The Best Ways to Eliminate Pet Odors

Along with companionship, unconditional love, and joy, any pet owner knows that animals can also bring unwanted smells into your home. These tips are primarily geared toward furry pets, but many also apply to other pet and household odors, including those from birds, caged rodents, and more.

Use a carpet and upholstery wet vac

If you have a pet—especially one that sheds—chances are you vacuum fairly regularly. But you'll probably need something stronger to tackle messes on carpet or upholstery that involve vomit, urine, feces, and/or diarrhea. When you get rid of the stains, you're also getting rid of the foul odors that often accompany them. While there are several options available, many pet people swear by the Bissell Little Green or the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe.

Clean their ears

If you determine that the bad smell is coming from your dog—and it's not flatulence, or the oily, rotten fish smell of them expressing their anal glands—there's a good chance it's their ears, says Sara Ochoa a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe. She suggests cleaning your dog's ears with an enzyme-based ear cleaner to help break up waxy debris.

Use a pet-safe odor neutralizer

There are many odor neutralizing products on the market, including some specifically formulated for pet stains and odors. Enzymatic cleaners—like Pet Stain & Odor Miracle and Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odor Remover—break down stains and odors on a molecular level. OdorXit Eliminator also has a loyal following.

Make bad smells vanish with vinegar

Speaking of pet-safe odor neutralizers, don't forget about vinegar. Fill an empty spray bottle with one-part water and one-part distilled white vinegar, and spritz it on the stinky sofa, or anywhere else that doesn't smell fresh.

Put out a bowl of coffee grounds

In addition to the strong scent of coffee, the caffeine contains nitrogen, which makes carbon more effective at absorbing the sulfur smell that can accompany dog puke and other biological messes. Put about a tablespoon of coffee grounds—the cheap stuff is perfectly fine—in a small bowl, and place it near the problem area, but high enough so your pet isn't able to reach it

Sprinkle some baking soda

While it's probably not the best idea to cover your entire carpet or rug with baking soda in order to vacuum it up, but it's worth a shot if there's a particularly smelly spot in your home—perhaps where your pet just vomited, or in that special corner they've designated as their indoor toilet. Sprinkle baking soda in that area, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it. Repeat the process, if necessary.