I Asked Pros How to Get That “Dog Smell” Out of My House for Good

For me, one of the perks of working from home has been being around my dog all day. (He’s my 75-pound furry “assistant.”) But it also comes with one big drawback: I’ve become noseblind to any pet odors. When my husband walks in at the end of the day, I’ll ask, “Does our house smell like a dog?” Most of the time, the answer is no. But when it’s yes, I spring into action — flinging open windows, spritzing room spray, and chasing after our bewildered pup with scented bath wipes — all in an effort to figure out how to get rid of dog smell in the house fast.

These quick fixes help, but I wanted to step up my strategy. So I asked two experts — Pam Clyde, president of BritLin Cleaning LLC, and Robin Murphy, Chief Cleaning Officer of Maid Brigade — to share their best advice for keeping a home smelling fresh when you live with dogs.

Below, cleaning experts share how to get rid of dog smells in the house.

The first step is figuring out where the smell is coming from. “Dog smells linger because they seep into carpets, fabrics, and even the air,” Murphy explains. “The best way to banish them is to tackle all three at once.” 

Wash pet beds, blankets, cushion covers, and other soft items with an enzyme-based detergent plus a cup of white vinegar. “Vinegar works because it’s acidic and neutralizes the alkaline compounds in pet odors like urine and drool instead of just masking them, while enzymes break down the proteins that cause odor,” Murphy says. You can add the vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser, or directly into a top-load washer at the start of the rinse cycle.

Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, let it sit overnight, and vacuum the next day. “Baking soda works because it’s a natural odor neutralizer and it reacts with both acidic and alkaline compounds and absorbs lingering smells instead of covering them up,” Murphy says. For stubborn odors, use an enzymatic cleaner designed for carpets and upholstery.

Open windows and replace HVAC filters every one to two months. Murphy also recommends an air purifier with a carbon filter. For a budget-friendly option, leave bowls of vinegar out overnight to help absorb odors.

Vacuum and mop regularly, and don’t skip the baseboards. Clyde suggests keeping your mop solution in a spray bottle and using a flat mop to quickly target and clean up prints and saliva. And don’t forget to clean your vacuum too. Empty the canister after every use, wash or replace filters weekly, and cut away pet hair from the brush roll.

Enzyme sprays, like Nature’s Miracle, target organic messes and odors. (Spray the air and objects, not your dog!)

Sometimes, you just need your home to smell guest-ready — fast. A full top-to-bottom scrub isn’t always necessary. Try this simpler list:

1. Air out your home. Open windows or doors on opposite sides for 10 minutes.
2. Freshen couches and carpets. Mist with a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar (the vinegar smell fades as it dries) or use a neutralizing pet-odor spray, like this Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Fighter or Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Pet Odor Neutralizer.
3. Fluff up pet items. Toss blankets, beds, and toys in the dryer on low with a dryer sheet.
4. Turn on the air purifier. Run a HEPA air purifier on high in your main living space.
5. Simmer something fragrant. Make a simmer pot of lemon slices or cinnamon sticks for a cozy scent.
6. Check for drool spots. Mop up any saliva marks on hard floors.
7. Try a pet-safe essential oil spray. You can spray essential oil on carpets and furniture; just double-check which oils are safe for dogs.
8. Prep the pup. A quick brush or spritz of a waterless refreshing spray for dogs can make a big difference.

The best way to avoid dog odors is to prevent them from building up in the first place. Clyde and Murphy recommend:

• Vacuuming and mopping regularly. Keep a flat mop and spray solution nearby for quick cleanups.
• Cleaning your vacuum. Empty the canister after each use, and maintain filters and brush rolls weekly.
• Swapping HVAC filters. Pet owners should change filters every one to two months, ideally using HEPA filters.
• Regular grooming. “The cleaner the dog, the fresher the house,” Murphy says. Wipe paws at the door and wash bedding weekly.
• Keeping lint brushes handy. Especially useful for upholstery and clothing.