Dog odor can be a real challenge to get rid of from clothes, but don't worry, it's not impossible.
The key to removing dog odor is to identify the source of the smell, which is often a combination of sweat, dirt, and bacteria.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can be sprinkled on the affected area and left overnight to absorb the smell.
Regular washing with a mild detergent and cold water can help remove some of the dog odor, but may not completely eliminate it.
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Removing Dog Odor
Removing dog odor from clothes can be a challenge, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you out.
You can make a vinegar water mix to help eliminate dog odor, and adding essential oils to it can make a big difference. If your dog is super smelly, try adding essential oils to your vinegar water mix.
For old urine stains, you'll need to use a more involved method. Mixing hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and detergent can help remove the stain and smell, but be careful not to let it sit for too long, as it can stain fabrics.
Hydrogen peroxide can stain fabrics eventually, so make sure to clean up the excess mixture promptly.
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Enzymatic Solutions
Enzymatic solutions are a game-changer for removing dog odor from clothes. They're more effective than previous techniques and can remove urine proteins and odors in a single wash.
Using enzymatic detergent is a good option, it's a few dollars more than premium laundry detergents like Tide, but it's worth it. Follow the manufacturer's directions for using the correct portion and wash the clothes in cold water.
Some enzymatic products don't require rinsing with water, but it's best to follow the company's directions closely. If you detect a trace of urine, repeat the process as needed.
One drawback of enzymatic products is their shelf life, they lose their effectiveness after 6 months. If you've already used other cleaning solutions like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, you can use an enzymatic product to sanitize the area.
Unlike standard fabric and garment cleaners, enzymatic formulas don't contain ammonia, which is a bonus. Ammonia-based products will only mask an odor, and the ammonia may even convince your canine to mark the fabric again.
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Remedies for Fresh Spots
If your pup has just peed on clothes, the key is to act fast. Run the washer with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and cold water, without adding any other clothes or detergent at this point. This should help remove the uric acid in the urine.
The vinegar should work its magic in a full wash, so don't rush it. Run the washer again using detergent and the hottest water temperature possible to thoroughly clean the fabric.
If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn urine smell or stain, you can try soaking the article in distilled white vinegar overnight.
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Removing Old Spots
Removing old spots requires a bit more work than just using vinegar and detergent. This method should only be used as a last resort because it can end up staining clothes and fabrics.
Hydrogen peroxide is a key ingredient in this method, and it's essential to use the right amount. Mix 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and add two to three drops of detergent.
Allow the cleaner to settle in for at least 1 hour before checking to see if the stain and smell are gone.
Removing Urine Stains
Removing Urine Stains can be a real challenge, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you tackle the job. The key is to act fast, as the sooner you treat the stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely.
Fresh stains are best treated with a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of cold water, and dip a towel in the solution to blot the stain. Wait for 10 minutes, then clean the area with a wet towel.
For dried stains, you'll need to use a more powerful solution. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 ¼ cups hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Test the solution on a small piece of fabric first to ensure it won't affect the color.
If you're dealing with non-washable materials, you'll need to use an enzymatic cleaner rather than detergent. Apply the cleaner to the stain, let it sit for a bit, and then rinse the area with a wet towel. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
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In some cases, soaking the stained article in distilled white vinegar overnight can help break down the urine. Just be prepared to wash it out in the morning and repeat the process as needed.
Remember, the sooner you treat the stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Don't be discouraged if it takes some elbow grease to get rid of the stain – with the right techniques and solutions, you can say goodbye to those pesky old spots.
Removing Old Spots with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Removing Old Spots with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda is a last resort method that can be effective, but it requires caution. This method is best used for old urine stains that have been stuck for a while.
Mix 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of baking soda to create a cleaning solution. Add two to three drops of detergent to the mixture.
Allow the cleaner to settle in for at least 1 hour before checking to see if the stain and smell are gone. If the stain and smell are gone, simply rinse the peroxide, baking soda, and detergent mix out of the affected area.
Don't forget to set an alarm to remind you to check on the stain, as hydrogen peroxide can stain fabrics eventually.
Alternative Methods
If you've tried washing and drying your dog's clothes multiple times, it's time to try some alternative methods. Enzyme-based cleaners can be applied to the affected areas before washing to break down the protein-based odor.
Baking soda is another effective alternative for removing dog odor. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.
Vinegar is a natural odor eliminator that can be added to the wash cycle or used as a pre-treatment. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the affected areas before washing.
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Dryer sheets can be used to absorb and neutralize dog odor in the wash cycle. Add a few dryer sheets to the wash load and they'll work their magic to leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Laundry pre-treatment sprays can also be used to target tough dog odors. Look for sprays that contain enzymes or odor-neutralizing agents to help break down and eliminate the smell.
Sources
- https://www.homemadesimple.com/pet/14-ways-to-get-rid-of-the-dog-smell-in-your-house-once-and-for-all/
- https://luckydawgsalongrooming.com/5-dog-odor-remedies-work/
- https://fantasticcleaners.com.au/blog/eliminating-dog-smell/
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-get-dog-pee-smell-out-clothes-fabrics
- https://www.hepper.com/how-to-get-dog-pee-smell-out-of-clothes-fabrics/
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