If you’re like most pet parents, you know that not everyone loves animals – and that means you need to get every trace of pet odors out of your space before you list your home for sale.
Easier said than done, right?
Not necessarily!
Here’s how you can deodorize your home so prospective buyers won’t even know an animal lives with you.
How to Get Pet Smells Out of Your House Before a Showing
First things first: If you’re selling your home, it may be a good idea to hire a professional cleaner to do a complete deep-clean. That way, you’re free to focus on other things (like prepping the yard, packing away unused items, and home staging) and you only have to maintain what the experts have done while your house is on the market. If hiring a professional cleaner isn’t in the cards for you, that’s okay; you can spend a day or two deep-cleaning your space and getting it ready for picture-perfect showings.
After that’s done, you can ensure that all the pet odor is out of your house by using these tips:
- Have your carpets steam-cleaned
- Wash every linen in the house, including sofa cushion covers
- Wash your pet’s bed
- Open the windows and let fresh air circulate
- Change your air filters
Here’s a closer look at each.
Pet Deodorizing Tip #1: Have Your Carpets Steam-Cleaned
Hire a professional to steam-clean your carpets. Odors can lurk inside carpet fibers – and even if you don’t notice them, there’s a good chance that prospective buyers will. If you don’t want to hire a professional carpet-cleaning company, you can rent a steamer from your local home improvement store.
Pet Deodorizing Tip #2: Wash All Your Linens
Wash every linen in the house, including your sofa covers and throw pillows. Like carpets, linens contain fibers that can trap pet odor inside.
Related: The complete guide to moving with a dog
Pet Deodorizing Tip #3: Wash Your Pet’s Bed
Your pet’s bed may be the biggest offender when it comes to pet odor. If it’s too bad., you may want to consider throwing it out and starting fresh.
Pro Tip: When you leave the house for a showing, take all your pet paraphernalia with you. That includes food dishes, toys and pet beds!
Pet Deodorizing Tip #4: Open the Windows
Letting in a little bit of fresh air goes a long way toward eliminating pet odors in your home. After you’ve steam-cleaned the carpets, washed all your linens (and your pet’s bed), open the windows wide and let in those fresh Florida breezes. The air circulating inside your home can freshen the entire space.
Related: 5 great places to take your dog this weekend in Boca Raton
Pet Deodorizing Tip #5: Change Your Air Filters
Even if it’s been less than six months since the last time you changed your air filters, you should change them again before you list your home. You don’t want any pet dander or allergens trapped in there when prospective buyers come by for a showing.
Pro Tip: If your ducts appear to be dirty, your REALTOR® may suggest that you have them professionally cleaned before selling your home. However, it’s not a requirement – it’s just something to consider if you have stubborn pet odors you can’t get out of the house.
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