Pets can bring a lot of life and love into your home, but they can also bring a whole host of odors. It takes work to keep your house pet-odor free, but it’s absolutely worth it.

At Dr. Chem-Dry Carpet & Tile Cleaning, we’ve got years of experiencing helping homeowners keep their houses clean and smelling fresh. These are a few things you can do to prevent pet odors from taking over your home.

Know Your Smells

Being aware of what your house normally smells like is the best way to notice when something is amiss. If something in your home smells “off”, this could be a warning sign that pet odor is beginning to settle in. Be on the lookout for anything smells musty or sharply pungent.

Daily Duties

One of the best ways to keep pet odors out of your home is to not neglect picking up after your pet. Clean your cat’s litter box daily. If your dog uses your yard to go to the bathroom, scoop it up immediately afterward; that smell can drift inside and make itself at home.

Related: How to Properly Remove Pet Urine From Your Carpets

Deodorize

It’s especially important to deodorize after vacuuming your home: this one-two punch can go a long way towards keeping your house odor free. A simple way to combat pet odor is to deodorize it using commercial products like Febreze or pet odor removers.

But be aware of certain commercial pet odor removers that can leave a residue in your carpet, causing dirt to collect. The professional strength World Famous Pet Odor Remover from Chem-Dry can be purchased by calling us at 602-243-6379. You can also find the consumer strength version at a local Home Depot store. This product is safe for all carpet, has no dirt-attracting residue, and is great for those pet urine accidents that happen in between professional cleanings.

Bathing

Any good pet owner knows that regular baths help to keep your furry friend healthy, but they also keep your home smelling cleaner for longer. A smelly pet can lead to a smelly home, so you want to wash them regularly (most vets and groomers recommend doing this weekly). Also be sure to dry your pets thoroughly afterward — wet dog is not the first thing you want people to smell when they go to your house.

Filters

Most pet owners don’t realize that pet odors can get trapped in their air filter, which can cause their entire home to smell. You should change out your HVAC filters on a monthly basis to keep this from happening. You could also install an air filtration system to help remove foul pet odors. Our sister company Cook Bros. Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. can clean your air ducts, removing any dust or pet dander. Give them a call today at 602-246-7999 for pricing and information.

Nice smells

Sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is to counter it with its opposite. Fill your home with pleasant smells. Cook and bake delicious smelling foods like bread and pies. Burn incense to give your home a variety of pleasant smoky smells. Use little spritzes of cologne or perfume to sweeten the air and mask problem areas, and choose a kitty litter with baking soda, which is one of the best natural deodorizers.

Vacuuming

You should vacuum your home regularly. Your pets will shed, causing dander, oils and dirt to accumulate on your floors. All of these can add up over time to give your home a musty smell. Be sure to pay attention to the areas in your home where your pets like to spend the most time — these are the spots where you should give some extra focus when you’re vacuuming.

You should also have your carpets cleaned regularly to rid the fibers of pet hair, dander, and urine residue. Choose a specially-designed cleaning service like Dr. Chem-Dry’s pet odor and urine removal, which combines an antibacterial cleaner and deep-cleaning technology to leave your home healthier for both you and your pet.

Related: How Often Should I Get My Carpets Cleaned?

Need help dealing with pet odors in your home? Give Dr.Chem-Dry Carpet & Tile Cleaning a call at 602-243-6379.