Pet odour is a common issue for many pet owners. Whether it’s from urine, vomit, or general body odour, it can quickly fill a home and become a persistent problem. While the smell might seem like an inevitable part of pet ownership, there are several misconceptions surrounding how to effectively eliminate it. In this blog, we’ll debunk the most common myths and offer insight into the best ways to remove pet smells from your home.
1. Baking Soda Is Enough to Remove Pet Odour
One of the most widely held beliefs is that baking soda alone can eliminate pet odour. While baking soda does have deodorising properties and can absorb some of the smell, it is not a comprehensive solution for all types of pet odours, especially pet urine odour. Baking soda may mask the smell temporarily, but it doesn’t address the root cause — the bacteria and ammonia found in pet urine that lead to the persistent odour. For thorough removal, a specialised cleaner that targets bacteria and ammonia is often necessary.
2. Vinegar Is the Best Solution for All Pet Odours
Vinegar is another common household product that many pet owners turn to in an attempt to remove pet smells. While it is true that vinegar can neutralise some smells and disinfect surfaces, it doesn’t always work effectively on all pet odours. For example, while vinegar may help with surface-level smells, it won’t necessarily reach deep into fabrics, carpets, or padding where pet odours can linger. Moreover, the acidic nature of vinegar can also damage certain materials, such as natural stone or some fabrics, making it less than ideal in certain situations.
3. Regular Cleaning Will Eliminate All Pet Odours
While regular cleaning of your pet’s bedding, toys, and the general living area can help reduce the build-up of odour, it is not always enough to completely remove persistent smells. Pet odour, particularly from urine, can seep deep into fibres, upholstery, and even wood floors, where regular cleaning may not reach. Without using the right products or techniques, such as enzymatic cleaners or professional cleaning methods, the odour can linger despite your best efforts.
4. Pet Odour Removal Products Work Instantly
Many pet owners expect instant results when using pet odour removal products. While some products may provide rapid relief or mask the smell temporarily, effective odour removal takes time, especially when dealing with deeply embedded odours. Products that target the enzymes in pet urine, for example, work by breaking down the uric acid and ammonia found in the urine, which can take several applications to fully eliminate. For best results, patience and proper application are key.
5. You Can Get Rid of Pet Odour with Just a Quick Spray
Another misconception is that a quick spritz of a pet odour eliminator spray will do the trick. While these sprays can be useful for spot cleaning or freshening up an area, they are generally not enough for deeply embedded pet odours. Pet odour often goes beyond the surface, especially when it’s related to urine. Simply spraying a product on top of the surface won’t remove the bacteria, germs, or embedded particles that contribute to the smell. A more thorough cleaning process is usually required.
6. Pet Odours Are Just Aesthetic Problems, Not Health Concerns
Many pet owners may think of pet odour as a mere nuisance that makes the home smell bad. However, lingering odours can often indicate the presence of bacteria or mould, which could potentially lead to health issues for both humans and pets. Inhaling the ammonia found in pet urine can cause respiratory issues, while mould can lead to allergic reactions and other health complications. It’s important to address the underlying causes of pet odours, especially if they are persistent, as they may be a sign of deeper contamination in your home.
7. Not All Pet Odour Removal Products Are the Same
Not all pet odour removal products are created equal. While many products claim to eliminate pet odours, not all are effective in targeting the specific types of odours pets leave behind. For example, some products may only mask the smell, while others may not effectively tackle the chemicals in urine or vomit. Enzymatic cleaners, which are designed to break down the proteins and bacteria in pet urine, are often the most effective choice for persistent odours. These products go beyond simple masking and help to eliminate the root cause of the smell.
8. Once Pet Odours Are Removed, They Won’t Come Back
While it’s possible to remove pet odour, it’s important to understand that pet odours can sometimes return. This is particularly true if the cleaning process didn’t completely remove the urine or odour-causing bacteria, or if your pet continues to mark the same spot. In order to prevent the recurrence of odour, it’s important to properly clean and maintain the areas where your pet spends the most time, and use pet odour eliminators regularly. Additionally, if your pet is marking the same area repeatedly, consider addressing the behaviour to prevent the problem from recurring.
9. DIY Solutions Are Always Safe for All Types of Surfaces
Many pet owners assume that DIY pet odour removal solutions, such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol, are safe for all surfaces. However, these products can sometimes cause damage to certain materials, especially carpets, fabrics, or wood floors. They can weaken the fibres of carpets or leave discolouration on upholstery. Before using any DIY solution, it’s crucial to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause damage. When in doubt, using a specialised product designed for pet odour removal can be a safer option.
FAQs about Most Common Misconceptions About Removing Pet Odors?
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What causes pet odours in the home? Pet odours are typically caused by urine, feces, vomit, and general body odour from pets. These smells are often due to bacteria, ammonia, and other chemicals that remain embedded in carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
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How do enzymatic cleaners work to remove pet odours? Enzymatic cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down the proteins, uric acid, and ammonia found in pet urine, eliminating the source of the smell rather than just masking it.
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Is vinegar an effective solution for removing pet odours? Vinegar can help neutralise some odours but is not as effective for removing deep pet odours like urine. It may also damage certain surfaces over time, making it less ideal for long-term use.
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How can I prevent pet odours from returning after cleaning? To prevent recurring pet odours, it’s essential to use a proper pet odour eliminator that targets the source of the smell, maintain a regular cleaning routine, and address any behavioural issues with your pet that may be causing them to mark the same area.
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Can I use DIY solutions to remove pet odours? While DIY solutions like baking soda and vinegar can offer temporary relief, they may not eliminate the source of the odour. Enzymatic cleaners or professional cleaning services are often more effective for persistent odours.
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How long does it take for pet odour removal products to work? Depending on the severity of the odour, it can take several applications for enzymatic cleaners to break down the bacteria and fully eliminate the smell. Patience and proper application are key to ensuring long-lasting results.
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Are your pet odour removal products safe for all types of surfaces? Yes, our products are safe for use on most surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and fabrics. However, we always recommend testing any new product on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
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What should I do if my pet continues to urinate in the same spot? If your pet continues to urinate in the same spot, it’s essential to address both the cleaning and behavioural aspects. Using a pet odour eliminator and ensuring the area is properly cleaned will help, but consider training or behavioural modifications to prevent future accidents.
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Can professional pet odour removal services help with severe cases? Yes, professional services are equipped to handle more severe cases of pet odour, especially when the smell is deeply embedded in flooring, upholstery, or other hard-to-reach areas.
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How do I contact you for pet odour removal services? You can reach us by phone at 03 8583 9106, email at petstainremovertoday@gmail.com, or visit our website at petstainremover.com.au for more information and to schedule a consultation.
Struggling with stubborn pet odours? Contact us today for expert advice and effective solutions! Call us at 03 8583 9106, email petstainremovertoday@gmail.com, or visit our website at petstainremover.com.au to learn more.