If you’re like most pet parents, you already know that dogs don’t always smell the best – and that your home may have lingering dog odor that you don’t even notice because you live there. So what can you do to nip dog odor before buyers come to see your home? First, check out these three simple ways to remove pet odors from your home; then check out these everyday living tips that you can use to get rid of dog odor once and for all.
How to Nip Dog Odor Before Buyers Come to See Your Home
Check out these permanent fixes to dog odor in your home:
- Vacuum dog beds every week
- Wash dog beds every other week
- Vacuum floors every other day
- Wash hard surface floors once a week with strong cleansers
- Put covers on furnishings your dog shares with you, and launder them weekly
Considering Humidity and Pet Odors
Sometimes humidity plays a major role in the way your home smells when you have pets. If the air is damp, it brings up odors from your sofa and other furnishings that you wouldn’t ordinarily smell, and that may mean you should invest in a dehumidifier for any rooms where your pooch shares the furniture.
Related: Should you buy a single-family home or a condo?
Airing Out Your Space
Try to air out your home every day, if possible. (Remember, though, the humidity can play a big role in releasing pet odors.) Aim for a cross-breeze by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of your home; that way, the fresh air will blow in and the stale air will get pushed out. Circulation is key, which means opening windows only on one side of the house probably won’t do the trick.
Consider sprinkling baking soda around your dog’s common areas pretty frequently. It’s generally harmless to pets, so sprinkle a significant amount over a soiled area and let it sit overnight; then, vacuum it up in the morning. Baking soda may be just enough to neutralize dog smells.
Related: 10 tips to keep your dog safe during a hurricane
Other Cleaning Products
A lot of products claim to eliminate pet odors on contact, but most simply cover it up. Although that’s not horrible – and it’ll do in a pinch – be careful that you don’t overdo it with cover-ups; buyers can smell right through them, and they may think you’re hiding something much worse than normal pet odors. Also, be careful to choose products that won’t harm your dog (or any other pets who live in your home).
What About an Air Purifier?
Having an air purifier in your home can’t hurt – but buying a cheap one that doesn’t work well is just a waste. If you’re investing in an air purifier to help clean out dog smells, look for one that includes a true HEPA filter that can trap more than 99 percent of allergen particles.
You can also consider adding plants to your space, which can pull toxins and other harmful compounds out of the air as they release oxygen. Though they aren’t necessarily the best solution to stubborn pet odors, your home will look better and feel fresher in general if you have a few well-placed indoor houseplants.
Related: How to help your dog adjust to your new home after a move
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