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If you’re dealing with the unpleasant smell of dog on your couch, there are several steps you can take to remove it. First, vacuum the couch thoroughly to remove any loose fur and dirt. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the couch and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb odors. After that, use a brush or cloth to scrub the baking soda into the fabric. Finally, vacuum the couch again to remove the baking soda. If the smell persists, you can try using a pet odor neutralizer or fabric freshener spray.
You may not be able to get rid of your beloved pet, but you can definitely eliminate the lingering pet odors from your couch. Regular cleaning can effectively remove the debris left by your dog that causes these unpleasant smells. By using gentle cleaning solutions and consistently maintaining cleanliness, you can successfully remove the dog smell from your sofa and create a welcoming environment for both pets and humans.
How to Eliminate the Smell of Dogs from a Sofa
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Remove Anything that can be Detached
Sofas often have removable pillows, cushions, throw blankets, and covers. By disassembling your couch as much as possible, you can easily clean and freshen it up. This allows you to thoroughly clean the sofa, reaching deep into its crevices. Separate the removable items into washable and nonwashable categories to ensure optimal cleaning.
Clean the Removable Covers
Take the washable sofa parts, such as blankets and removable cushion covers, to the washing machine. Some throw pillows also come with removable covers that can be washed. Always check the labels to ensure that the covers are safe for regular washing in your washing machine. To enhance the removal of pet odors, you can add 1/2 cup of vinegar during the washing cycle.
Avoid drying the covers until you have completely eliminated the pet odor. The high heat in the dryer can actually intensify the smells, making it more challenging to remove them. Sniff the sofa covers to check if they smell clean, and repeat the washing cycle if necessary to eliminate more of the odor.
Vacuuming to Eliminate Dog Smells from the Sofa
Getting rid of all the debris left by your dog is essential in removing the dog smell from your couch, and your vacuum cleaner is an effective tool for this task. If your sofa does not have removable cushions, thoroughly vacuum all of its surfaces, including the crevices along the edges and between the cushions.
Even if your sofa has removable cushions, it is still a good idea to vacuum the nonremovable parts and clean the crevices. Regular vacuuming is a simple yet effective method to get rid of the dog smell from your couch and maintain odor control.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors, making it a useful tool in eliminating pet odors from your couch. Sprinkle baking soda onto the fabric of the sofa and leave it overnight. Allowing the baking soda to sit for a longer period of time allows it to absorb more of the odor. Afterward, use your vacuum cleaner to remove all of the baking soda.
Utilize an Upholstery Cleaner
If your sofa requires a deeper clean to eliminate the stench, you can rent an upholstery cleaner or a carpet cleaner with an upholstery attachment. It is recommended to use the cleaner as the final step, after you have already removed as much smell as possible, to avoid ending up with a wet dog smell. Consider investing in a small handheld upholstery cleaner for future odor removal purposes.
Avoiding Future Odors
Because the smell is caused by fur, dander, oils, and substances on your dog’s fur, getting rid of these things can help reduce future doggy odors. Regularly bathing and grooming your dog will help keep their fur smelling fresh. Brushing your dog outdoors can also minimize the amount of fur that ends up on your couch. Additionally, wiping your dog’s paws after being outside can prevent smelly substances from getting onto the furniture.
Using a slip cover or other removable covers on your sofa makes cleaning easier. You can easily launder these covers as part of your regular cleaning routine to keep them smelling clean. Furthermore, a high-quality air purifier can effectively eliminate pet odors in the room.
