A home that smells fresh offers a welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately for pet owners, pet smells can be pervasive when not addressed properly. Thankfully, a handful of helpful tricks can keep your home smelling fresh–even when your roommate is a furry friend.
Reduce Odors Before They Start
While this can be easier said than done, the best trick with pet odors is to eliminate them before they begin. To do this, be sure to bathe and brush your pets frequently to reduce dander and general pet odors. Be sure to clean pet beds, blankets and toys regularly using pet-safe cleansers.
Carpeting can trap pet dander and make accidents harder to clean; pet owners may want to consider alternative flooring options such as hardwood, tile or laminate. Additionally, for all pet types, a HEPA filter can be used to trap dander and reduce any lingering smells throughout the home. For young pets, consistent potty training and cleaning can reduce overall odor potential.
Locate Odor-Causing Areas
Odor-causing areas that are not addressed can cause the whole home to house the tell-tale smells of pets. For this reason, it’s key to clean any accidents that may occur properly. Young pets should be appropriately trained to use a designated potty area. Whether that is outside, a puppy pad or a litter box, it’s important to be committed to training your pet so odor-causing accidents are reduced.
For elderly pets that may have accidents, locating the accidents is key. If your nose can’t locate a stain but a smell lingers, consider using a blacklight to help you find any dried urine spots within the home that need extra attention. Hold the blacklight a few inches above carpets, floors and furniture to find any stains that glow under the UV light.
Use the Right Cleaners
While pet dander and dirt brought in by pets can certainly cause a home to smell stale or unpleasant, the most common pet smells are caused by accidents. Pet accidents can cause lingering odors and problematic stains if not addressed correctly. To prevent this, avoid general carpet or floor cleaners and opt instead for enzymatic cleaners that are designed to tackle the stains and smells that pet urine can create.
Air Out the Space
Fresh air can do wonders for lingering smells. If your space is full of stagnant air and pet scents, opening the windows and letting the outdoor air filter through the space can ensure that your home smells its best.
