Pets bring companionship, fun and plenty of happy memories. Unfortunately they can also leave behind unwanted smells. Whether you’re dealing with cat odours, wet dog smells or lingering pet bedding odours, understanding the cause is the first step to creating a fresher home.
The good news is that pet odours can usually be removed with the right cleaning routine. Once the source of the smell has been dealt with, you can enjoy your favourite home fragrances without simply masking unpleasant odours.
Why Pet Odours Linger
Pet smells are often caused by a combination of dander, natural oils, saliva, moisture and occasional accidents. These materials can become trapped in surfaces around your home, allowing bacteria to grow and create unpleasant odours.
Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets, rugs, and sofas act like sponges, trapping pet hair, skin cells, and oils deep within the fibres. Over time, bacteria can build up and create lingering smells.
Hard Floors
Even hard surfaces such as laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring can hold onto pet odours. Small gaps, grout lines, and textured surfaces can trap moisture and dirt.
Soft Furnishings
Curtains, cushions, blankets and throws absorb airborne particles and pet oils, allowing smells to build up gradually.
Pet Bedding
Pet beds are often one of the biggest sources of household pet odours. Bedding collects fur, dander, oils and moisture every day, making regular cleaning essential.
Clean First and Fragrance Second
One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to cover up smells before removing them. Air fresheners and home fragrance products can only do so much when the source of an odour is still present. In some cases, fragrance mixed with pet odours can make a room smell even worse.
The most effective approach is to clean and neutralise the source of the smell first. Once your home is genuinely fresh, room sprays, wax melts, scented sizzlers and other fragrance products can help maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
Practical Steps for Removing Pet Odours
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets often hold the strongest pet smells. Vacuum regularly and treat problem areas as soon as possible.
Products such as Astonish Oxy Active Foaming Carpet Stain Remover are designed to help lift dirt and tackle odour causing messes trapped within carpet fibres. You can usually find their product range in Home Bargains much cheaper than anywhere else.
Sofas and Upholstery
Pets often spend hours relaxing on sofas and chairs, allowing smells to transfer into fabrics. Spot cleaning these with a product like Astonish Pet Fresh Stain Remover will help keep odours at bay.
Hard Floors
A quick mop may remove visible dirt, but it may not fully tackle pet related smells.
Astonish Pet Fresh Floor Cleaner is designed to clean hard floors while helping to neutralise pet odours, making it a useful option for homes with dogs and cats.
Pet Bedding
Pet bedding should be washed regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
General Room Odours
Fresh air remains one of the simplest ways to reduce pet smells. Open windows daily where possible and check hidden areas such as behind furniture (under the sofa for pet hair too), under pet beds and around curtains and windowsills where odours can build up unnoticed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Air Fresheners Too Soon
Always clean first. Spraying fragrance into a room with an active odour problem will only mask the issue temporarily.
Ignoring Pet Bedding
Pet bedding is often the biggest source of pet smells. Washing it regularly can make a noticeable difference.
Leaving Accidents Untreated
The longer pet accidents are left, the more deeply odours can penetrate carpets, underlay and flooring.
Forgetting Soft Furnishings
Curtains, blankets, cushions and throws can hold significant amounts of pet odours and should be cleaned regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove pet odours from a house?
The best way to remove pet odours is to identify and clean the source of the smell rather than simply masking it. Regular cleaning of carpets, furniture, floors, and pet bedding can significantly reduce unwanted odours.
Why does my house still smell like dog after cleaning?
Dog odours can remain trapped in carpets, upholstery, curtains and pet bedding. Deep cleaning these areas is often necessary to fully remove lingering smells.
Can home fragrance products remove pet odours?
Home fragrance products are designed to add scent rather than remove odours. For best results, clean and neutralise the source of the smell before using fragrance products.
How often should pet bedding be washed?
Most pet bedding should be washed at least once a week, although more frequent washing may be beneficial for active pets or pets that spend time outdoors.
A Fresh Home Starts With The Right Routine
You can freshen up your home with the Astonish 4 Piece Cleaning Bundle (we recommend buying their products from Home Bargains as they are usually a LOT cheaper than elsewhere especially online). Their pet range is a great choice for pet owners looking to clean away everyday mess and odours before adding their favourite home fragrance.
A Fresh Home Starts With The Right Routine
Removing pet odours is all about targeting the source of the smell rather than covering it up. Regular cleaning of carpets, furniture, hard floors and pet bedding can help keep your home fresh and welcoming.
Once pet odours have been properly removed, you can enjoy the scents you actually want in your home. Whether you prefer fresh laundry fragrances, fruity scents, perfumes, or seasonal favourites, using home fragrance products after cleaning helps create a clean, inviting atmosphere throughout your home.
