Say goodbye to your dog’s smell on blankets. Dog owners know our furry friends can leave behind some strong odors, especially on blankets. Whether it’s from a muddy hike, an accident, or just the natural musk of a dog, getting rid of that smell can be a challenge. But don’t worry; it’s not impossible! In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks on getting dog smell out of blankets, so you can enjoy snuggling with your pup without holding your nose. So, grab your favorite blanket, and let’s get started!
What causes pet odor on blankets?
Dogs can produce a variety of odors on blankets for many reasons. Some common causes of pet smell on blankets include:
- Natural oils: Dogs have natural oils in their skin and coat that can transfer onto blankets and bedding. These oils can build up over time and create an odor.
- Urine and feces: Accidents can happen, and when they do, the urine and feces can create a strong odor that can be difficult to remove.
- Bacteria and yeast: Dogs can carry bacteria and yeast on their skin, which can transfer onto blankets and bedding. These microorganisms can create an odor as they multiply.
- Sweat: Dogs sweat through their paws and can transfer it to blankets and bedding. This can create an odor if not cleaned properly.
- Food: Some dogs may bring food or other bits of debris on their blankets which can cause a foul smell.
- Dirt and mud: Dogs that spend a lot of time outside can bring dirt and mud into the house, which can transfer onto blankets and bedding.
- Allergies: Dogs with allergies can have an odor on their skin that can transfer onto blankets and bedding.
Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is essential, and washing the blankets and bedding regularly can help reduce the buildup of these odors.
Tips to Prevent Dog Smell on Blankets
A. Keeping your pet clean and groomed regularly
Taking proper care of your pet’s hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent dog smell on blankets. Regular brushing, bathing, and grooming can help to keep shedding under control and remove excess dirt, oils, and bacteria that cause odor.
Bathing should be done at least once a month, depending on your pet’s coat type, activity level, and other factors such as temperature and humidity. Grooming involves using appropriate tools like combs, brushes, and shears to keep fur clean, neat, and free from tangles or mats.
Trimming excess hair around the eyes, ears, and paws can also reduce odors while maintaining good health by eliminating potential sources of infection or irritations.
B. Washing your pet’s bedding frequently
Frequent washing of your pet’s bedding is one of the best ways to prevent dog smell from lingering on your blankets. Be sure to wash all bedding, including sheets, pillows, and blankets, at least once per week in hot water with a thorough laundry detergent to eliminate odors.
Additionally, adding fabric softener can help add a pleasant scent to your pet’s bedding. If possible, hang the freshly washed blankets outdoors for a few hours for natural UV exposure, which can also help eliminate odors. Frequent cleaning will help keep your home smelling fresh and your pet comfortable.
C. Making sure your pet has plenty of fresh water, exercise, and healthy food
To prevent dog smell on blankets, ensuring that your pet has plenty of fresh water, regular exercise, and a healthy diet is essential. Water helps keep their coat and skin clean and hydrated, reducing the odor. Exercise will help them release any built-up energy and reduce stress which can also lead to odors.
Healthy food will help keep their fur shiny, their breath fresh, and their waste low in odor.
Additionally, brushing your dog’s fur regularly with a quality shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dogs will help remove debris from the coat, promote healthy skin and fur growth, and reduce potential odors significantly.
D. Investing in an air purifier to help keep airborne odors at bay
One of the best tips is to invest in an air purifier, which will help keep airborne odors at bay and allow your home to stay fresh and clean. It’s also important to vacuum your home regularly, especially if you have carpets or upholstered furniture that pets may lay on frequently.
These simple steps will ensure your home is free of unpleasant pet smells.
How To Get Dog Smell Out Of Blankets And Sheets (Best Solutions)
Hand-wash with a mild detergent.
To eliminate pet smells from blankets, carefully wash them with a mild, non-toxic detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Soak the blanket in a sink or tub filled with the detergent and hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water to remove any soap residues.
Hang the blanket outside for drying under direct sunlight to bring freshness back into it and diminish the odors naturally.
Use an enzyme cleaner designed explicitly for removing odors from fabrics.
Another option to eliminate pet odors on blankets is to use an enzyme cleaner specifically formulated to eliminate fabric smells. Follow the directions given on the product label regarding usage and safety.
It is best to pretreat or test the cleaner on a small area that is not easily noticeable to ensure it will not harm the fabric before applying it over the blanket. Spray the enzyme cleaner evenly across its entire surface and wait a few minutes for it to soak into the fibers.
If necessary, repeat this step until you can no longer detect your pet’s scent from the blanket. Allow it to dry naturally in the open air for optimal results after washing.
Wash in hot water using an odor-eliminating laundry detergent
Washing blankets in hot water and an odor-eliminating laundry detergent can eliminate pet smells. This detergent works explicitly to break down and remove odors from fabrics, furniture, and other surfaces. Furthermore, the hot temperature destroys bacteria that cause bad smells, making it ideal for eradicating pet smells from blankets.
After washing, use a fabric softener to lessen static electricity and give the blanket a softer feel.
Deep clean with baking soda and white vinegar solution
Deep cleaning your blankets with baking soda is a great way to eliminate dog smell. Begin by sprinkling generous amounts of baking soda all over the surface area of the blanket.
Allow it to sit for at least a few hours, then vacuum off the powder. You may then want to wash the blanket in a hot water cycle with detergent and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for added odor-fighting power.
If there is still a noticeable odor, you may need to repeat this process multiple times until it disappears completely.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get the smell out of a blanket without washing it?
Getting the smell out of a blanket without washing it can be done by first removing any food or animal sources. If any visible debris can be removed, do so with a vacuum cleaner to prevent odors from settling deeply into the fabric. Secondly, use baking soda to absorb the odor; sprinkle it on and leave for twenty minutes before vacuuming up again.
Thirdly, create a natural deodorizing spray with essential oils such as lavender or peppermint applied to a cup of water in a spray bottle and lightly mist it onto affected areas. Lastly, keep your blanket away from any heat sources, which will spread the smell more quickly throughout.
Should I worry about my dog urinating on blankets?
When a dog urinates on blankets, it can be a cause of concern as it is often taken as a sign that your pet isn’t adequately potty trained or has an underlying health problem. You must determine the cause and address it if necessary to stop this behavior. Generally speaking, when dogs are house-trained, they should avoid urinating on any objects in their home environment. If the dog has never been properly potty trained, start with basic training and ensure you spend enough time outdoors, so they understand where to do their business.
Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or verbal admiration have also proven useful in curbing inappropriate behaviors like urinating on blankets.
Final thoughts: How do I get the dog smell out of blankets?
Removing pet smells from blankets can be challenging, especially if the smell is strong or has been lingering around for a while. To eliminate the stinky odor, you’ll want to start washing the blankets in hot water with a pet-safe detergent. Afterward, you should toss them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes to help eliminate any remaining stink.
If the smell persists after washing and drying, you may try using baking soda or white vinegar to help absorb any leftover odors. You can also purchase special products designed to remove smelly odors.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to get your blankets smelling fresh again in no time!
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