What is the best spray to get dog smell out of couch?

Why Does My Couch Smell Like Dog?

There are a few reasons why your couch may smell like dog:

• Shedding – Dogs shed a lot, especially certain breeds like Labs. All that loose dog hair contains oils that can make your couch stink.
• Accidents – If your dog has had accidents on the couch, it can leave behind a lingering urine or feces smell.
• Glands – Dogs have anal glands that can sometimes release a very foul odor onto surfaces they sit on.
• Drool – Some dogs drool a lot, which leaves behind a wet dog smell as it dries.
• Dirt – Dogs love to play outside but all that dirt, mud, pollen, etc. can transfer to your couch.
• Bacteria – Bacteria from your dog’s skin oils, saliva, waste, etc. can build up on fabric.

The couch is like a magnet for holding onto all things dog-related. Without regular cleaning, any dog smells can really build up in the fabric and cushions.

How To Get Dog Smells Out Of A Couch

Getting those unpleasant pet odors out of the couch takes a bit of work but it’s doable. Here are some tips:

Vacuum Thoroughly

Use your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove any loose hairs, dirt, and dander from the couch. Get into all the crevices and corners. This also helps lift some surface odors.

Steam Clean

Renting a steam cleaner can help blast away odors and disinfect the material. The heat helps release trapped smells. Move the attachment slowly over the entire surface.

Blot Stains

For urine stains or drool marks, blot the area to soak up excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain. Always blot from the outside toward the middle.

White Vinegar

The mildly acidic white vinegar helps break down odors. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist all fabric surfaces and let sit for several hours before blotting dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda absorbs odors naturally. Sprinkle a light coating over fabric and let sit overnight before vacuum cleaning up. It also works well for spot treatment of stains. Allow the baking soda paste to dry completely then vacuum up.

Enzymatic Cleaner

Cleaners with natural enzymes break down odor molecules on a molecular level. Spray it on affected areas, allow it time to work, then blot dry. This works very well for urine odors.

Oxygen Bleach

An oxygen bleach like OxiClean can disinfect and deodorize without harsh chemicals. Dissolve it in hot water and spray onto couch. After letting sit for a while, blot excess moisture with a towel.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils have natural deodorizing abilities. Dilute 10-15 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemon oil into water in a spray bottle. Spray down couch to freshen things up. Just avoid oils if you have pets who may lick the fabric.

Dryer Sheets

The scented dryer sheets can be tucked between cushions or rubbed over fabric. Leave them for a while before removing. It provides a pleasant scent.

Charcoal

Activated charcoal has amazing odor absorption power. Place some mesh bags of charcoal around the couch to passively collect odors over time. You can also sprinkle some powder directly onto fabric. Let sit before vacuuming up.

Borax

The mineral borax can help destroy odor-causing mold and mildew in fabric. Dissolve some in hot water, allow to cool and spray onto couch. Let dry completely before using furniture again.

Vodka

Plain vodka can eliminate odors too. Spray some directly onto affected areas, let dry fully, then wipe clean. The alcohol smell will fade quickly.

Air Out

On a sunny day, place couch cushions in direct sunlight, which naturally kills bacteria and odors. Open windows so fresh air can circulate around the couch.

Shampoo

Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to deeply shampoo couch cushions. Make sure to use a pet odor eliminating shampoo. Allow cushions to completely dry before placing back on the couch.

Steam Clean

Renting a steam cleaner can help blast away odors and disinfect the material. The heat helps release trapped smells. Move the attachment slowly over the entire surface.

Replace Stuffing

For couches with removable cushions, you may need to replace the internal stuffing if odors are deep. Take cushions to an upholstery shop and ask for new stuffing.

Clean Underneath

Don’t forget to tilt the couch up to clean underneath too. Use a vacuum attachment to remove pet hair, dust and other debris from under and behind the couch.

Seal Fabric

To help prevent future stains and odors, apply a fabric protector spray. Let fully dry. This seals fibers to make cleaning easier next time. Reapply every few months.

New Cover

If odor issues are really severe, you may need to invest in brand new couch cushions or a slipcover. This gives the couch fresh fabric that doesn’t hold embedded smells.

Best Sprays For Dog Odor On Couches

Here are some of the top-rated spray products for eliminating dog odors from couches:

Product	Key Features
Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator	Contains natural enzymatic bacteria, chlorine dioxide and plant-based stain fighters. Safe on fabrics.
Bissell Pet Odor & Stain Remover Spray	Uses water, oxygen, and cleaning agents to permanently remove odors.
Chem-Dry Pet Urine Eliminator	Uses natural enzymes to remove urine stains and smells.
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Spray	Citrus-scented spray contains natural plant extracts and oils to neutralize odors.
Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain & Odor Eliminator	Phosphates and enzymes target organic material like soil, food, urine, feces, and vomit.
Bubba’s Pet Stain and Odor Remover	Enzyme-powered odor eliminator makes it safe for pets and fabrics.
Anti Icky Poo Odor Remover Spray	Uses bacteria and plant enzymes to fully digest and remove stains and smells.
OdoBan Odor Eliminator Spray	Chlorine dioxide formulated spray sanitizes surfaces and neutralizes odors.
Thornell OdorKlenz Pet Odor Eliminator	Biodegradable and hypoallergenic spray with essential oils. Safe on finishes.
Clorox Pet Solutions Advanced Urine Remover Spray	Whitening agents lift stains while enzymes tackle odors and bacteria.

Key Features To Look For

When shopping for a pet odor eliminating spray for your couch, look for these effective ingredients and properties:

• Enzymes – Breaks down stains and odor molecules on a molecular level.
• Oxygenated Formula – Oxygen helps lift and eliminate odors.
• Natural Citrus Extracts – The citric acid cuts through pet urine smells.
• Essential Oils – Oils like lavender, lemongrass, peppermint neutralize musty smells.
• Chlorine Dioxide – A powerful sanitizer and odor eliminator used in small amounts.
• Plant-Based Ingredients – Environmentally-friendly ingredients that tackle tough odors.
• Whitening Agents – Help brighten upholstery discolored by urine stains.
• Water-Based Solutions – Allows for easy and effective cleaning of fabrics.

Avoid products with toxic fumes or harsh chemicals which could damage your couch’s upholstery. Always spot test a new spray on an inconspicuous area first.

Homemade Sprays To Freshen Dog-Smelling Couches

Want to make your own homemade spray for deodorizing a dog couch? Here are a few easy recipes to try:

Vinegar Spray

– 1 part white vinegar
– 1 part water
– 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)

Mix in a spray bottle, shake well and apply liberally onto fabric.

Vodka Spray

– 1 part vodka
– 1 part water
– 5 drops essential oil (optional)

Combine in spray bottle and mist over entire couch, especially problem odors.

Hydrogen Peroxide Spray

– 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
– 1/4 cup baking soda
– 1 tsp liquid soap
– 1 cup warm water

Dissolve baking soda in the warm water first. Mix in hydrogen peroxide and soap. Transfer to a spray bottle to use on couch.

Enzyme Cleaner Spray

– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tsp enzyme detergent (like laundry or dishwasher detergent)
– 1 tbsp baking soda
– 1 tsp vegetable glycerin

Stir to dissolve and mix well. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to soiled areas. Let sit before blotting.

Oxygen Bleach Spray

– 1/2 cup oxygen bleach powder (like OxiClean)
– 1 cup hot water
– 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
– 1 tsp clear laundry detergent

Mix bleach powder with hot water first to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and transfer to a spray bottle. Shake before use.

Tips To Prevent Dog Odors On Couches

The best way to keep your couch smelling fresh is to prevent those annoying dog odors in the first place. Here are some handy tips:

• Vacuum the couch regularly to remove hair, dander and debris your dog leaves behind.
• Use furniture covers or blankets on areas your dog likes to lounge.
• Spritz fabrics with pet deodorizer spray after your dog spends time on the couch.
• Wash removable couch covers frequently to prevent odor buildup.
• Use an enzyme-based pet odor remover to clean accidents ASAP.
• Open windows regularly to keep fresh air circulating around the couch.
• Keep your dog well groomed to reduce shedding, skin oils and odors.
• Give your dog regular baths to control body odors transferring to the couch.
• Brush and comb your dog outdoors to catch loose hairs before they get on the couch.
• Clean between couch cushions to remove stuck-on hair, dirt and other debris.
• Avoid letting your dog on the couch right after being outside.
• Check for leaks or cracks in couch cushions which could hold odors.
• Steam clean cushions regularly to sanitize and freshen fabrics.
• Use baking soda or charcoal bags to passively absorb odors over time.

With some routine cleaning and deodorizing, you can keep your couch smelling fresh despite housing dogs. But accidents and odors inevitably happen with pets. Use an effective odor eliminating spray promptly whenever dog smells arise to get your couch back to neutral. Consistent maintenance will prevent those smells from building up again. Soon you and your guests will be able to enjoy stink-free lounging with your furry friends.