We love our pets more than anything but there’s no denying they have a tendency to stink up the house! If you’re a pet owner, you know the pesky odors that come with having a four-legged roommate. Vomit, urine, feces, dander…you name it. Regardless of where the odor comes from, we bet you’d do anything to make it disappear.

The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy a fresh-smelling home again by eliminating that funky pet smell. Understanding how to get rid of pet odor is important for you as a pet owner. Read on to discover how to get rid of pet odors naturally here. 

Why Do Our Pets Stink? 

Let’s be real…pet odor isn’t pretty. Just picture hot dog breath or saliva on everything…you definitely don’t want it lingering on your clothes or furniture. But knowing where the smells come from can help you eliminate it. 

Just like humans, dogs and cats can have oily skin and experience waxy buildup.They also produce sweat through their paws. Odor is caused by bacteria and yeast that builds up in dark, damp areas on your pet’s body. Similarly to humans, most healthy pets naturally have bacteria on their body. If the smell is overwhelming, however, it could be a sign of a health related issue. Also, if you have an outdoor cat or if your dog loves exploring outside, particles and smells from the outdoors can cling to their fur. 

Your dog or cat can transfer these smells from their mouth to their toy to the floor. Their paws can also transfer odors to the floor. And of course…pet urine and feces can easily find its way onto carpets. Sigh.

Natural Ways to get Rid of Pet Odors

Now that the stinky stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about how to get rid of pet odors naturally. Depending on how bad the smell is, you may have to really work for it. Here are our game-changing methods for getting rid of pet odor: 

Vacuum Everything

If you want to get rid of pet odor, this is a chore you’ll have to really commit to doing on a regular basis. Getting rid of hair, dirt, and dander requires that you sweep, vacuum, and mop on repeat. Vacuum everything, including furniture, rugs, floors, mats, curtains and especially their bedding. Be sure to go over areas multiple times and from different angles too. 

Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are a pet owner’s best friend. Both are universal odor eliminators. We recommend doing a deep clean of all upholstered furniture by removing all washable covers and scrubbing away any mysterious stains with a little water and baking soda to make a paste. It's a good idea to fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar to use for cleaning up after pet potty accidents and other uh ohs.

Wash Your Pet’s Bed

Just like a human bed, your pet’s bed is where dirt, hair, and saliva build up. Not to mention, pet dander, urine and even feces! All of this contributes to a musty pet smell that isn’t very pleasant. If your pet’s bed isn’t washable and it really reeks…it might be time for a new one. We recommend this washable Sustainable Hemp Dog Bed stuffed with natural latex because it's durable and machine washable. Or try the hemp bed cover that allows you to make your own pet bed by stuffing it with material you already have around the house that are no longer serving you, like old clothing, linens, and towels. Or stuff it with this natural latex and kapok stuffing. Read more about how to stuff your own pet bed.

Wash your Pet

This may seem obvious but it’s worth mentioning. Keeping your pet clean with all natural grooming products can help get rid of dirt and dander building up in your pet’s fur. There are many great zero waste brands out there that we love, like Chagrin Valley Soap. They also make a great dry shampoo that works well for absorbing excess oils from your dog's fur, leaving their coat smelling fresh and clean. 

Wool Cat Bed

The natural Wool Cat Cave Bed is an ideal solution for reducing pet odor, thanks to its 100% wool construction, which naturally resists odors and wicks away moisture. This breathable material minimizes bacteria buildup, helping the bed stay fresh for longer. Its cozy design not only keeps your cat comfortable but also ensures a cleaner, more pleasant environment for your home.

Open Windows

Something as simple as letting fresh air perfume the house can make a world of difference. It’s a great way to ventilate your place and let fresh air naturally get rid of any lingering odors. If you’re worried about insects entering your home, put a window screen in place. Air fresheners do the trick if it’s too cold to keep your windows open. There are tons of great recipes online for natural DIY air fresheners with essential oils that are pet friendly. An air purifier can also help clear bacteria and fungi in the air while a fragrant candle can offset a foul smell. 

Odor-Resistant Toys

Wool Balls for Dog 

These Wool Dog Balls are an excellent choice for managing pet odor because they are made from natural wool, which is odor-resistant and breathable. Unlike synthetic toys, wool naturally wicks away moisture, reducing the buildup of bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells. Plus, they're eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals, making them a safe and sustainable option for your pet.

Wool Tug Toy for Dog 

This Wool Dog Pull Toy is a great option for combating pet odor, thanks to its natural wool material, which resists odors and absorbs moisture. Wool's breathable properties help minimize bacteria buildup, keeping the toy fresher for longer.  Plus, its eco-conscious materials make it a responsible and safe option for environmentally mindful pet owners. 

How do you get rid of pet orders naturally in your home?