How To Get Dog Smell Out Of Blankets? Say Goodbye To Unpleasant Odors Forever!

Do you love cuddling with your furry best friend on a cozy blanket? As much as we adore our canine companions, the odor they leave can be rather unpleasant. You may have tried washing your blankets, but the smell lingers on and disrupts the comfort of snuggling up in them.

The key to maintaining a fresh-smelling home is eliminating those pesky doggy odors from your sheets or blankets for good. With some simple tips and tricks, you can get rid of that unpleasant smell emanating from your pooch’s favorite spot, and enjoy clean and sweet-smelling blankets once again.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” -Josh Billings

In this blog post, we’ll share with you several effective ways to ensure your blankets are smelling fresh and also remove any harmful bacteria, allergens, or dust mites hiding in there. We understand the struggles of taking care of pets, and living with them shouldn’t come at the cost of dealing with foul smells every day. Let’s eliminate doggy odors together!

Identify The Source Of The Smell

Dog smells on blankets can make a room feel uninviting, and most people love dogs too much to kick Fido out of bed. Whatever your reason for keeping a dog around, you need to keep the smell away from your blankets.

To get rid of the odor effectively, you first need to find where it comes from. Identifying the source will help in devising the appropriate cleaning strategy. Here are three possible sources of the unpleasant odor!

Check For Pet Stains

Dogs, especially puppies, have accidents or urine leaks that soak into bedding materials. These stains require more than just washing with regular detergents or fabric softeners. You may also notice dark spots or discolorations in the affected area. If there is no visible stain but still smelling occurs, try using black-light flashlight for spotting any pet blotches not visible to naked eyes.

The best way to treat pet oil stains would be with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down proteins that cause odor. Mix water with enough enzymatic cleaner to saturate the stained area; then put the blanket in the washing machine with hot water. Do not use bleach because it can destroy enzymes in the cleaner, making treatment ineffective.

Look For Mold Or Mildew

If your home has become humid due to moisture accumulation — as often happens when winter comes – it can encourage mold growth, which leads to odor problems. Sometimes even immediately after laundering appears clean but produces stale odors.

You can remove mold by soaking washed blankets with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar mixed with warm water. Make sure to rinse well before drying and air-drying if available for all sorts of accompanying damp-related issues.

Inspect For Food Or Beverage Spills

If your pet loves eating and drinking on beds, you may end up with food or drink stains hiding in plain sight. These can give off an odor even after washing. For these stains, begin by scraping away any solid matter before using a mixture of dish soap and water. Scrub gently using a soft-bristled brush and let sit for some time, making sure to rinse well.

To avoid future spills, consider buying your furry friend its bowl mat, which is washable and easier to clean than bedding.

• Don’t forget to vacuum your bed and blankets regularly to pick up dog hair and dander that could be contributing to the smell problem.
• You might have better results removing stubborn pet odors from athletic clothes if you air-dry them instead of ticking them in dryer machine immediately after washing as per expert advice shared via DryCleaningTips website along with more cleaning procedures.

“If your dog smells good, eventually everything else will fall into place.” -Unknown

Pre-treat The Stain

If you are a dog lover, it is quite common to find your four-legged friend snuggling up with you in bed or on the couch under a cozy blanket. However, as much as we love our pets, sometimes their smell can stick to our blankets and become difficult to get rid of. Here’s how to get dog smell out of blankets:

Blot The Stain With A Clean Cloth

The first step to remove dog odor from blankets is to blot any fresh stain with a clean cloth immediately. Blotting helps to remove as much moisture as possible from the area before treating it with a stain remover solution. Be sure to use a color-safe or white cloth so that there is no chance of the dye transferring onto your blanket.

If the urine has already dried on the blanket, you can sprinkle some baking soda over it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then vacuum off the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner, which will help to absorb any lingering odors from the fabric fibers.

Apply Stain Remover Solution

To effectively tackle tough stains and odors caused by your furry friend, consider applying a stain remover solution next. Make sure to choose a product that is specifically designed to combat pet urine and its associated smells. There are a number of products available over-the-counter such as enzyme cleaners or enzymatic solutions that work by breaking down the urine and eliminating the odor-causing bacteria from deep within the fabric fibers.

Before applying the solution, make sure to do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the blanket first to ensure that it doesn’t cause damage to the fabric. Afterward, dampen the affected area with water and apply the cleaning solution according to the instructions provided on the packaging. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth until no more moisture can be absorbed. Finally, rinse the area thoroughly with water and let it air dry completely in the sun or using a fan.

Apart from that, there are many natural remedies available as well. One of the most effective ones is vinegar. You can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water solution into a spray bottle and apply it over the affected area generously. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing off with cold water and leave it to air dry naturally.

“For deodorizing and cleaning your home, consider adding white vinegar to your cleaning regimen. It’s a natural odor neutralizer, absorbs smells instead of just covering them up.” – Sarah Aguirre

• Always wash your blankets/pillowcases immediately after treating them as long-term exposure will damage the fabric fibres and affect their color.
• If you have trouble getting rid of dog smell out of your blanket, you may want to try washing it twice or thrice until the smell disappears entirely.

Use Vinegar And Baking Soda

Dogs are amazing companions, however, they can leave a strong odor on their belongings such as blankets. It is important to regularly clean your dog’s things like beddings to keep them smelling fresh and hygienic. Vinegar and baking soda are two common household items that come in handy for cleaning smelly blankets.

Mix Vinegar And Baking Soda Together

Vinegar and baking soda work amazingly well together when it comes to neutralizing odors. To make the mixture, combine equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl. The bubbling reaction that occurs between the two ingredients causes a chemical reaction that helps remove stains and smells. Keep in mind that using too much or too little creates a weak solution that won’t work effectively.

“Vinegar acts as a solvent while baking soda is an abrasive cleaner. Therefore, combining them may provide optimum cleaning results.” – Good Housekeeping

Apply The Mixture To The Stained Area

The next step is to apply the mixture directly to the stained area of the blanket. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the paste thinly across the surface. Be sure to cover all areas entirely where your dog likes to lie down and sleep. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush or cloth until the solution penetrates the fibers of the material.

“The underlying cause of bad pet smells is bacteria buildup. The acidic properties of vinegar break down molecular bonds within this bacterial makeup hence removing the smell source.” – PetMD

Let The Mixture Sit For 30 Minutes

Once the mixture is applied to the entire affected area of the blanket, leave it alone for half an hour. This time allows the vinegar and baking soda to penetrate deep into the fabric and suffocate any bacterias that contribute to the blanket’s unpleasant odor. You can hang up the blanket outside if possible, but make sure that it is away from direct sunlight.

“The advantage of using baking soda lies in its ability to absorb moisture thus drying out smelly areas.” – Cuteness

After 30 minutes have passed, rinse the mixture off thoroughly with running water until there are no traces of paste left on the blanket. You may add a small amount of detergent or mild soap while washing as this helps remove all traces of dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the material and cause irritation to your pet’s skin.

Finally, air dry the blanket by hanging it outside once more. Air-drying under the sun also has natural antibacterial properties due to the ultraviolet rays’ intensity, further killing any bacteria remaining on the fabric. If it’s not possible to place the blanket outdoors, you can use an electric fan or a hairdryer set to low heat mode to speed up the drying process.

The mentioned procedure is one of the quickest, easiest, and natural methods you can employ to keep your dog’s blankets smelling fresh all year round. By following these simple steps regularly, you can maintain a clean environment for both your furry friend and your entire household.

Wash Blankets With Enzyme-Based Detergent

If you have a furry friend at home, chances are their scent will cling onto various fabrics around the house. Dog blankets, in particular, tend to get smelly quite quickly due to frequent use and shedding of hair. Luckily, getting rid of unwanted odors is easy if you know what type of detergent to use. Follow these steps on how to get dog smell out of blankets.

Select An Enzyme-Based Detergent

The first step in washing your dog’s blanket is selecting the right type of detergent. Opt for an enzyme-based solution that specifically targets protein stains and neutralizes foul odor molecules. Many pet stores carry specialized detergents designed for animal-related messes, but regular enzyme-based laundry detergent works just as well. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach as those can damage the fibers of the blanket and reduce its effectiveness over time.

Add The Detergent To The Washing Machine

Once you have picked out the detergent, add the recommended amount into the washing machine. Make sure not to overload the washer with too many items at once as this can lead to insufficient cleaning and uneven drying. Also, avoid mixing the dog’s blanket with other clothing articles, especially ones worn outdoors or exposed to dirt and bacteria. Doing so may increase the risk of cross-contamination and leave lingering odors behind.

Wash The Blankets On A Hot Water Setting

The temperature of the water used plays a crucial role in washing away pet smells and bacteria from the blanket. Choose the hottest setting recommended for the fabric material to ensure maximum sanitation. Heat also activates the enzymes present in the detergent, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the fibers and break down any accumulated residues more effectively.

Run An Extra Rinse Cycle

To ensure a thorough and odor-free cleaning, it is important to run an additional rinse cycle after the initial wash. This step helps remove any remaining soap residue or bacteria that may have survived the first round. Use cold water this time, and add some vinegar or baking soda to provide a natural and effective deodorizing effect. These ingredients also help soften the fibers of the blanket and retain its fluffiness.

“Enzyme-based detergents work amazingly on pet-related stains since they break down organic molecules like proteins found in urine, saliva, blood, vomit, feces, and odors.” -Dr. Jason Nicholas, Chief Medical Officer at Preventive Vet.

Cleaning your dog’s blanket regularly not only gets rid of unpleasant smells but also maintains its cleanliness and hygiene. It is advisable to wash the blankets every week or two so that your furry friend can enjoy their cozy napping spot without any allergens or harmful microorganisms. With these simple steps, you can keep your home smelling fresh and lovely all year long, even if there are dogs around!

Dry The Blankets In The Sunlight

When your furry friend loves to snuggle with you in bed or on the couch, it’s not unusual for their smell to linger on blankets. Here are some tips on how to get dog smell out of blankets, without ruining the fabric.

Hang The Blankets Outside

The first step to getting rid of unwanted odors is to give your blankets a good shake and hang them up outside. Fresh air will help eliminate any leftover fur, dust, debris, and musty smells that cling onto the fibers of the blanket. Hanging the blanket on a clothesline outside in an open area where there’s plenty of sun exposure can make all the difference to the overall freshness of your best friend’s favorite spot.

If you don’t have a clothesline outside or don’t live in an ideal climate, consider hanging the blankets from a hanger on your shower rod. You can also use a drying rack inside if you dry laundry indoors. Just make sure not to overlap them too much so that each side gets equal exposure.

Avoid Direct Sunlight If The Blankets Are Colored

While sunlight usually helps neutralize tough smells like cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, and mildew, it may be harsh on colored blankets as direct sunlight can bleach colors. Therefore, always ensure that you hang only white blankets in direct sunlight. Alternatively, put colored ones in a shaded area under a tree if available where they’ll dry correctly but stay protected from the sun’s rays to prevent fading.

Rotate The Blankets Occasionally To Ensure Even Drying

No matter where you place your blankets to dry, try rotating them occasionally to ensure even drying. This will eliminate the risk of attracting dampness and moldy flat spots on your blankets that might lead to undesirable odors over time. It’s also essential to avoid leaving your blankets outside or in direct sunlight for too long as this can break down the fabric’s fibers.

By following these tips, you can get dog smells out of your blankets without spending a lot of money or using harsh chemicals. This will undoubtedly make snuggling up with your furry best friend even more comfortable and enjoyable, knowing that both are clean and fresh-smelling.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” -Josh Billings

Frequently Asked Questions