How do I get rid of pet odors in my house?

Regularly ventilate the house, wash your pet's toys, wash carpets and furniture at least once every three months, use scented candles, they are completely safe for your pets and can help you get rid of unpleasant odors, you can choose different scents and enjoy in them, and candles will certainly solve the problem you have with unpleasant odors in the house.

Incense works good if candles aren't an option. Maybe double check how certain scents work with pets beforehand since I know some essential oils can be bad for pets but I don't know about incense. 

Living with pets definitely comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to keeping your home smelling nice. When it comes to scented candles, I have tried several brands myself. While they do help mask the odor to some extent, I wouldn't say they're a miracle solution. It's more of a temporary solution, you know? Plus, some of them can be quite overpowering and you'll end up with a weird hybrid smell of a pet and the scent the candle emits. I think you need to ventilate your room better, maybe install skylights or check the ventilation holes.

I use Fabreeze or Pinesol or  Fabulouso, or Incense in combo with open window air circulation.

Getting rid of pet odors in your house requires a combination of cleaning, deodorizing, and preventive measures. Whether it’s urine, dander, or that general “pet smell,” here’s a step-by-step guide to making your home smell fresh again.

1. Identify the Source of the Odor

Before jumping into cleaning, find out what’s causing the smell:

• Urine spots (especially from dogs or cats)


• Dander and fur buildup on carpets, furniture, and air vents


• Pet beds, toys, and blankets that retain odor over time


• Litter boxes, cages, or food bowls that aren’t cleaned frequently


• Pet saliva on upholstery and carpets

Once you pinpoint the source, you can tackle it properly.

2. Deep Clean the House

Regular cleaning is key to controlling pet odors.

Vacuum Everything

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap pet hair, dander, and dust.


• Focus on carpets, rugs, couches, curtains, and even walls if needed.


• Don’t forget under furniture and tight spaces where pet hair collects.

Mop Hard Floors

• Use a pet-safe floor cleaner or a mix of white vinegar and water to neutralize odors.


• Avoid ammonia-based cleaners—they can smell like urine to pets and may encourage accidents.

Wash Pet Beds, Toys, and Blankets

• Wash bedding, blankets, and plush toys in hot water with mild detergent and white vinegar (it removes odors).


• If possible, sun-dry items for natural deodorization.


• For plastic or rubber toys, soak them in soapy water with baking soda, then rinse well.

Clean Upholstery and Carpets

• Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and couches, let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours, then vacuum.


• Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle) to break down urine and organic stains.


• Steam cleaning carpets every few months can help eliminate deep-set odors.

3. Deodorize the Air Naturally

Even after cleaning, some odors linger in the air.

Air Purifiers

• A HEPA-filter air purifier with activated carbon helps trap pet dander and neutralize smells.


• Place one in the living room or areas where pets spend most of their time.

Natural Odor Absorbers

• Baking soda bowls: Leave small dishes of baking soda around the house (out of pet reach).


• Activated charcoal bags: Absorb odors without artificial scents.


• Houseplants: Some plants (like spider plants and peace lilies) naturally purify the air.

DIY Air Fresheners

• Simmer cinnamon sticks, lemon peels, or vanilla extract in water for a fresh scent.


• Make a pet-safe spray with water, white vinegar, and a few drops of lavender oil.

4. Remove Urine Smells Permanently

Urine odors can be stubborn, especially if they’ve soaked into carpet or furniture.

For Fresh Urine Stains

1. Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels.


2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, pour on the stain, and let sit for 5–10 minutes.


3. Blot dry, then sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

For Older Urine Smells

• Use an enzymatic cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle or Rocco & Roxie) that breaks down urine at a molecular level.


• If urine has soaked into wood floors, use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, then wipe clean.

5. Keep Litter Boxes & Cages Smell-Free

• Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter at least once a week.


• Wash the litter box with warm water and baking soda every few weeks.


• If you have a small pet (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters), clean cages and bedding regularly to avoid ammonia buildup.

6. Keep Your Pet Smelling Fresh

Even a clean home won’t stay odor-free if your pet smells bad!

Grooming Routine

• Bathe dogs every 4–6 weeks using a gentle pet shampoo.


• Wipe cats with pet-safe wipes if they start smelling.


• Brush your pet’s fur weekly to remove loose hair and dander.

Clean Ears & Paws

• Ear infections cause bad smells—clean your pet’s ears with vet-approved wipes.


• Wipe paws after walks to remove dirt, urine, and bacteria.

Dental Care

• Bad breath contributes to pet odors—brush your pet’s teeth or use dental chews.

7. Prevent Odors From Coming Back

• Use washable covers for couches and beds.


• Change air filters in your HVAC system regularly.


• Open windows daily for fresh air circulation.


• Train pets to eliminate outside or in designated areas.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of pet odors takes effort, but with regular cleaning, good grooming, and air purification, your home can smell fresh again. The key is consistency—eliminating odors at the source and preventing buildup over time. Your pet will be happier, and so will you! 🐾✨