How do I make my house smell good without harming pets?

Having a fresh, clean smelling home is important for creating a welcoming environment, but many air fresheners and scented products can be harmful to pets. There are many safe, natural ways to make your house smell good without using chemicals that could irritate your furry friends.

Use Natural Air Purifiers

One of the best ways to freshen your home’s air is to use natural air purifying plants. Certain plants are excellent at removing toxins and odors from the air through their leaves. Some great options for pet-safe air purification include:

• Spider plants – Easy to care for and absorb formaldehyde.
• English ivy – Purifies air of mold and reduces airborne fecal matter particles.
• Peace lilies – Help clean the air of acetone, trichloroethylene, and benzene.
• Snake plants – Absorb airborne bacteria and viruses and regulate humidity.
• Aloe vera – Absorbs formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Place these plants in areas where smells tend to originate, like litter boxes, trash cans, and kitchens. Over time, they will naturally freshen the air.

Simmer Stovetop Potpourri

Simmering fragrant ingredients on the stovetop infuses your home with natural aromas. Try combining any of the following pet-safe ingredients:

• Lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Rosemary
• Vanilla beans
• Pine needles
• Lavender buds
• Eucalyptus leaves

Simmer 1-2 cups of ingredients and 1 cup of water in a pot for 30 mins up to a few hours. Never leave simmering potpourri unattended. The Gentle scent will fill your home safely.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural deodorizer and air purifier. Here are some ways to use it:

• Place open boxes around smelly areas
• Sprinkle on surfaces and fabrics then vacuum up
• Create baking soda carpets deodorizers
• Freshen garbage cans by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom
• Absorb fridge odors by leaving an open box inside

The mild scent of baking soda also helps neutralize unpleasant odors without adding strong perfumes.

Set Out Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is very porous, which allows it to trap gases, chemicals, and odors. To use it, set out small dishes of activated charcoal around smelly rooms or seal it into odor absorbing bags. Replace the charcoal every month to keep it fresh. Activated charcoal is non-toxic, so it won’t hurt pets if ingested, but supervise them when it’s in use.

Clean with White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural cleaner, degreaser, and odor eliminator. To freshen your house, use it to:

• Wash hard surfaces – counters, floors, walls, etc.
• Clean rugs and carpets – pour or spray vinegar and let sit before vacuuming
• Disinfect and deodorize the garbage disposal – grind up lemon peels with vinegar
• Wipe down the refrigerator and microwave
• Remove soap scum and hard water stains from tile, sinks, and bathtubs
• Clean pet beds, crates, and litter boxes

The strong smell of vinegar will dissipate as it dries, leaving a clean, fresh scent.

Use Essential Oils and Scented Candles Safely

Many essential oils and scented candles are safe for use around pets if used properly. Make sure candles are soy-based, not paraffin, so they don’t release carcinogens and toxins. Diffuse essential oils like lavender, lemon, bergamot, and peppermint in moderation. Never apply undiluted oils directly to pets and don’t use oils if your pet has respiratory issues.

Open Windows Regularly

One of the simplest ways to keep your house smelling fresh is to let in plenty of fresh air. Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air and ventilate odor-causing moisture. Use fans to blow odors out of the house. In nice weather, keep windows cracked open as much as possible.

Clean Fabrics and Carpets

Fabrics like furniture coverings, curtains, and rugs hold onto odors. Frequently wash them to prevent mustiness. Spot clean carpets when accidents happen to prevent lasting smells. If carpets are still stinky after cleaning, sprinkle some baking soda before vacuuming. Using an enzyme cleaner formulated for pet stains and odors can also lift lingering smells from fabric surfaces.

Clean Out Air Ducts and Vents

Air ducts easily become clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris that can cause odors. Have a professional clean your air ducts to refresh the smell of circulating air. Also vacuum vents and registers regularly to remove pet hair and dander before it starts to stink.

Control Moisture and Ventilate

Excess moisture breeds mold, mildew, and bacteria that cause foul odors. Always fix leaky pipes and clear out standing water. Run bathrooms fans, use dehumidifiers, and empty overflow trays under your refrigerator and A/C unit. Ensure your home is properly ventilated so air doesn’t become stagnant.

Clean the Litter Box Frequently

Scoop litter boxes at least once a day and fully change the litter once a week or more for multiple cats. Use a baking soda or odor eliminating cat litter. Place boxes in well-ventilated areas and out of heavy traffic zones. Clean boxes with hot water and white vinegar or unscented soap regularly.

Wash Pet Supplies

Dirty food and water bowls, crates, carriers, and toys can start to smell over time. Use hot, soapy water to wash all non-porous supplies at least weekly. Disinfect beds and porous toys with white vinegar or gentle detergents when needed.

Clean Up Pet Accidents Quickly

Promptly cleaning up urine, vomit, and other accidents prevents odors. Use an enzymatic pet odor cleaner to fully break down organic matter and lift stains. Avoid cleaning chemicals like ammonia that have strong fumes.

Clean Pets Regularly

Dirt, grease, and dander on your pets can transfer to surfaces around your home. Regularly bathe and groom them to control odor at the source. Brush them weekly to remove loose hair and keep it from accumulating in your house.

Remove Smelly Garbage Frequently

Take garbage and compost out regularly so it doesn’t stink up your indoor cans. Use garbage cans with tight sealing lids. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to absorb odors. Keep cans clean by occasionally washing with hot water and vinegar.

Feed Pets a Healthy Diet

A poor diet can cause increased waste odor in pets. Feed high quality food and avoid fillers that pets struggle to digest fully. Provide plenty of clean drinking water to help them stay hydrated. If pet odor persists, consult your vet in case an underlying health issue needs treatment.

Use Odor Absorbing Houseplants

Some houseplants are extra efficient at removing indoor air pollutants like cigarette smoke, cooking smells, pet odors, and chemical fumes. Try these odor absorbing plants:

• Golden pothos
• English ivy
• Chrysanthemums
• Palms
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
• Bamboo palm
• Chinese evergreen
• Philodendron

Conclusion

Keeping a fresh smelling home when you have pets requires diligence and regular maintenance. But you can avoid synthetic air fresheners and fragrances that may irritate pets. Instead use natural ingredients like essential oils, houseplants, baking soda, white vinegar, and activated charcoal strategically placed around your home. Cleaning and deodorizing frequently also prevents smells from building up over time. With some pet-safe odor busting strategies, you can enjoy a clean, welcoming scent without risking your furry friends’ health.