HOW TO GET CAT AND DOG SMELLS OUT OF CLOTHES
If youʼre a pet owner, you're probably no stranger to dealing with pet odors on your clothes. Whether it's the distinct smell of cat spray, the lingering wet dog scent or the unpleasant aroma of dog or cat pee, pet smells can be tough to eliminate from clothing.
Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies you can use to get rid of these odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Use this article to learn a few methods for removing dog and cat smells from clothes using easily available household items.
DOES DOG AND CAT SMELL GO AWAY?
While it is not likely that bad pet smells will just go away on their own, they can be removed with proper care. If you take steps to address the source of the odor, such as washing clothes with odor-eliminating detergents or using natural remedies like baking soda for dogʼs smell, you can successfully remove pet smells from clothes in many cases.
However, it's important not to ignore the odor for too long, since it may persist if steps are not taken to address it.
GUIDE TO GETTING DOG AND CAT SMELLS OUT OF CLOTHES
Dealing with pet odors on your clothes may not be the most enjoyable experience. However, you can usually eliminate these odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh with the right technique. By following the possible solutions below, you may be able to banish pet smells from your clothes and enjoy a clean and fresh wardrobe.
SUPPLIES:
Baking soda
Odor-eliminating laundry detergent
Enzymatic cleaner (for stubborn odors)
Optional: Fabric softener
TOOLS:
Washing machine
Dryer
Basin or bucket (for soaking)
Lint roller
1: Use a deep-cleaning detergent
Start by choosing a detergent specifically designed for removing tough odors, such as dog pee. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results. Flush the area as well as you can with cold water before washing with the warmest water setting recommended on your item’s care tag.
2: ADD FABRIC SOFTENER
While fabric softener will not aid in cleaning your clothing, adding a fabric softener to your wash cycle can help eliminate lingering pet smells. Choose a high-quality fabric softener that is designed to fight odors like a cat’s spray smell.
3: PROTECT CLOTHES FROM ODOR WITH ADDITIONAL LAUNDRY CLEANERS
For an extra boost of freshness, add a laundry booster to your wash cycle. These products are specifically designed to help neutralize tough odors and protect your clothes or dog blankets from future smells.
4: REPEL PET HAIR
Pet hair can contribute to unpleasant odors on clothes. To prevent this, you can use a lint roller or dryer sheets/balls to remove pet hair before washing. Some washers and dryers also come with pet hair removal features, such as specialized cycles or built-in lint traps.
The Maytag® Pet Pro System is a laundry set designed to help you conquer pet hair. The built-in Pet Pro Filter1 in the washer removes 5X more pet hair2 for a clean you can see, while the XL lint trap in the dryer is built to trap and remove loads of pet hair.
5: FIGHT ODORS WITH FABRIC REFRESHERS
For an extra boost of freshness, use a fabric refresher spray after washing your clothes. These products can help eliminate lingering odors and keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh.
6: USE A LINT ROLLER
After washing and drying your clothes, use a lint roller to remove any remaining hair that might have lingering pet odors and keep your clothes looking and smelling clean.
7: USE BAKING SODA
Baking soda is another natural odor eliminator that can be added to your wash cycle. Simply add a little bit of baking soda along with your detergent to help neutralize pet smells.
8: USE ENZYMES
Enzyme-based laundry products can help break down pet stains and odors at the molecular level. Look for laundry detergents and boosters that contain enzymes for maximum odor-fighting power.
DOES DOG AND CAT PEE WASH OUT OF CLOTHES?
Yes, with proper care and treatment, dog and cat pee stains and smells can be removed from many types of clothes. Promptly treating the affected area, using enzymatic cleaners and washing the clothes in hot water with a deep-cleaning detergent may help to remove the stains and smells.
HOW DO I GET DOG AND CAT SMELLS OUT OF MY WASHING MACHINE?
To get rid of dog and cat smells from your washing machine, try using cleaning agents like affresh® washing machine cleaner.3 Affresh® is specially formulated to target and eliminate odor-causing residue, including those caused by pet smells.
Shut the washing machine door and choose the cleaning cycle. When cleaning a top load washer, run a rinse and spin cycle when the cleaning cycle finishes to remove any residue. Then keep your washer door until the tub dries.
Baking soda is another safe and effective option with deodorizing capabilities. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the drum and run a hot water cycle to neutralize unpleasant smells.
Always check your owner's manual to ensure that using baking soda is safe for your specific washing machine model. Regularly incorporating these cleaning agents into your washing machine maintenance routine will help keep your machine fresh and odor-free.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING PET ODORS AWAY?
Here are some helpful tips for keeping pet odors away:
Wash pet toys, beds, collars, bowls and accessories regularly.
Bathe and groom pets frequently to reduce odor.
Use air purifiers or odor-neutralizing sprays in pet areas.
Clean up pet accidents immediately and thoroughly.
Vacuum and dust regularly to remove pet hair and dander.
Use baking soda on carpets and furniture to absorb odors.
Keep litter boxes and pet areas clean and well-ventilated.
- Consider using fragrance sprays or diffusers with pet-friendly scents.
Consult with a veterinarian if your pet has persistent odor issues.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS
Conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer removes 5x more pet hair,4 while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
Explore more pet laundry tips with Maytag brand
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1. The Maytag® Pet Pro System and the recommended brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
2. Comparing normal cycle with Pet Pro filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.
3. Affresh® and the recommending brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
