Most pet owners have flopped down on the sofa only to get a whiff of that pungent, unmistakable dog odor. It’s an unpleasant and nearly unavoidable consequence of owning lovable, four-legged furballs. But never fear; there are many convenient solutions for how to get dog smell out of the couch.
Let’s take a closer look at the stench and what you can do about it.
What Odors Do Dogs Let Off?
Dogs can be responsible for various unpleasant smells. They can be natural or a result of potential issues. Naturally, your dog will emit a slight scent from the oil in its fur, ears, and other body parts. While it may not be the most pleasant smell, it is typically less obvious.
More objectionable odors can come from things your dog may have stepped on or rolled around outdoors. Particularly undesirable smells can result from medical concerns like ear or skin infections, anal gland problems, and dental issues.
One way of decreasing dog odors on your couch is by keeping an eye (or, in this case, a nose) on your dog’s hygiene and health and addressing any issues there. Then, you’ll need to take care of the accumulated smell that has been tracked onto your couch, bed, or any other furniture your pet enjoys. Let’s dig in!
Can You Neutralize the Dog Smell Out of a Fabric Couch?
It’s important to know that advances in odor-neutralizing technology have come a long way. While different formulas and compounds vary, the basics are relatively the same. Odors are caused by molecules released into the air that stimulate receptors in our noses. Odor-neutralizers effectively trap those molecules.
If your sofa has that unpleasant canine stink, don’t worry. There are many ways to eliminate the smell, even in extreme situations. They run the gamut from affordable home remedies to pricier professional cleans. However, they can help restore that fresh smell to your couch as if your dog never even sat on it.
8 Easiest Ways to Get Awful Dog Smell Out Of Your Couch
More than a half-dozen tried-and-true methods for how to get dog smell out of a couch are out there. Here’s a deeper dive into how they work.
1. The Baking Soda Method
Baking soda is one of the most miraculous tools in your home and kitchen arsenal, but many people don’t know it can also help remove pet odor from the furniture. Simply remove the cushions of your couch and sprinkle all surfaces with baking soda. Then, brush it in with a soft, dry brush. Let it sit for anywhere from an hour to overnight. Vacuum your sofa using the special upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda, and the gross smells will be eliminated! This is one of the cheapest ways to remove odor, and you can find it at nearly any grocery store.
2. Use the Lysol Pet Odor Eliminator
The finest minds in the cleaning industry have spent decades trying to remove dog stink from furniture and fabrics, and Lysol’s Pet Odor Eliminator is one of the results of this work. This spray is simple to use; apply it and let it air dry. In addition to stopping tough odors, Lysol Pet Odor Eliminator also kills cold and flu viruses and other germs, helping keep you and your family healthy.
3. Spray the Couch Regularly With Febreeze
Another titan of the odor-concealing and eliminating game, Febreeze offers pet-focused products. Unlike some sprays, Febreeze’s heavy-duty pet odor products eliminate smells instead of concealing them under fragrances. Plus, it’s made with natural ingredients safe for use around your pets and family. A regular spray will help keep your clean couch fresh and begin breaking down hard-to-remove odors in dirtier ones.
4. Wash Your Couch Pillows and Blankets Weekly
A good wash will go a long way toward keeping dog smell from building up on your couch. By using removable, washable pillow covers and blankets, you can toss them in the washing machine and not worry about any sophisticated or time-consuming cleaning processes. This principle applies to removable furniture covers if you can find one for your couch.
5. Use the Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
When you need to break out the big guns in the quest for how to get dog smell out of your couch, try Angry Orange’s heavy-duty deodorizer. It is perfect for strong odors. This already-mixed treatment derives from fresh orange peels to remove odors and replace them with a new, citrusy cent. In addition to couches, you can use them on tile, car interiors, trash cans, and anywhere else you need to eliminate a strong odor.
6. Get a Bissel Multi-Purpose Portable Upholstery Cleaner
Those with persistent and deep pet odors may want to invest in some equipment like a Bissel Little Green upholstery cleaner. This device not only removes smells, it deep cleans couches and other upholstery with a combination of spraying, suction, and scrubbing. At less than 10 pounds, it’s also convenient to bring around the house or even stick in the car for ultimate portability. While it requires more investment than other methods, it’s a long-lasting and powerful way to fight dog smell.
We personally use the BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner on our carpets and couch with our pups. While our dogs get regular baths, they still leave behind some dirt, grime, and odors. We chose to use Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover with it and have been extremely happy with the results.
Bonus: We also like using Bissell products as Bissell supports the Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets!
7. Steam Clean Your Couch
Steam cleaners also offer high-powered cleaning ability. And one of the best answers to how to get dog smell out of a couch. Modern handheld models are affordable, simple to use and transport, and come with various settings and tools for many spaces and materials. The device uses steam up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit to blast away the tough compounds causing pet odors. You can even use it to clean other surfaces around your home, making it an even better value than equipment specifically for couches or upholstery.
8. Have Your Couch Professionally Cleaned
Unfortunately, some dog smells are so intense and deeply rooted in your couch that no at-home amateur treatment will do the trick. If all else fails, call in a couch-cleaning professional. They’ll have access to equipment, cleaning solution, deodorizers, and other accessories that should handle even the toughest odors. While it may be more expensive than some want to pay, it’s a potential option as a last resort or for people who don’t want to remove the smell themselves.
What Should You Not Use to Deodorize Your Couch From Dog Smell?
No matter what your couch’s construction, there are likely some options on the list above that could potentially damage it. Therefore, it’s critical to research the treatment of various fabrics and other materials before looking to remove odors. For example, excessive moisture can damage leather, while some cleaning solutions may risk staining other materials.
It would be best if you never used bleach out of concern for your couch, dog, and family. Additionally, any products you use in areas where your pets regularly hang out should be animal-safe, without ingredients that could harm them if they accidentally ingest or touch some.
How Often Should You Clean the Dog Smell Out of a Couch?
The unfortunate reality with dog smell, and other unpleasant odors in your home, is that by the time you notice them, your guests and visitors have smelled them for a while. That’s why it’s vital to be proactive and clean your couch regularly to stay on top of the situation.
Regular cleanings every week or month also prevent the need for more expensive and time-consuming deep cleans. Even a daily spritz with deodorizers or similar products can go a long way. Keep these methods of how to get dog smell out of a couch in mind, and you’ll never be stuck with that unmistakable stink again.
Have you tried any of these methods in the past? Which would you most recommend?
Stay Informed – Join the HypePets Community!
If you’re like us, your pets are like family. Stay up to date on the latest news, info, tips, and gear to help your pet live its best life!
