cushion covers, and other fabrics quietly collect pet hair and odors. Washing them every so often helps freshen the room and removes trapped dust and dander.
Wipe Down Household Surfaces
Pets touch more surfaces than you might think. Doors, cabinets, baseboards, and windowsills can collect nose prints, fur, and dirt. Regularly wiping these areas with pet-safe cleaners helps keep your home looking and smelling cleaner.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a simple and affordable way to absorb odors. Sprinkle it over carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly. You can also place an open box in odor-prone areas, such as near the litter box.
Run an Air Purifier
A good air purifier with a HEPA filter removes pet dander, dust, and other airborne particles that contribute to household odors. It’s especially useful in homes with multiple pets or family members who have allergies.
Repaint if Odors Won’t Go Away
In homes where pet odors have built up over many years, walls may have absorbed lingering smells. Applying an odor-blocking primer before repainting can help seal those odors and leave the space feeling much fresher.
Call a Professional if Needed
Sometimes odors become trapped deep inside carpets, furniture, or flooring where household cleaning can’t reach them. If you’ve tried everything and the smell remains, a professional cleaning service can often remove stubborn odors and help restore a fresher home.
