How long does it take to get dog smell out of couch?

Quick Answer

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to fully get dog smells out of a couch, depending on the severity of the odor and the methods used to clean it. With thorough cleaning using pet odor eliminators, most dog smells can be removed within 1-3 days. For more stubborn odors that have set in over time, it may take 1-2 weeks of repeated cleanings to fully freshen the couch.

What Causes Dog Odors in Couches

Dog odors in couches are most often caused by:

• Pet dander and hair getting trapped in couch fibers and fabrics
• Saliva that gets on the couch when dogs lick or chew on cushions
• Accidental urine marking by untrained puppies or dogs
• Perspiration from dogs laying on the couch
• Buildup of oil and yeast from dog skin and coat

Over time, these substances interact with fabric and stuffing materials to produce unpleasant “doggy” smells. Frequent cleaning is required to prevent odors from becoming strongly embedded.

Tips for Removing Dog Smells from Couches

Here are some helpful tips for getting dog smells out of couches:

Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum all surfaces of the couch, including crevices, seams and undersides. This will remove loose hair, dander and dust that can contribute to odors. Focus on areas dogs favorite sitting or rubbing against.

Shampoo and Steam Clean

Use an upholstery shampoo made for pet odors to wash the couch cushions and backing. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Follow up by steam cleaning with a pet odor eliminator in the solution tank. Allow couch to fully dry afterward.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

Liberally sprinkle baking soda over all upholstered surfaces of the couch. The baking soda will help absorb foul odors. Let sit for 12-24 hours before vacuuming up.

Spray Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners work to break down the compounds in stains and odors on a molecular level. Spray pet-safe enzyme cleaners onto affected areas, let sit, then dab and wipe clean. This helps remove set-in urine, sweat and saliva smells.

Air Out the Couch

Place couch cushions in direct sunlight and open windows to allow fresh breezes to flow over the couch. The UV light and circulation of air helps dry out dampness and dissipate trapped odors.

Replace Cushion Covers

For fabric couches with removable cushions, replace the cushion covers with new ones to instantly eliminate odors. Wash smelly covers thoroughly in enzyme cleaner and let air dry in the sun before reusing.

Use Baking Soda Pouches

Place bowls or pouches of baking soda around and under couch cushions. Activated charcoal pouches also absorb odors effectively. Replace the contents every 2-3 months.

Pet Odor Removal Products

Specialized pet odor removers can speed up the process of getting smells out of couches. Effective options include:

Product	Details
Enzyme Cleaners	Break down odor molecules at the source using natural enzymes. Safe for most fabrics.
Baking Soda	Absorbs odors and moisture. Can be sprinkled directly on upholstery.
White Vinegar	Cuts through pet odors. Dilute and apply directly to problem spots.
Oxygen Cleaners	Foaming cleaners that use oxygenated compounds to lift stains and neutralize odors.
Vodka	A deodorizing liquid that can be misted over fabrics. Helps break down malodors.

Important Tips When Using Odor Removers:

• Test cleaners on small hidden sections first to check for colorfastness.
• Read labels carefully and follow product instructions.
• Reapply cleaners to heavily soiled areas.
• Allow upholstery to fully dry between treatments.
• Work cleaners into fabric pores with brushes or cloths.

Home Remedies to Freshen Pet-Odored Couches

In addition to commercial cleaners, there are also some homemade and natural deodorizers that can help remove dog smells from couches:

Baking Soda

One of the most effective DIY fresheners is baking soda. Its odor-absorbing properties work wonders on doggy odors. Simply sprinkle liberally over couch and let sit overnight before vacuuming up. Can also be filled into pouches and placed between cushions.

White Vinegar

White vinegar neutralizes odors naturally. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Lightly mist over affected areas and let dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries.

Essential Oils

Drop 5-10 drops of odor fighting essential oils like lemon, peppermint or eucalyptus into a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray over pet-smelly spots on your couch.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has super absorbent properties that trap smells. Place small pouches filled with activated charcoal in couch crevices or under cushions to passively freshen as you use the couch.

Open Boxes of Baking Soda

Baking soda doesn’t just need to be sprinkled on a couch to be effective. Place open boxes around the couch near odor hot spots to continuously absorb ambient funky pet smells.

Preventing Dog Odors in Couches

While removing odors is important, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to dog smells on your couch:

Wash Dog Beds and Blankets

Dogs transfer smells to couches from their beds, blankets and other fabric items. Wash all dog fabrics regularly to minimize transferred smells.

Groom Dogs Frequently

Bathe dogs often and brush out loose hair and skin dander to keep smells to a minimum. Pay extra attention to paws, ears and skin folds.

Clean Couches Weekly

To stop odors from building up, quickly wipe down couch covers weekly using a mild cleaner. Vacuum crevices and under cushions.

Use Odor Absorbers

Place pet-safe odor absorbers near and under couch seats. Replace the absorbing media every few months. Baking soda boxes and charcoal pouches work well.

Cover Furniture

Use washable couch covers or blankets over seats and armrests to protect from pet smells. Remove and launder covers regularly.

Restrict Access

If certain dogs are prone to marking or excessive licking, restrict their access to the couch using pet gates or doors. Only allow access when directly supervised.

Clean Accidents ASAP

At the first sign of an accident on the couch, clean up urine, vomit or other messes immediately. The faster you act, the less smell builds up.

When to Call a Professional for Pet Odor Removal

In severe cases of pet odor build up, or if DIY remedies are not working, call in a professional upholstery cleaner. They have heavy duty equipment and chemicals to fully deep clean and deodorize couches. Let them know it is a pet odor issue, so they can use pet-specific treatments.

Signs that professional odor removal may be needed include:

• Overpowering ammonia smell from urine
• Permeation of the entire couch with funky odor
• Presence of pet stains along with smells
• Development of mildew or mold odors
• Smell returns shortly after cleaning

Professional cleaners have access to:

• Industrial steam cleaners
• High-pressure air systems to fluff and dry cushions
• Heavy-duty pet enzymes and deodorizers
• Truck mounted heating units to thoroughly dry fabrics
• Ozone generators to neutralize severe odors

The intense cleaning, deodorizing and drying powered by professional equipment can eliminate the most severe pet smells that regular home cleaning cannot tackle.

When To Consider Replacing a Smelly Couch

In some cases, pet odors may be so ground in that even professional cleaning cannot fully eliminate the smell:

• Urine has soaked deep into cushions or underlying wood
• Pet stains have become permanent
• Mold or mildew have colonized the couch
• Smell persists after many cleaning attempts
• Cushion covers cannot be removed for washing
• Cushion stuffing has absorbed odors

At this point, it is often better to replace the pet-damaged couch altogether. No amount of cleaning will be able to fully refresh the couch. Shop for replacement couches designed specifically for pets, with features like washable covers, water-resistant fabrics and removable cushions.

Conclusion

Removing dog smells from couches takes consistent cleaning efforts using products formulated to eliminate pet odors. While it may take anywhere from hours to weeks to fully freshen a smelly couch, the right combination of cleaning methods, pet-safe deodorizers and elbow grease can get the job done. Prevention is key to keeping dog smells at bay. With proper care, couches and dogs can live in odor-free harmony.