The 57p hack that will eliminate pet odours from your home – & a £2.99 buy that banishes winter wet dog smell in no time
IF you’ve got a dog and are worried that your home is starting to smell, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
With the weather getting colder and more and more rain hitting the UK, if you’re worried about wet dog smell taking over this winter, then you’ll need to listen up.
Not only can living with furry friends be messy, but constantly hoovering isn’t that appealing either.
Luckily for you, an expert at The Range has shared seven top tips for creating a home that is perfect for you and your pets.
Not only will the expert’s advice ensure that you banish musty pet smells in no time, but it’ll also help you minimise cleaning time too.
And don’t worry, you won’t need to break the bank on posh cleaning products, as thanks to these simple tricks, you’ll be able to get your home sparkling whilst on a budget.
Match your flooring to your pet’s fur
If you’re thinking about getting a pet, it’s important that you match your flooring to your furry friend.
The expert said: “When selecting flooring for your home, whether it be hard flooring or carpets, try and match it as closely to the colour of your pet’s fur as possible.
“This will mean that when your pet sheds, there won’t be a huge contrast between fur colour and floor colour, allowing you to hoover a little less often.
“Getting sofas and chairs the same colour as your pet’s fur will also help to reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do.”
Upgrade your cleaning supplies
And if you want to eliminate nasty pet smells, you’ll need to stock up on cleaning supplies.
According to this pro: “Make sure you have the right products to deal with pet problems.
“Specific cleaning products can be bought to deal with pet stench, so investing in these could be a good way to ensure your cleaning is up to scratch.
“If you prefer natural solutions to odours and messes, make sure to always have bicarbonate of soda and distilled vinegar on hand as these help to knock the smell of urine out of any fabrics.”
Britain’s favourite dog breeds
HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK....
- Labrador Retriever
- Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature.
- Popular as both family pets and working dogs.
- French Bulldog
- Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament.
- Ideal for city living due to their small size.
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition.
- Excellent companions for active families.
- Pug
- Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature.
- Adaptable to various living environments.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Valued for their courageous and loving character.
- Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children.
- Dachshund
- Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality.
- Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired.
- Border Collie
- Celebrated for their intelligence and energy.
- Excellent working dogs, especially in herding.
- Golden Retriever
- Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude.
- Great family pets and skilled in various service roles.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature.
- Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs.
- German Shepherd
- Admired for their loyalty and versatility.
- Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability.
Not only this, but the expert also recommended baking soda, which you can nab from Tesco for only 57p, as they continued: “Baking soda is a great neutraliser for pet odour.
“Sprinkle on fabrics, carpets, or dog beds and let it sit before wiping away or vacuuming up to help eliminate pet smells.”
Choose durable fabrics
If your dog loves to jump around – you’ll have to make sure that your furniture is durable.
The expert stressed: “When selecting sofas and chairs, or bedroom furniture, opt for tougher, more durable fabrics. This could be a tweed fabric or perhaps a corduroy.
“Choosing stain-resistant fabrics is also a good way to help lessen the amount of cleaning up after messy pets. For example, fabrics such as vinyl and leather will help to prevent stains and smells from sinking into the material, whereas fabrics such as polyester help to prevent stains from showing up.
“Just make sure your furniture coverings are washable too, as dog saliva can cause unwanted smells on your furniture.
“When it comes to flooring, stick to hard flooring options such as solid wood or vinyl, as these are easier to clean up. Add washable rugs to add a cosy touch to your home.”
Invest in throws and rugs
And whilst buying new furniture can be expensive, if you don’t have durable fabrics and are looking for something cheap and cheerful to do the job, the expert explained: “To protect your living room furniture from pets, use blankets and throws on upholstered sofas and armchairs to help keep your furniture looking its best for longer.
Keeping Your Home Clean with a Pet
IF you have a pet but want to keep your home sparkling, here’s everything you need to know…
Regular Grooming
– Brush your pet frequently to reduce shedding.
– Bathe your pet as needed to minimise odour and dirt.
Frequent Cleaning
– Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly to remove pet hair.
– Mop floors to tackle paw prints and spills.
Designated Pet Areas
– Create specific zones for your pet to limit the spread of mess.
– Use washable pet beds and blankets.
Pet Hygiene
– Clean your pet’s toys, bowls, and bedding regularly.
– Ensure litter boxes are scooped daily and cleaned weekly.
Tackle Odours
– Use air purifiers to help reduce pet dander and odours.
– Freshen the air with pet-safe deodorisers.
Train Your Pet
– Teach your pet to wipe their paws on a mat before entering the house.
– Encourage good bathroom habits to prevent indoor accidents.
By following these tips, you can maintain a clean and pleasant home environment, even with a beloved pet.
“Pay close attention to spots in your home where your pet likes to sleep and eat. If you don’t have easy-to-clean hard flooring in these areas, add rugs to protect any carpet underneath.
“These can be washed and replaced, which is a lot cheaper than attempting to replace a full carpet.”
Treat scratch marks
Whilst scratch marks on furniture can be commonplace for those living with pets, it turns out that they’re easier to fix than you think.
The cleaning pro stressed: “Scratch marks not only look unsightly on furniture, but if you live in a rental property, it’s particularly important to try and rectify these.
“To treat, start by using a leather cleaner and apply it to the area using a cloth. Then go in with some distilled vinegar and dab it into the scratch. This will help to strengthen the area and repair any cracks or scratches.
“Once dry, go over the area with some colourless shoe polish to make sure the scratch is blended in fully.”
React quickly
And it’s important that you react quickly when it comes to scratch marks and stains, as the expert highlighted: “Like any stain, it’s important to act quickly to avoid it dissolving into the affected area, as this can make it tougher to remove.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You’re cleaning your carpet all wrong – here’s how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
“Wipe and clean the area quickly before assessing the damage. To remove any pet odours left behind, pour bicarbonate of soda on the area and let it settle into the affected area for an hour or so. Wipe it up with a hot, damp cloth.
“If the smell persists, use a solution of white vinegar and water. Use the solution to mop the floors or alternatively spray carpets to get rid of lingering smells.”
A little scent goes a long way
Finally, if you want to go that extra mile and ensure that your home smells super fresh, you’ll need to get down to The Range.
The expert advised: “Before trying to mask any particularly bad pet smells, make sure to clean them thoroughly first by identifying the source of the smell.
“Make sure to wash dog beds, toys and bowls as often as possible to eliminate bacteria and odours from your home.
“If this fails, ensure you have some home scents on hand. This could be anything from reed diffusers and room sprays to plug-in air fresheners.
“Lighting a scented candle can also be a great way to get rid of bad smells whilst also creating ambience. Just make sure they are kept out of reach from your furry friends.”
And luckily for pet owners, you can nab a bottle of Febreze Air Mist Pet Spray for just £2.99 from The Range, which fights tough lingering pet odours and leaves a light, fresh scent.