How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Carpets

If you have ever moved into a place where the previous owner had dogs, sometimes they leave behind their mark. You might not even notice it the first day or the next, but the minute you run a vacuum over the carpet you can smell everything that pet ever did, especially a dog. The worst part is when you know that dog didn't quite make it out the house a few times. Yuck. This article will help show you how to get rid of dog odor, especially in carpets.

Things You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum
  • Steam cleaner
  • General cleaning supplies
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean areas around doors. If a dog didn't make it out the house, he most likely peed near the door. Use the white vinegar for this part, especially around sliding doors. Pour the vinegar on the suspected spots, let it sit for five minutes, and then scrub.

    • 2

      Vacuum slowly and deliberately. Don't just run the vacuum over the carpet; use it like a Zamboni on the hockey rink. Go slow and pay particular attention to corners and where the wall meets the floor. You are trying to get as much hair and dander up as possible. The smell is going to be bad, so it is recommended to open up all your windows. Don't miss a spot to include under any furniture.

    • 3

      Spread baking soda all over the carpet. Let it sit overnight and then vacuum again. This will absorb any other scents you have hanging out after the initial vacuum.

    • 4

      Get on the ground and sniff out any other trouble spots. Even in a house a dog might have had his favorite other "corner" to do his business in. Sniff out those spots and pour white vinegar on that area. Let it sit five minutes and then scrub it out.

    • 5

      Steam clean your carpet. This should get the last of any carpet odor from dogs. Some grocery stores offer rental steam cleaners for between $20 and $30. This may be a worthy investment to get rid of dog odor.