If you are a dog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend has a particular scent that can linger on furniture, especially the couch. While the smell of a dog may be pleasant to some, it can be unpleasant to others, especially for visitors who do not have dogs. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of the dog smell from the couch. In this article, we will discuss some effective methods to help you eliminate the dog smell from your couch.
How to get dog smell out of couch
Vacuum the couch
The first step in getting rid of dog smell from the couch is to vacuum it thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to pick up any dog hair, dirt, and debris that may be trapped in the couch fibers. Vacuuming the couch will not only remove dog hair and debris but will also remove the dog smell that has settled on the surface of the couch.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer that can help remove the dog smell from your couch. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the surface of the couch, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Allow the baking soda to sit on the couch for at least 30 minutes or overnight, depending on how strong the dog smell is. The longer the baking soda sits on the couch, the more effective it will be at neutralizing the dog odor.
After the baking soda has sat on the couch for a while, vacuum it up using a clean, dry cloth. Make sure to vacuum up all the baking soda, as leaving any residue on the couch can make the problem worse.
Use white vinegar
White vinegar is another effective natural ingredient that can help eliminate dog smell from the couch. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the surface of the couch, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Allow the solution to sit on the couch for at least 30 minutes or overnight, depending on how strong the dog smell is.
After the vinegar solution has sat on the couch for a while, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the surface of the couch. Make sure to blot the couch thoroughly, removing as much of the vinegar solution as possible. Allow the couch to air dry completely before using it again.
Use enzyme cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are specifically designed to break down the organic compounds that cause dog smell. These cleaners are available at pet stores and are safe to use on furniture. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging the couch.
Apply the enzyme cleaner on the surface of the couch and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or as instructed on the label. After the cleaner has sat on the couch for a while, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the surface of the couch. Make sure to remove as much of the enzyme cleaner as possible before allowing the couch to air dry completely.
Steam clean the couch
Steam cleaning is an effective way to remove dog smell from the couch. Steam cleaning will not only remove the dog odor but will also kill any bacteria or germs that may be present on the surface of the couch.
You can rent a steam cleaner from a hardware store or hire a professional to steam clean your couch. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the couch.
Use odor absorbers
Odor absorbers, such as activated charcoal or silica gel, can help eliminate dog smell from the couch. Place a bowl of activated charcoal or silica gel near the couch, making sure to replace it every few days until the dog odor is gone. These odor absorbers work by absorbing the moisture and organic compounds that cause the dog smell.
Use essential oils
Essential oils are a natural and effective way to get rid of dog smell from your couch. These oils not only mask the odor but also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate the root cause of the smell. Here’s how to use essential oils to get rid of dog smell from your couch:
Dilute the Essential Oil
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful if used in their undiluted form. To use essential oils on your couch, you need to dilute them in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and stir well.
Test the oil mixture
Before applying the essential oil mixture to your couch, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it does not discolor or damage the fabric. Apply a small amount of the oil mixture to the test area and let it sit for a few minutes. If there are no adverse reactions, you can proceed with applying the oil mixture to the rest of the couch.
Apply the oil mixture
Using a spray bottle, apply the diluted essential oil mixture to the surface of the couch, making sure to cover all areas evenly. You can also use a clean, dry cloth to apply the oil mixture to the couch. Make sure not to saturate the couch with the oil mixture, as this can cause discoloration or damage to the fabric.
Allow the oil to soak in
After applying the oil mixture, allow it to soak into the fabric of the couch for at least 30 minutes or overnight, depending on how strong the dog smell is. The longer the oil mixture sits on the couch, the more effective it will be at eliminating the odor.
Remove excess oil
After the oil mixture has soaked into the couch, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the surface of the couch and remove any excess oil. Make sure to blot the couch thoroughly, removing as much of the oil mixture as possible.
Air dry the couch
Allow the couch to air dry completely before using it again. You can also use a fan or open a window to help speed up the drying process. Avoid using a heat source, such as a hairdryer or heater, to dry the couch, as this can cause damage to the fabric.
Some of the best essential oils for getting rid of dog smell from your couch include lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint. These oils not only have a pleasant scent but also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate the odor.
When using essential oils, make sure to dilute them in a carrier oil, test the oil mixture on a small area of the couch first, and remove any excess oil after applying it to the couch. With these simple steps, you can eliminate the dog smell from your couch and enjoy a fresh, clean scent in your home.
Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is an effective and natural way to get rid of dog smell from your couch. It works by absorbing the odor-causing molecules from the air, leaving your couch smelling fresh and clean. Here are the steps to use activated charcoal to get that dog smell out of your couch:
Choose the right type of activated charcoal
Activated charcoal comes in different forms, including powder, granules, and bags. For getting rid of dog smell from your couch, you should use activated charcoal bags, which are specifically designed for odor absorption. These bags contain activated charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms, which increases its surface area and makes it highly absorbent.
Place the activated charcoal bags on the couch
Place the activated charcoal bags on the surface of your couch, making sure to distribute them evenly. You can use as many bags as needed to cover the entire couch, depending on the size of your couch and the strength of the dog smell.
Let the activated charcoal bags sit
Leave the activated charcoal bags on the couch for at least 24 hours or longer, depending on how strong the dog smell is. The longer the bags are left on the couch, the more effective they will be at absorbing the odor.
Remove the activated charcoal bags
After the activated charcoal bags have been on the couch for the desired amount of time, remove them and dispose of them properly. Activated charcoal can be reused, so you can save the bags for future use or repurpose them in other areas of your home where there may be odors.
Air out the couch
After removing the activated charcoal bags, open the windows and let fresh air circulate in the room. This will help remove any remaining odor and give your couch a fresh, clean scent.
Activated charcoal is a safe and natural way to get rid of dog smell from your couch. It is non-toxic and does not contain any harmful chemicals, making it safe to use around pets and children. Additionally, activated charcoal is reusable, so you can use it multiple times to keep your couch smelling fresh and clean.
Summary
In conclusion, getting dog smell out of a couch can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try, including vacuuming, using baking soda, vinegar, enzyme cleaners, activated charcoal, essential oils, and steam cleaning.
Remember to use pet-safe products and test a small, inconspicuous area of the couch before applying any cleaning solution. With some patience and persistence, you can successfully remove dog smell from your couch and enjoy a fresh-smelling living space.
