Dogs are our best friends and loyal companions, bringing joy and warmth to our homes. However, dog odor lingering on your sofa couch covers can be unpleasant to guests and uncomfortable for your pet.

How to remove dog odor from the couch? In this article, we will recommend several effective ways to eliminate dog odor and keep your home smelling fresh and pleasant.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the first and most critical step to remove dog odor from your sofa. Pet hair, dander, and dirt can accumulate on the surface and within the fibers of your sofa, causing odor.

Cleaning steps:

1. Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to suck up the smallest particles. A handheld vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a roller brush attachment is particularly effective for this.
2. Comprehensive Cleaning: Vacuum every part of the sofa, move the cushions, and pay special attention to gaps and seams, as these are common areas for debris to accumulate.
3. Regular Maintenance: Vacuuming your sofa at least once a week can prevent accumulation and odor. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your sofa clean and fresh.

Using Steam Cleaning

Before using a steam cleaner, thoroughly vacuum your couch to remove sebum, hair, and other debris.

Steam cleaning uses hot steam to clean a surface. The high temperature of the steam helps break down dirt, kill bacteria, and eliminate odors without using harsh chemicals.

How to use steam cleaning on your couch:

1. Steam Cleaner: If you don't have a steam cleaner, you can rent one from a local store. Make sure it has attachments specifically designed for cleaning furniture.
2. Read the Instructions: Read and follow the instructions for your steam cleaner carefully. Attach the attachment tools and fill the machine with water as directed.
3. Cleaning the Couch: Slowly pass the steam cleaner over the entire surface of the couch. The high temperature of the hot steam penetrates deep into the fabric, breaking down dirt and killing bacteria.
4. Air Drying: Allow the couch to air dry completely after steam cleaning. This may take several hours, depending on the material and the amount of steam used.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and affordable solution for eliminating odors in your home, including strong dog odors. Here are some effective ways to use it:

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on an odorous surface, such as a couch, sofa cushions or carpet.
2. Let sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the odor. For particularly stubborn odors, leave on the surface for up to 12 hours.
3. At the end of the waiting time, wipe off the baking soda thoroughly.
4. Avoid using baking soda on leather sofas or cushions as it can damage the material.

You can also make a deodorant spray with the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 10 ml of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of washing powder, and 3 tablespoons of hot water. Mix the ingredients well and pour them into a spray bottle.

Spray the solution on the surface of the fabric that needs to be deodorized. Wipe the area with a damp towel to quickly eliminate the odor.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar serves as an excellent pet-safe cleaning alternative to products filled with synthetic toxins. By mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar, you can effectively clean pet-related stains, such as urine spots or soiled areas. 

This is because vinegar not only neutralizes odors but also kills bacteria. Additionally, apple cider vinegar offers natural antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces.

Natural ways to remove pet odors:

1. Directions: Mix apple cider vinegar and hot water in a 1:3 ratio (one part vinegar to three parts water).
2. Spraying: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the area where you need to remove the odor.
3. Wiping: After spraying, wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove the odor.
4. Deodorizing: You can also add apple cider vinegar to a humidifier and spread the vinegar mist throughout the room. It can neutralize odors in the air.
5. Ventilation: Finally, open windows to dispel the vinegar smell and ventilate the room to effectively remove lingering odors.
6. Safe for Pets and People: Apple cider vinegar is safe to use around both pets and humans, making it a great natural cleaning option.

Disinfectant

For odors caused by dog ​​urine on the couch, a disinfectant diluted with water works well. However, it must be used with caution as it can be harmful to pets.

How to use disinfectant safely:

1. Avoid Pet Exposure: Make sure your pets do not come into contact with the disinfectant solution.
2. Dilution: Dilute the disinfectant in a 1:10 ratio with water (one part disinfectant to ten parts water).
3. Application: Wipe the affected area with this mixture. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break down the odor-causing substances.
4. Rinse: After cleaning, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual disinfectant.
5. Proper Ventilation: Use disinfectants in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing fumes, and keep pets away until the area is completely dry and free of disinfectant residue.

Use a Pet-specific Deodorizer

Deodorizers for pets are specially formulated and usually contain enzymes, plant-based surfactants, and essential oils.

The enzymes in deodorizers break down proteins in pet urine, feces and other organic matter, while the surfactants help clean surfaces. This process provides a longer-lasting solution than air fresheners that merely mask odors.

Spray the deodorizer evenly over the surface of the couch. Make sure to cover all areas, especially where your dog often sits. You will need to give the deodorizer some time to air dry. This gives the enzymes time to break down the molecules that cause the odor.

Use Air Fresheners and Incense

Air fresheners and incense can extend the time your dog smells. After cleaning the couch, spray a thin layer of air freshener nearby or light a diffuser to fill the room with a pleasant aroma.

Note: Look for products with a pet-safe label when shopping. Chemicals may irritate your pet.

Use a Waterproof Sofa Cover

If you find cleaning your sofa a tedious and tiring task, then another way to solve this problem is to buy a pet waterproof sofa cover.

A slipcover will protect your sofa from pet scratches. Our waterproof couch cover not only prevents accidental spills but also prevents dirt from your pet dog from seeping into the couch fabric.

It also turns a worn-out couch into the focal point of the room. This sofa cover has silicone particles on the back of the cover, so the cover will not slip off easily. It can be used as a sofa cover for regular sofas, chairs, lounge chairs, and L-shaped sofas.

The sofa cover is easier to remove and clean than the sofa itself, I use it myself and it saves me from heavy cleaning.

Learn more：6 Best Sofa Protection Covers

Summarize

When you have a pet, maintaining a fresh, clean living space can be challenging and require constant effort. However, there are ways to improve results and simplify the process. By using effective cleaning techniques and regular maintenance, you can ensure that your home is a welcoming environment for both you and your pet.

For a wide range of home furnishings, including sofa covers, visit Ownkoti bedding online store. We offer products that can help you keep your living space clean and comfortable.