How do you get dog smell out of furniture?

Getting dog smells out of furniture can be a frustrating challenge for pet owners. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and their natural scents can permeate fabric, cushions and stuffing. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate dog odors, there are several effective methods to reduce the smell and make furniture fresh again.

Why Does Dog Smell Linger in Furniture?

There are a few reasons why dog smells can stubbornly cling to furniture:

• Dogs have natural oils in their skin and coat that contain pungent odors.
• Saliva and moisture from a dog’s mouth can transfer to fabric and cause odors.
• Accidental urine leaks or spraying from an excited or scared dog.
• Dander and fur shedding on fabric.
• Build up of odors over time from repeated contact with dogs.

These odors can get deep into the padding and fabric of furniture. Even after cleaning the surface, smells may remain trapped in the stuffing. With persistent dogs that repeatedly lay on furniture, odors have more chance to build up.

Tips for Removing Dog Smell from Furniture

Here are some of the most effective methods and tips for getting dog odors out of furniture:

Vacuum Thoroughly

The first step is to vacuum all surfaces of the furniture. Use an upholstery attachment to reach into crevices and tufts. Vacuuming removes hair, dander and surface odors. It also brings up dirt from deep in the fabric so it can be cleaned.

Steam Clean

Using a handheld steam cleaner is highly effective for furniture odor removal. The heat and moisture break down odors and freshens the fabric. Work slowly and methodically to cover all areas, especially crevices and seams.

Blot with White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dip a sponge into the liquid. Wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping. Blot the sponge over all fabric surfaces. The acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes odors and disinfects the furniture.

Baking Soda Treatment

Baking soda absorbs both moisture and odors. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over all fabric surfaces. Gently rub it in with a soft brush. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then vacuum up the baking soda – this will pull odors away too.

Air Out the Furniture

Place furniture in a sunny spot and allow fresh air to circulate through it. The sunlight and ventilation will help draw out odors from the stuffing. Rotate and flip cushions to expose all sides to fresh air.

Use Odor Eliminating Sprays

There are pet odor eliminating sprays made specifically for use on fabrics and furniture. Look for enzyme cleaner sprays which break down odor proteins on a molecular level. Thoroughly spray over the entire surface and let soak in. Re-apply every few hours until smell dissipates.

Clean with Detergent

For set-in odors, make a cleaning solution of 2 cups cool water, 1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent and 1 cup white vinegar. Use a sponge to wipe down the entire surface with the solution. Let it soak for 20 minutes before blotting dry. The detergent will cut through greasy odors.

Spot clean with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach-free disinfectant that removes stains and deodorizes. Mix 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon dish soap in 2 cups water. Use a soft cloth to spot clean any soiled areas. Let it soak in before blotting dry.

Deodorize with Essential Oils

Some essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and lemon have natural deodorizing abilities. Add several drops of your chosen oil onto a rag and wipe over furniture. The pleasant aroma will mask pet odors.

Absorb Odors with Charcoal

Activated charcoal has super absorbent properties to soak up smells. Place bowls of charcoal around the furniture or stuff small pouches of it in crevices. Leave for 1-2 days then vacuum or discard. Refresh regularly to keep odors away.

Use a Carpet Cleaner

Home carpet cleaners have strong suction and cleaning solutions to eliminate odors from furniture too. Use the wand attachment to thoroughly spray and extract both sides of cushions. The deep cleaning action removes embedded smells.

Rinse with Fabric Refresher

When furniture is smelling fresh, mist over a light coat of liquid fabric refresher. This locks in the clean scent. Avoid heavy saturation which can leave a chemical residue. Re-apply fabric refresher whenever odors return.

Consider Replacement

For furniture with stubborn ingrained odors that resist multiple cleanings, replacement may be needed. New foam, fabric and stuffing is the only way to permanently eliminate odors in severe cases. Try protective covers on new furniture.

Best Practices for Keeping Furniture Fresh

Prevention is key for reducing dog odors. Here are some tips for keeping furniture cleaner between deep cleanings:

• Vacuum furniture weekly to remove surface odors.
• Use washable covers or blankets on dog’s favorite spots.
• Mist fabric with deodorizing spray after dog contact.
• Restrict access to only easily cleanable furniture.
• Clean accidents immediately to avoid staining.
• Brush and bathe dogs regularly to control oils and odors.
• Open windows so smells don’t build up.
• Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to freshen.
• Spot clean visible dirt or soiling right away.

When to Seek Professional Help

In severe cases of unpleasant and persistent dog odor issues, professional cleaning may be needed. Look for companies experienced in pet odor removal and fabric restoration. They have access to ozone treatments and industrial cleaning solutions that penetrate deep into furniture.

Professional services to consider include:

• Upholstery cleaning companies
• Carpet cleaning companies
• Janitorial or maid services
• Fire and water damage restoration services

Technicians can fully extract allergens, break down stains, and sanitize furniture for a fresh start. The powerful equipment cleans in ways difficult to replicate at home. Rooms and furniture also dry faster than DIY methods.

When to Replace Furniture Due to Dog Odors

Replacement is the last resort if dog odors remain overpowering despite all cleaning efforts. Here are some signs it’s time to replace furniture:

• Visible staining or soaking despite cleaning
• Overpowering smell returns shortly after cleaning
• Evidence of pet urine has soaked into stuffing
• You can smell odors from across the room
• Fabric has bald spots, is visibly dirty or deteriorating

If the frame and construction are still solid, reupholstering may be worthwhile. An experienced upholsterer can replace the outer fabric, cushion fill and batting to make furniture fresh and odor-free again.

Conclusion

While eliminating pet odors from furniture can be challenging, there are many effective solutions. Thorough vacuuming, steam cleaning, blotting with vinegar and baking soda treatments are good first steps for DIY odor removal. Preventative measures like fabrics covers, air circulation and regular cleaning cuts down on smells. For severe odors that won’t budge, don’t hesitate to call in a professional cleaning service. With some persistence and the right methods, you can successfully freshen up furniture and keep your home smelling clean.