Dogs are known for being adorable, cuddly creatures, but they can also be notorious for leaving behind an unpleasant smell. If your dog spends a lot of time sleeping on your bed or couch, it’s likely that the fabric will start to smell.
Luckily, there are some simple tips you can use to get the smell out. Check out the following 5 tips to learn how to remove dog odors from blankets.
How to get dog smell out of blankets – 5 Tips
Put them in the washing machine with white vinegar
By far the easiest way to get rid of dog smell from blankets is to wash them in the washing machine. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the load along with your regular detergent. The vinegar will help to break down the odor-causing bacteria and leave your blankets smelling fresh and clean.
If you don’t have a washing machine, you can soak your blankets in a hot water and vinegar tub for 30 minutes before rinsing them out.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is another fantastic solution for odors, including dog ones. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the afflicted area and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water to apply to the smelly areas. Let it dry before wiping it away.
We recommend putting the blankets in the washing machine after using this method to get rid of any residual baking soda.
Use a garment steamer
A garment steamer is a great tool for getting rid of dog smells from blankets without having to wash them. Just hold the steamer about 6 inches away from the fabric and move it around until the entire area is covered. The steam will help to break down the odor-causing bacteria and leave your blankets smelling fresh.
Another benefit of a garment steamer is that it can help to remove wrinkles and freshen up the fabric.
Hang them outside to air out
If you don’t have time to wash your blankets, you can hang them outside to air out. This is especially effective on sunny days when the UV rays from the sun will help to kill any bacteria that are causing the smell. Just make sure to hang them in a place where they won’t get dirty or wet.
So, how long should you hang them out? It depends on how strong the smell is. For a light smell, an hour or two should suffice. For a stronger smell, you may need to leave them out overnight.
Use a pet odor eliminator spray
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove dog smells from blankets, you can use a pet odor eliminator spray. Just spray the affected area and let it dry.
There are a variety of different pet odor eliminator sprays on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is safe for dogs. Luckily, most of them are safe for dogs. Even Febreze is safe for dogs.
Important to note is that most of these sprays do not clean, they just cover up the smell. So, be sure to wash your blankets regularly, even if you’re using a spray.
What to do if your blanket still has a dog smell after cleaning?
If your blanket still has a dog smell after cleaning, don’t despair. There are still a few things you can do to get rid of the odor.
First, try washing the blanket again in the washing machine, but this time set the temperature to the highest setting. This will kill any bacteria that is still present in the fabric.
If that doesn’t work, you can take the blanket to a dry cleaner or laundromat that specializes in pet odors. They should be able to get rid of the smell for you.
And finally, if you’ve tried all of the above and the blanket still has a dog smell, you may need to replace it. We know that’s not what you want to hear, but sometimes it’s the only solution. Luckily, there are plenty of great blankets out there that don’t smell like dogs.
Conclusion – How to get dog smell out of blankets
We hope this guide was helpful in teaching you how to get dog smell out of blankets. As you can see, there are a variety of different methods you can use, depending on your situation. Just remember to wash your blankets regularly and to vacuum them up after using any of the above methods. With a little elbow grease, you should be able to get rid of that dog smell for good!
