How to get rid of dog smell in your home — if that question has been running through your mind lately, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve dealt with that stubborn “dog scent” more times than I’d like to admit. One minute your home feels fresh, and the next you’re sniffing around wondering, “Where is that smell coming from?”

The good news? You can absolutely eliminate dog odor for good without stressing, overspending, or turning your house into a cleaning battlefield. I’ve tested so many tricks over the years, made my fair share of mistakes, and finally figured out what actually works. Ready to make your home smell clean again? Let’s dive in.

Why Dog Smell Happens (And Why It Returns)

how to get rid of dog smell in your home

Dog smell is not just “one thing.” It usually comes from a mix of body oils, fur, saliva, accidents, and sometimes even the outdoors they bring inside. Ever wondered why your home smells fine one day and funky the next? It’s because dog odor layers itself quietly over time — especially in fabrics.

Body Oils Are The Main Culprit

Your dog naturally produces oils that stick to fabrics, furniture, and flooring. These oils smell stronger over time, especially after your dog gets wet.

Fur + Surfaces = Odor Magnet

Fur lands everywhere — couches, rugs, your hoodie you swore was clean. When fur mixes with oils and dust, it creates a smell that sits in fabrics until you clean it properly.

Moisture Makes Smell Worse

Whether from rain, drool, or bath day, moisture boosts odor. It grabs onto anything absorbent, especially carpets or cushions.

And here’s the kicker: most people clean the wrong things first, which is why the smell keeps coming back.

Start With The Source — Your Dog

Before you attack your whole house, you need to confirm your dog isn’t carrying excess odor. If your dog struggles with coat health or allergies, check our Dog Care guides for helpful routines.

Regular Brushing Does More Than Bathing

Brushing removes the loose hair and dander that hold onto smell. If your dog sheds heavily, improving diet can help — like our DIY Dog Food Meal Prep recipe.

Bathing Correctly Matters

You don’t need to bathe your dog constantly — too many baths can even make the smell worse by drying their skin. I always aim for every 4–6 weeks unless something wild happens (you know how dogs get).

Clean the Collar Too

Ever sniffed your dog’s collar? If you haven’t, do it now — I’ll wait.
Yep. That thing holds serious odor. Toss it in warm soapy water every couple of weeks.

Clean the Fabrics First (This Is Where 80% of Odor Hides)

If you want fast results, this is the step you never skip. Fabrics soak up dog smell like a sponge.

Wash All Removable Fabrics

This includes:

Couch covers
Blanket throws
Dog beds and covers
Curtains
Bath mats
Pillow covers

Use hot water if the fabric allows it. Hot water breaks down oils better than anything else.

Don’t Forget the Dog Bed

Dog beds are like giant odor sponges. You should:

Remove the cover
Wash with hot water
Let the inner cushion air out in direct sunlight

Sunlight naturally kills odor-causing bacteria. Kind of magical, right?

Steam Clean Anything You Can’t Put in the Washer

A steam cleaner removes odor better than regular vacuuming. It melts oils and lifts stuck smells.

Deep Clean Floors — Carpets, Wood, and Tile

Floors get hit hard because your dog lives closest to them. And yes, even hard floors can soak up dog smell if you don’t clean them correctly.

Carpets Need Special Attention

Vacuum daily if possible — or at least a few times a week. Why? Odor lives in:

Fur
Dander
Dirt
Body oils

Steam cleaning every few months keeps smells from getting locked into carpet fibers.

For deep carpet deodorizing, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner is a popular favorite.

Hard Floors Aren’t Odor-Proof

Use a gentle cleaner that cuts through oils. If your dog drools (my dog’s a drool machine sometimes), those dried puddles definitely add to odor.

Pay Attention to Hidden Spots

These areas love to hide dog smells:

Behind couches
Corners
Baseboards
Under tables

Ever wondered why the room still smells after you clean? It’s usually these sneaky spots.

Air Out Your Home — Fresh Air Beats Any Spray

Here’s something most people underestimate: fresh air is the strongest odor remover. And it’s free.

Open Windows Every Day

Even 10 minutes helps. Cross-breeze is your best friend. Sometimes I’ll open the balcony door and a window, and the entire place smells cleaner.

Use Fans to Move Air Around

A fan pushes air through the room, guiding odors out instead of letting them linger.

Clean Your Air Vents

Dust + dog fur + moisture = funky air. I learned this the hard way. Clean your vents and filters regularly so your system doesn’t circulate bad smells.

If air quality is a big issue, the Levoit Core P350 Pet Air Purifier can make a huge difference.

Target the Soft Furniture (AKA The Odor Headquarters)

If your couch smells like “dog,” your whole house will too. And I won’t lie — couches are stubborn.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Generously

Baking soda absorbs odors like nothing else. Let it sit for 30–60 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.

Use a Fabric-Safe Vinegar Spray

Mix:

1 part white vinegar
2 parts water

Lightly mist the fabric (don’t soak it). The vinegar scent disappears in minutes, and so does the dog smell.

Steam Clean the Cushions

Steam lifts odor oils from deep within the fabric. It’s basically a “reset button” for your couch.

Neutralize Smell at the Source — Not Cover It Up

Let’s be real: sprays that “mask” odor only work for a minute. You need solutions that neutralize.

Use Enzyme-Based Cleaners for Accidents

Even if your dog is house-trained, tiny accidents or drool spots can leave unseen smells.
Enzymes break down odor at a molecular level — science doing its thing.

If accidents happen often, review diet options in our Dog Food category.

Activated Charcoal Is Underrated

Charcoal absorbs odors naturally. Put a few bags:

Near the dog bed
Inside closets
Behind the couch
Near shoes (if your dog loves napping near them)

Vinegar Bowls Work Overnight

Place small bowls of vinegar around the room overnight. They pull odor from the air. It’s simple but insanely effective.

Keep Your Dog’s Stuff Clean (It’s More Important Than You Think)

Your home will never smell fresh if your dog’s belongings smell… well… like dog.

Wash Toys Regularly

Especially plush toys. If your dog drools on them daily, they hold tons of smell.

Clean the Dog Crate

Wipe it down weekly and wash the bedding. Crate smell spreads quickly, especially if the crate sits in a small room.

Rotate Blankets and Bedding

Have two or three blankets you rotate weekly. You’ll notice a huge difference.

Deodorize the Air Naturally (No Perfume Clouds Needed)

You don’t need fancy plugins to make your home smell good. Natural options work just as well — sometimes better.

Simmer Pots Are a Game-Changer

On the stove, simmer:

Cinnamon sticks
Orange peels
A little vanilla

Your home will smell like a spa, and you didn’t even need fancy sprays.

Indoor Plants Help More Than You Think

Plants like:

Snake plant
Spider plant
Peace lily

They clean the air and reduce lingering odors.

Essential Oils Work When Used Safely

Use a diffuser in a room your dog doesn’t stay in constantly. Always check oil safety for pets.

Create a Weekly Odor-Fighting Routine

Consistency beats intensity.

Daily tasks, weekly cleaning, and monthly deep cleans help long-term.

If you want to pair cleaning routines with training habits, check our Dog Training guides.

Daily (Takes 5 Minutes)

Quick vacuum or sweep
Air out the home for 10 minutes
Wipe any drool spots or muddy prints

Weekly

Wash blankets and dog bedding
Brush your dog
Wipe down furniture
Mop floors

Monthly

Deep clean carpets
Steam fabric furniture
Clean vents and filters

When you follow this routine, odor never gets the chance to take over again.

My Go-To Tricks When the Smell Comes Back

Even when you stay on top of everything, dog smell sometimes pops back in. Happens to all of us.

Sunshine Fix

Put anything smelly — beds, blankets, pillows — outside in the sun for a few hours. Sun kills bacteria and removes odor naturally.

The “Reset the Room” Trick

When a room smells off, I remove all fabrics and open all windows for 20 minutes. You’d be shocked at how well this works.

Clean the Dog Bed First

If your living room smells weird, 80% of the time it’s the dog bed. Clean it, and everything else smells better instantly.

Conclusion

Living with a dog doesn’t mean your home has to smell like one. When you understand why dog odor hangs around and tackle the right spots — fabrics, floors, air, and your dog’s belongings — you can keep your home consistently fresh. The best part? You don’t need fancy sprays or expensive cleaners. Just a simple routine, a few smart tricks, and some consistency.

So next time you catch a whiff of something funky, you’ll know exactly what to do. Your home will smell clean, your dog will be happy, and you won’t have to panic every time someone knocks on the door. Pretty great trade-off, right?

If you ever want a printable cleaning checklist or a weekly routine you can actually stick to, just let me know — I’ve got you.