How to Solve your Pet Odor Problem
Our furry little friends (and most times, family) are adorable and awesome. But we admit sometimes that maintaining them could be a real pain. But we love them. That’s why we put up with it. But when maintaining them becomes almost unbearable – pet odor – what do we do? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to solve your pet odor problem and make your home fresh again.
Olfactory fatigue
The major reason it’s hard for us to detect the odors our furry friends have in our home, but to a visitor, this odor stands out and if your pet is in bad health, can be a bit offensive. Olfactory fatigue is the temporary inability of the sense of smell to perceive an odor due to prolonged exposure to the odor. It happens everywhere, you’re not alone in this.
We love our pets, but we don’t always love their odors. Most issues can be resolved with regular mopping, vacuuming, and bathing our pets, but sometimes pets make mistakes and some foul odors rise to our senses. A pet odor problem may persist despite regular cleaning, requiring more specific solutions to get rid of the lingering smells.
Animals tend to mark their territory
This much we know. Sometimes the solution is additional training, but sometimes it is a medical concern. If you find your pet “marking” areas of your home, try to use positive reinforcement to encourage them to do their business in an acceptable place (like the litter box, outside, or puppy-pads).
If more accidents happen, make sure to completely remove the stain and odor from the spot because if you do not, they will continue to see that as an acceptable place to relieve themselves. If you’re dealing with a persistent pet odor problem, proper cleaning is key. If proper retraining does not help, consult your vet to discuss other options.
A Layer of Paper Towels and…
The Humane Society has some suggestions for the proper cleaning of pet marking messes. For one, they recommend a layer of paper towels covered by a layer of newspaper. Once you apply pressure, the mess should start absorbing then finish by rinsing the area with water and removing as much of the water as possible. However, if the pet odor problem persists, the last step may be difficult without a wet-vac or professional care.
Covering the stain with Scented chemicals
Covering the stain and smell with scented cleaning chemicals is less likely to work than a deep cleaning. The pet odor-causing molecules need to be completely removed for maximum effectiveness. Basic carpet cleaning chemicals may mask the scent from you and other humans, but your pet will still be able to smell it and they will continue to mark there. To help with a pet odor problem, pet stores sell “pet odor neutralizers” which will work much better than normal carpet cleaners.
Reapplying varnish
Unfortunately, when left untreated pet stains on wood can lead to permanent damage. The only solution at this point is reapplying varnish. Like carpet stains, they are best treated as soon as possible. Allowing Sparky’s markings on any surface may lead to damage that even professional cleaners cannot fix.
If your pet is still in potty training, or you have begun retraining them, give us a call at Accents in Cleaning. Our deep cleaning procedures can restore your floors to like-new conditions. If you don’t believe us, check out the customer review on Yelp stating that our services kept them from having to pay a re-carpeting fee on their rental apartment. Clean floors are wonderful to have, and we won’t let you consider rehousing your pet in order to maintain cleanliness in your life.
Call us today on 925-565-9255 so we can help you keep a clean, and fresh smelling home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have a persistent pet odor problem in my home?
A pet odor problem can persist due to olfactory fatigue, where your sense of smell adapts to the odor, making it less noticeable to you but still obvious to guests. Additionally, if pet stains aren’t fully removed, the odor can linger and even encourage pets to re-mark the same spot.
How can I completely remove pet odors from my carpet?
To tackle a pet odor problem in carpets, start by blotting up fresh accidents with paper towels and newspaper. Then, rinse the area with water and extract as much moisture as possible. For deep cleaning, use an enzyme-based pet odor neutralizer, as regular carpet cleaners often mask odors instead of eliminating them.
Can scented cleaners solve my pet odor problem?
No, scented cleaners only mask the smell temporarily. Since pets have a stronger sense of smell, they can still detect the scent and may continue marking the same area. Enzyme-based cleaners are a better solution as they break down odor-causing molecules.
What’s the best way to clean pet urine stains on hardwood floors?
If pet urine has soaked into your hardwood floor, the best way to fix the pet odor problem is by removing the stain immediately and using a specialized wood cleaner. If the odor remains, sanding and reapplying varnish may be necessary to fully restore the flooring.
How do I prevent my pet from re-marking the same spot?
After deep cleaning, use an enzyme-based odor remover to eliminate all traces of the smell. Positive reinforcement training and consulting a vet (if marking persists) can also help resolve the pet odor problem.