Eliminate Pet Odour Naturally with Water, Vinegar, and Essential Oils

Learn How to Eliminate Pet Odours Naturally with Vinegar and Essential Oils

We adore our pets and can't imagine life without them, but what happens when our home carries the scent of our furry friends? As pet owners, we often become accustomed to these smells and might not notice them, but visitors can be met with an unwelcome odour.

The key is to identify the source of the odour. For example, my dog's natural oils, dander, and shedding fur produce a scent that is absorbed by our carpets, area rugs, furniture, and other surfaces.

Our dogs enjoy the outdoors, which can lead to unpleasant odours. Additionally, if our furry friends have accidents, it's crucial to find solutions that are effective and safe for them.

The key and most effective ingredient in the spray I'm making today is 5% acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar.

Vinegar's acetic acid neutralizes odours by chemically reacting with and breaking down the molecules that cause the smell. Unlike some air fresheners that merely mask odours, vinegar effectively removes them.

Anyone who has welcomed a puppy into their home knows that accidents are unavoidable. The best method to clean urine or vomit is to use diluted vinegar, as it breaks down and neutralizes the odour, preventing your puppy from associating the area as a new spot to relieve themselves.

There are numerous effective remedies available, but in this video, I'll concentrate on a spray that I frequently use on my area rugs. I avoid using baking soda because its tiny particles can damage your vacuum cleaner.

Step 1: Identifying the Source of the Odour

1)         Regularly brushing your dog's coat can help with shedding and minimize odours.

2)         Bathe your dog at least once a month or as advised by your veterinarian. Some dogs have less oil production and dry skin, so it's important to follow their guidance.

3)         Keep your dog's sleeping area clean.

4)         Vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture regularly.

5)         Dust surfaces regularly.

6)         Test a small area first to ensure the spray doesn't alter the fabric's colour.

Note: Be aware that vinegar may weaken or discolour certain fabrics like wool. Please research and test the spray before applying.

Spray Recipe:

To tackle strong odors, mix equal parts of tap water or distilled water and vinegar in a small spray bottle. Plastic bottles will work well for our purpose. The acetic acid in vinegar serves as a cleaning and deodorizing agent. Adding essential oils will provide fragrance and antimicrobial benefits. Be sure to shake the mixture to form a temporary emulsion since vinegar is water-based and doesn't mix with oil. The vinegar smell will eventually fade away.

To achieve a 0.25% dilution in 100 ml of solution, you only need five drops of essential oils. (This is suggested if you have puppies, kittens, cats, birds, and other delicate animals)

For a 0.50% dilution with 100 ml of solution, simply use 10 drops of essential oils. In the above video, I used 0.50% dilution as I found that the scent was strong enough.

To create a 1% dilution in 100 ml of solution, use 20 drops of essential oils. (This is recommended if you have healthy adult dogs)

I value Amy Williams Delong's advice from her Holistic Pet Care Masterclass, which emphasizes assessing an animal's sensitivity instead of its size.

Remember, our furry companions have a significantly more acute sense of smell than humans, so it's vital not to inundate them with fragrances.

Moreover, selecting essential oils that are safe for pets is crucial. Tisserand recommends using spearmint around cats as a safer alternative to peppermint.

I recommend the following essential oils, deemed safe by Robert Tisserand at TisserandInstitute.org:

Bergamot

Cedarwood

Roman chamomile

Lavender

Sweet Orange

Patchouli

Vetiver

In addition to their safety, these oils can also be beneficial if your dog experiences anxiety.

Before applying the spray to my carpet or furniture, I ensure my pets are not in the vicinity. After spraying, I allow 15 to 25 minutes for the carpet to dry completely. Check the carpet by patting it to confirm it's dry before allowing your pets back into the area.

It's important to remember that cats lack certain enzymes needed to break down chemical compounds like alcohol and phenols, so it's best to steer clear of these substances.

You will observe that this spray solution leaves your space smelling fresh with a hint of the essential oil you selected. Although the scent doesn't linger for long, your home should still feel and smell more refreshed.