9 Cleaning Methods That Keep the Dog Smell Under Control

If you’ve got a dog, you know the smell. It creeps into rugs, furniture, and even clothes if you’re not careful. But staying on top of it doesn’t have to mean scrubbing every day. The key is sticking to a routine that actually tackles the root of the odor instead of masking it. Here’s what works.

Wash Dog Bedding Regularly

The dog bed is usually the source of the worst smells. Oils from their skin, dirt from outside, and the occasional accident all soak in over time. Washing it once a week can make a huge difference.

Use hot water and a detergent that’s safe for pets. Skip anything with heavy fragrance—it might irritate your dog’s skin. If the cover’s removable, take it off and wash it separately. And don’t forget to vacuum out the inside cushion too.

Vacuum More Than You Think You Need To

Dog hair and dander trap odor, especially in carpets and rugs. Even if your dog doesn’t shed a lot, that hair holds onto the smell like a sponge. You’ll want to vacuum at least twice a week.

Focus on high-traffic areas and wherever your dog likes to nap. If you’ve got a fabric couch, go over it with the upholstery tool. And a vacuum with a HEPA filter helps keep all that pet dander from floating right back into the air.

Mop with Vinegar and Water

A vinegar-water mix is one of the best things you can use on hard floors when there’s a lingering dog smell. It cuts through residue and neutralizes odor without leaving behind a strong scent.

Use about a half cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Mop like normal, then let it air dry. You can add a few drops of pet-safe essential oil if you want something light, but even plain vinegar does the trick.

Use an Enzyme Cleaner for Accidents

Regular cleaners don’t fully break down the stuff that causes odors after accidents. That’s where enzyme cleaners come in—they actually eat away at the organic matter left behind.

Use them on carpets, rugs, or anywhere your dog has had an accident, even if it was months ago. Spray, let it sit, then blot it up. It’s one of the only things that will keep your dog from going back to the same spot.

Bathe Your Dog on a Schedule

Your house smells like your dog, so if your dog smells bad, your house will too. Bathing too often can dry out their skin, but not bathing enough leads to built-up odor.

Aim for once every four to six weeks, or sooner if they’ve been in something gross. Use a good-quality dog shampoo that’s gentle on skin but strong on odor. Dry them thoroughly to avoid that wet-dog smell lingering.

Air Out the House Often

It’s easy to forget, but stale air traps pet smell fast. Crack the windows every few days—even just for an hour—to let fresh air in and push the dog smell out.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, run ceiling fans or exhaust fans to keep air moving. An air purifier with a carbon filter can help catch pet odor too, especially in the rooms your dog spends most of their time in.

Wash Blankets, Throws, and Couch Covers

If your dog’s allowed on the furniture (or sneaks up when you’re not looking), those blankets and covers need regular washing. They trap a lot of odor and dander.

Toss them in the wash weekly with hot water and a mild detergent. If the smell sticks around, run a second cycle with a cup of white vinegar. It’s a quick way to freshen up your whole living room without deep-cleaning everything.

Clean Their Collar and Toys

Your dog’s collar collects dirt, drool, and oils from their skin—all of which add to that signature smell. Toys can start to stink too, especially soft ones.

Toss fabric toys and collars in the washing machine every couple of weeks. Hard toys can soak in hot water with a splash of vinegar. Rinse well before giving them back. A few minutes of cleaning here can take a lot of stink out of the house.

Sprinkle Baking Soda on Carpets

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and is safe for carpets. If your rug or carpet still smells like dog after vacuuming, try sprinkling a light layer of baking soda and letting it sit overnight.

Vacuum it up in the morning. It’s especially helpful after rainy days when your dog brings in extra moisture and odor. Just make sure your dog doesn’t try to lick it up—some dogs are weird about that.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.