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How To Get Dog Smell Out of Couch?

Your dog is a part of the family, and you love him or her just as much as any human member. But that doesn’t mean your pet doesn’t occasionally shed fur or maybe even have an accident on the couch. 

Read on to learn how to get that stubborn dog smell out of your couch.

how to get dog smell out of couch
How to get dog smell out of couch?

Learn How To Get Dog Smell Out of Couch in Easy Steps

Here are some simple solutions to get the dog smell out of the couch or other pieces of furniture in the room.

1. Cleaner and Conditioner

If you have a leather couch, cleansing and conditioning is the best way to ensure that it’s free of any pesky dog smells.

Clean the leather with a damp cloth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush (not an actual brush), or you’ll scratch your couch’s finish.

If you have stubborn stains or dirt on the leather, try using a mild cleaner or even saddle soap if you have some handy—be sure not to get any of these onto white leathers! After cleaning off as much dirt as possible with clean water, use a dry rag to wipe off any excess moisture, then condition your couch with a conditioner.

cleaning couch
A woman is cleaning the couch to remove any dog smell!

2. Dish Soap

Have a fabric couch? Try this solution! 

Take the furniture outside, lay it flat, and wipe it down with dish soap. Using a sponge or cloth, scrub the entire surface of your couch with the dish soap.

Run a scrubbing brush over the areas where you think there’s most likely to be a dog smell, such as under cushions where they sit. If you have any stubborn stains on the fabric, try using rubbing alcohol as well. The latter is also effective for removing stains left by water bottles or other liquids (like spilled coffee–pets aren’t the only ones to make messes).

Finally, use a dampened cloth to wipe off all that yucky soap you’ve applied. You don’t want any leftover residue! Once all traces are gone, let it dry completely before returning it to its place within your home.

dish soap and sponge
A dish soap can help remove dog smell on your couch.

3. Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Baking Soda Mixture

Mixing equal parts of borax, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda is a great way to deodorize your fabric couch. Borax is a natural mineral that helps break down pet odors, while hydrogen peroxide serves as a disinfectant.

Baking soda works as an absorbent and neutralizer. Combining these ingredients in equal amounts can neutralize the odors on your couch while also disinfecting it.

Sprinkle borax on your couch before adding the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Next, mix them all until they form a thick paste-like substance that will stick well to the surface of your furniture when spread evenly across it. 

For the best results, allow this mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing off.

baking soda
Does baking soda helps remove dog urine odor?

4. Baking Soda and a Thorough Vacuuming

Sprinkle baking soda on your fabric couch and vacuum it off once dry. Baking soda is an effective odor absorber that can help get that dog smell out of your couch. This method works best if you can get to all the couch surfaces—under seats and cushions, for example.

Baking soda doesn’t have the harsh chemicals most commercial products contain. It is thus safe for both humans and pets. It’s also cheap and easy to use.

Sprinkle some onto your surface (but not too much) and then vacuum up after letting it sit for 24 hours.

vacuuming couch
A woman vacuums couch thoroughly to remove any residue used for treating dog smell!

5. Lemon Juice and Salt

The combination of lemon juice and salt is a well-known cleaning method for removing odor from the furniture. As you rub the paste into the smell-ridden areas of your leather couch, you’ll notice that the smell starts to disappear, and the couch starts smelling like lemons instead.

Because this is a home remedy, there are no exact measurements for how much lemon juice or salt to use. Instead, it’s best to put some lemon juice on a plate and add salt until you have enough of both ingredients to cover every part of the couch that smells bad.

Please note that it may take multiple applications over several days before all traces of dog smell are gone. But once they are gone, they will stay away! (Until next time you allow your pet on the couch). 

squeezing lemons
Do dogs like lemon scents?

6. Dryer Sheets

If you don’t have lemon juice, you can still remove the dog smell from your couch using dryer sheets. Just rub them on the dog-smelling areas and let them sit for a few minutes, then vacuum them up. Repeat as necessary until the smell is gone.

This method works because the oils in dryer sheets attract dust particles like a magnet. Rubbing them over an area that smells like dogs helps pull out some odors and dog dander.

dog ate dryer sheet
Help! Dog Ate Dryer Sheet [What to do?]

7. Fabric Freshener

Some people prefer to use homemade solutions for removing dog smell from furniture, but if you don’t mind spending a little money on your project, a fabric freshener is a safe bet!

Fabric fresheners can be a great way to eliminate pet odors. They come in various scents and are available in spray bottles, making them easy to use. Fabric fresheners are inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store or big box retailer.

woman spraying
A woman spraying.

8. Steam Cleaner

Run the steam cleaner over the entire surface of your couch in short strokes until you’ve covered all areas at least once. You’ll want to do this slowly, so you don’t miss any spots!

If your dog has been lying on his or her chosen spot for a while, go back over those areas again with a fresh application of water or cleaning solution as needed. If stubborn stains remain, try adding baking soda to your cleaning mixture.

Once done cleaning, throw some paper towels over the top so that they soak up excess moisture before moving on to another area that needs attention.

handheld steamer
A handheld steamer can help to remove dog poop.

9. Sunshine

After you’ve cleaned the couch with detergent, dry it out in the sun. It will help to evaporate excess moisture and let the sun’s UV rays kill any lingering bacteria or mold spores. If you don’t have access to a sunny area, try drying it in a windy spot or near an open window.

You could also use fans or humidifiers at this time if you have them available. These things will speed up the evaporation process and reduce odor at its source.

couch outside
Couch is one of your dog’s favorite spot!

10. Vodka

If your couch still smells like a dog, vodka is one of the best solvents to remove those smells. Not only that, but it’s also a great disinfectant and deodorizer.

Vodka has, over time, proven useful for removing stains from clothing and upholstery because of its disinfectant properties. It also helps neutralize odors caused by pets urinating on furniture or clothing and other things around their environment like carpets or floors.

So if you’re looking for something to keep those carpets smelling fresh between cleanings, look no further than an old-fashioned solution: water plus vodka!

vodka for dog smell
Vodka can help in treating dog smell on your couch.

Tips To Prevent Dog Smell on Couch

For some added protection, check out these tips

1. Vacuum the couch frequently and use a good quality carpet shampoo for high-traffic areas.

2. Do not allow your dog to sleep on the couch or chair, as this will encourage him/her to make that place their spot. If you must allow them up on the furniture, try putting a blanket over it, so there’s a layer of protection between your dog and the material of the couch.

3. Use an enzymatic pet stain remover that contains enzymes that break down proteins such as urine and fecal matter, making them easier to remove from fabrics and carpets.

4. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Dogs not getting enough exercise tend to have less control over their bladder and bowels and often have accidents in the house, which could end up on your furniture.

Akita siting
You might want to put a couch cover during Akita’s shedding season.

FAQ

Still have some questions? We understand. 

How do you deodorize a smelly couch?

Clean the entire surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and mild soap. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of your couch, paying special attention to areas where your dog likes to lie down. Leave the baking soda there for about 20 minutes, then vacuum it off.

cleans yellow couch
Cleaning a yellow couch with a towel to remove dogs smells and stains.

Why do dogs smell?

Dogs also have scent glands in their paws, mouths, and anuses that release moisture-containing pheromones — chemical scents that communicate with other dogs about food, territory, and mating. Some dogs also release gland secretions during bowel movements.

dog vomit smells like poop
Dog vomit smells like poop. [Help!]

What’s the best way to get rid of the dog smell on my couch?

Ensure to rinse well after cleaning your couch, so no residue remains behind to attract more dog smell! Try to block off access to the area so your pup won’t be tempted to jump up again or discourage them from getting on the furniture by making your dog a comfortable space of its own. Finally, use a pet-safe enzymatic spray (available at most pet stores) on the cushion covers.

how long should a dog bed last
How long should a dog bed last? (Months)

You Can Do It!

Remember, you’re not alone in your struggle with dog smell. There are plenty of other people out there who have dealt with it and found solutions that work for them. Follow this guide to master how to get dog smell out of the couch.