Eliminate odours in the house

How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes?

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: October 15, 2024
How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes?

Ever notice your clothes clinging to a lingering doggy scent, even after laundry day? While regular detergent tackles basic dirt, stubborn dog odor requires a different approach. We all love our furry friends, but their playful energy can leave a lingering doggy scent behind.

This oneHOWTO article unveils simple and effective natural methods to get rid of dog odor in clothes. Neutralize those unwanted smells and keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

You may also be interested in: How To Get Rid Of Fried Food Smell In The House

Steps to follow:

1

One of the classic methods for eliminating unpleasant odors is using baking soda in your cleaning routine. This versatile product not only softens clothes, but is also ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Baking soda effectively absorbs and eliminates odors, such as those left by pets on your clothes, leaving them fresh and clean.

To enjoy these benefits, simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to the washing machine drawer or directly into the water if washing by hand.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkali. This means it has a slightly basic pH level that can help neutralize acidic odors. Many unpleasant smells, like dog odor caused by bacterial breakdown, are slightly acidic. By neutralizing the acidity, baking soda disrupts the odor-causing compounds.

Also, baking soda has a highly porous structure with microscopic pockets. These pockets act like little sponges, trapping odor molecules within the powder. This prevents the odor from re-emitting and keeps your clothes smelling fresh.

Did you know baking soda can do wonders for your beauty routine? Explore its natural power for a healthier and more radiant appearance.

How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes? - Step 1
2

Another highly effective natural remedy for eliminating dog odors from clothes is apple cider vinegar. Like baking soda, this product neutralizes and eliminates odors, ensuring your clothes are free from any unpleasant smells.

To use apple cider vinegar, simply add 1/4 cup to the detergent compartment of your washing machine. If washing clothes by hand, add this amount directly to the water for effective odor removal.

ACV has mild antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria on clothes. These bacteria can contribute to dog odor by breaking down sweat and organic material on fabrics. By killing these bacteria, ACV reduces the source of some odor-causing compounds.

Finally, while baking soda neutralizes acidic odors, ACV's slight acidity can help break down certain odor-causing molecules. For example, it can help break down the ammonia compounds sometimes present in dog urine.

How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes? - Step 2
3

One of the main reasons foul odors cling to your clothing is due to hair and debris that get stuck in the fabric. Dog hair can trap dirt, dander, and bacteria, all of which contribute to dog odor. To effectively remove these odors, it's essential to eliminate all lint and hairs trapped on your clothes.

The most effective method for this is using a lint roller, which gathers excess hair, ensuring your clothes are thoroughly clean. This step is crucial before attempting to eliminate strong dog odors from your clothing. By removing dog hair, lint rollers also help other odor-fighting methods work more effectively.

Whether you're using baking soda, vinegar, or commercial odor removers, a lint-free surface allows these solutions to come into direct contact with the fabric and neutralize or absorb odors more efficiently.

4

Lemon juice is a potent cleaner that effectively removes dog smells from clothing. Lemon juice has some natural deodorizing properties. The citric acid in lemon juice can help neutralize mild alkaline odors, potentially offering some effectiveness against certain odor components in dog smell.Similar to ACV, lemon juice has mild antibacterial properties that might help reduce bacteria contributing to dog odor.

However, it's important to note that lemon juice also acts as a natural bleach, making it unsuitable for dark or brightly colored garments. It's best used on light or white clothes to avoid altering their appearance. Only use it for spot treatment on small, inconspicuous areas where dog odor is concentrated.

To utilize lemon's cleaning properties, mix half a cup of water with half a cup of lemon juice and stir well. Add this mixture to your washing machine or the water used for handwashing clothes. This will effectively eliminate foul odors, leaving your clothes with a fresh, clean scent.

After using lemon juice, rinse the treated area thoroughly with water to remove any leftover acidity that could damage the fabric.

Go to our other article to discover how this versatile citrus fruit can tackle grime throughout your home, leaving everything clean and naturally fresh.

How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes? - Step 4
5

In addition to these methods, taking specific hygiene measures can help reduce dog odors. Mixing one cup of apple cider vinegar into your regular dog shampoo effectively neutralizes the strong smell of a greasy dog coat.

After your dog swims, drying its coat thoroughly is crucial to prevent lingering odors caused by moisture. Use a towel or a hairdryer set on a low heat and kept at a safe distance from the dog's body to avoid burning or overheating.

Regularly brushing your dog's coat is another effective way to minimize dog odor. This practice helps remove loose hairs and reduces the amount of hair and dust in your home and on your clothes. Aim to brush your dog's coat every day or every two days to maintain good hygiene.

How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes? - Step 5

If you want to read similar articles to How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes?, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.

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How to Get Rid of Dog Odor in Clothes?