Removing dog smell from a leather couch can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. The key is to act quickly, as the longer you wait, the more deeply the smell will penetrate the leather.
Dog dander, saliva, and urine contain proteins that can bind to leather, making it difficult to eliminate the odor. According to research, the average dog sheds around 1.5 million skin cells per hour, which can lead to a buildup of dander on your couch.
To effectively remove dog smell from your leather couch, you'll need to use a combination of cleaning products and techniques. This includes using a gentle leather cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and some elbow grease.
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Natural Deodorizers
Natural Deodorizers are a great way to get rid of dog odor from your leather couch without using harsh chemicals.
You can make your own natural deodorizer using essential oils, like lemon and eucalyptus, which are safe to use on your dog when diluted with water and other ingredients. In a large spray bottle, mix ½ cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 5 drops lemon essential oil, and 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil together.
Let the solution settle for about 3 minutes after mixing, and then do a quick spot test to ensure it's safe to use on your couch. If it is, spray the solution lightly over the smelly area and let it dry thoroughly overnight, and then vacuum the area the next day to remove any baking soda residue.
Alternatively, you can use white vinegar, which is a natural solution that can be used to tackle pet-related odors. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly mist the affected areas of your couch, and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
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Create Your Own Essential Oil Deodorizer
Creating your own natural deodorizer is a great way to eliminate odors without harsh chemicals. You can make a pet deodorizer using essential oils by mixing ½ cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 5 drops lemon essential oil, and 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil in a large spray bottle.
Let the solution settle for about 3 minutes after mixing, then do a quick spot test to ensure it's safe to use on your couch. The solution is safe to use on your dog if you've checked with your vet first.
White Vinegar: A Natural Solution
White vinegar is a natural solution that can be used to tackle various pet-related odors, including those on your leather couch.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create a solution that's great for getting rid of bacteria and eliminating pet stains and odors.
Vinegar helps neutralize odors and is particularly effective in combating pet smells.
However, it's essential to note that vinegar should not be used on leather as a cleaning agent, especially for addressing scratches or stains.
To fix cat scratches on leather couch, it's recommended to seek professional leather repair services or use specialized leather repair kits designed for this purpose.
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Oxyfresh Safe Deodorizer
The Oxyfresh Pet-Safe Deodorizer is a game-changer for pet owners. It makes deodorizing couches a breeze.
You don't have to douse the area, which is a relief for those who worry about over-saturating their furniture. This product is designed to be gentle and effective.
You don't have to blot afterward, which means less work for you. Simply spray and walk away.
You don't have to rinse anything, which is a huge advantage over other deodorizers. This saves you time and effort.
And there's no residue or staining left behind, which is a major plus. Your furniture will look and smell fresh and clean.
Here are the benefits of using Oxyfresh Pet-Safe Deodorizer:
- No dousing required
- No blotting required
- No rinsing required
- No residue or staining left behind
Baking Soda for Odor Removal
Baking soda is a pH neutralizer that absorbs odors, making it a great tool for removing dog smell from surfaces. It's effective because most stinky smells are acidic.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area, letting it sit overnight for at least 15 minutes. This allows the baking soda to absorb the odors.
Baking soda is a versatile and inexpensive household ingredient that works wonders in neutralizing odors, including pet smells.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners for Odor Elimination
Enzyme-based cleaners are a potent tool in your odor-battling arsenal. Enzymes are proteins that attack the proteins causing the odor, eliminating them versus covering them up like fragranced air fresheners.
To effectively remove dog odor from your leather couch, start by blotting any fresh stains or accidents with a clean cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. This is crucial to prevent the odor from setting in.
Apply the enzyme-based cleaner directly to the affected area, following the instructions provided by the product. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended duration, enabling the enzymes to break down and eliminate the odor-causing molecules.
It's essential to note that before using an enzyme-based cleaner, it's advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your couch to ensure compatibility with the fabric. This will help prevent any potential damage or discoloration.
Enzyme-based cleaners contain enzymes that naturally break down organic materials like urine, feces, or vomit, essentially "eating away" the source of the smell. They are non-toxic, making them a safe choice for households with pets and children.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you remove dog odor from your leather couch:
- Blot any fresh stains or accidents with a clean cloth.
- Apply the enzyme-based cleaner to the affected area and follow the instructions.
- Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended duration.
- Gently blot the area again to remove excess moisture.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is an effective method for deep cleaning and sanitizing your leather couch, especially if the dog smells have deeply penetrated the upholstery. It uses high-temperature steam to kill bacteria and remove deep-seated odors.
Rent or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for upholstery, following the manufacturer's instructions for operating the machine. The suction of the machine helps pull the smell out of the fibers of your couch or recliner.
Steam cleaners can deliver powerful steam up to 275 degrees F, killing off 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and mold from furniture and other surfaces around your home. No harsh chemicals are necessary.
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a good option, as it delivers powerful steam and is easy to use. It's also a good idea to allow your couch to dry completely before using it again to prevent any water spots or damage.
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Upholstery Cleaning and Maintenance
Enzyme cleaners can be a game-changer for pet owners, as they break down and eliminate the proteins causing the odor, rather than just covering it up. Enzyme cleaners specifically formulated to target and neutralize organic compounds are effective at removing animal smells from furniture.
To effectively remove pet odors from your leather couch, start by blotting any fresh stains or accidents with a clean cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Next, apply an enzyme-based cleaner directly to the affected area, following the instructions provided by the product.
Regular vacuuming can also help reduce pet hair and dander, which contribute to dog smells on your couch. Consider using a vacuum designed for pet hair, as they usually have stronger suction and special filters to trap dander.
For tough odors, you may need to bring in heavy-duty reinforcements, such as a powerful upholstery cleaner like the Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. This compact cleaner can help remove pet stains and odors from your furniture.
Here are some general tips for maintaining your leather couch:
- Blot spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe down the couch regularly.
- Consider using a leather cleaner or conditioner to protect the leather and keep it looking its best.
Upholstery Cleaner
Investing in an upholstery cleaner can be a game-changer for pet owners. The Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact and powerful option that helps remove pet stains and odors from furniture using its powerful spray and suction.
You can also consider steam cleaning your furniture with a steam cleaner specifically designed for upholstery. These machines use hot steam to kill bacteria, which is often responsible for pet odors.
Before using any cleaning product, it's essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your couch to ensure compatibility with the fabric. This is crucial to avoid damaging your upholstery.
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a great option for steam cleaning your furniture, delivering powerful steam up to 275 degrees F that kills off 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and mold.
Here are some key features to look for in an upholstery cleaner:
- Powerful spray and suction for effective stain and odor removal
- Compact and portable design for easy maneuverability
- Steam cleaning capabilities for deep sanitizing and odor removal
- Compatibility with various fabric types
Remember, the right upholstery cleaner can make all the difference in keeping your furniture looking and smelling fresh and clean.
Regular Couch Cleaning
Regular couch cleaning is a must to keep your home smelling fresh and your furniture looking its best. Pet hair and dander are significant contributors to the dog smell on your couch.
Regular vacuuming can help reduce these odor-causing agents significantly. Consider a vacuum designed for pet hair, as they usually have stronger suction and special filters to trap dander.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to get odor out of leather?
Remove odors from leather by sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit, then vacuuming it off, or by airing out items in indirect sunlight
Sources
- Share on Pinterest (pinterest.com)
- why smells linger (livescience.com)
- 8 Effective Ways to Get Pet Smell Out of a Couch (cozyliving.com.au)
- vacuum your couch (rd.com)
- Reclaiming Your Couch: How to Get Dog Smell Out ... (tryfi.com)
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