To get dog smell out of blankets, shake or lint-roll off the hair, then wash them in the warmest water the care label allows with your usual detergent, adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, and dry them completely. Baking soda, steam, fresh air and sunshine, or an enzyme-based pet odor spray can freshen blankets in between washes.
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. If the smell is coming from your dog rather than the blankets, skip the human perfume; we explain why in I accidentally sprayed perfume on my dog.
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.
- Put them in the washing machine with white vinegar
- Use baking soda
- Use a garment steamer
- Hang them outside to air out
- Use a pet odor eliminator spray
How to get dog smell out of blankets – 5 Tips
1Put 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. Shake the blanket outside or run a lint roller over it first, since loose hair holds onto odor. Wash with your regular detergent, then add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle (or the fabric softener compartment), since vinegar can cancel out detergent if you add them at the same time. The vinegar helps neutralize odors and rinse away residue, leaving your blankets smelling fresh and clean. Never mix vinegar with bleach.
Don’t overload the machine so the blanket has room to move, and dry it completely afterward. A blanket that stays damp can quickly develop a musty smell of its own.
If you don’t have a washing machine, you can soak your blankets in a tub of warm water and vinegar for 30 minutes before washing and rinsing them out.
2Use 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.
3Use 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.
4Hang 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 use around dogs. Most are fine when used as directed, including fabric refreshers like Febreze, as long as you let the fabric dry before your dog lies on it. Avoid sprays with essential oils, which can irritate dogs.
Important to note is that many of these sprays don’t clean; they mainly mask or neutralize the smell. Enzyme-based cleaners are the exception, as they break down organic residue like urine and saliva. Either way, be sure to wash your blankets regularly, even if you’re using a spray.
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 remove hair before you clean them. With a little elbow grease, you should be able to get rid of that dog smell for good! If hair is the bigger problem, read how to get dog hair out of fleece blankets, and if your dog has sensitive skin, choose a laundry detergent for dogs with allergies.
