Overview of the Issue
When dogs ride in cars, they can leave behind a stinky smell that’s hard to get rid of. This smell sticks around and makes the car not so nice to be in. It happens because of things like dog hair, bits of skin, and slobber that get stuck in the seats and carpets. If we don’t do something about it, the smell can get even worse! But don’t worry, there are ways to fix it and make the car smell good again.
Finding the Root Cause
When tackling the task of getting rid of that stubborn dog smell in your car, it’s essential to first pinpoint where the odor is coming from. Here are some common culprits:
Dog Hair
– Dog hair can easily get trapped in the fibers of car seats, carpets, and upholstery, especially if your furry friend sheds a lot.
– Even if you can’t see it, dog hair can hold onto odors and contribute to the overall smell in the car.
Saliva
– Dogs tend to drool, especially during car rides or when they’re excited.
– Saliva can leave behind a sticky residue on surfaces, which can harbor bacteria and emit an unpleasant smell over time.
Dander
– Dander consists of tiny flecks of skin shed by animals like dogs.
– These particles can become airborne and settle into the upholstery and carpets of your car, where they can emit an unpleasant odor.
Organic Residues
– Other organic residues from your dog, such as sweat and oils from their skin, can also contribute to the overall odor in your car.
– These substances can penetrate surfaces and create a lingering smell that is difficult to eliminate.
How to Identify the Source?
To identify the main source of the odor, you can:
– Visually inspect the interior of your car for any visible signs of dog hair, saliva stains, or accumulated debris.
– Use your sense of smell to pinpoint areas where the odor is strongest. Pay close attention to areas where your dog frequently sits or lays down.
– If necessary, use a flashlight to illuminate dark corners and crevices where odor-causing particles may be hiding.
Why It’s Important?
Identifying the root cause of the odor is crucial because it allows you to target your cleaning efforts more effectively. By focusing on removing the specific substances that are contributing to the smell, you can achieve better results and prevent the odor from returning. Additionally, addressing the source of the odor helps to ensure a thorough and long-lasting solution, rather than just masking the smell
Steps to get rid of dog smell in car
Cleaning parts of the car that you can take out, like seat covers, floor mats, and blankets your dog sits on, is a good idea. Here’s how to do it:
Gather the Removable Parts:
Take out anything from the car that you can wash, like seat covers, floor mats, and blankets your dog uses.
Use Pet-Safe Detergent:
Find a special soap made for pets or a gentle detergent that won’t harm your furry friend.
Wash in the Machine or by Hand:
Follow the instructions on the detergent and wash the items in your washing machine if they’re machine washable. If not, you can wash them by hand in a basin or bathtub.
Dry Completely:
Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back in the car. You can air dry them outside or use a dryer if they’re safe for that.
By washing these parts with pet-safe detergent, you’ll help get rid of any dog smell stuck to them and make your car smell fresh again.
Vacuuming the Odor
To get rid of dog hair, dander, and dirt from your car’s seats and carpets, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Here’s how to do it:
Get Your Vacuum Ready:
Make sure your vacuum cleaner is clean and has a brush attachment. This attachment helps loosen up dirt and hair from upholstery and carpets.
Start with Seats:
Begin by vacuuming the seats thoroughly. Use the brush attachment to agitate the fabric and loosen any embedded dirt or hair.
Move to Carpets:
Next, move on to the carpets. Pay special attention to areas where your dog sits or lies down frequently, as these areas are likely to have more hair and dirt.
Work in Sections:
Divide the car into sections and vacuum one section at a time. This ensures thorough cleaning and prevents you from missing any spots.
Use Crevice Tool for Tight Spaces:
For hard-to-reach areas like between seats and in crevices, use a crevice tool attachment to suck up dirt and debris.
Empty Vacuum Regularly:
Empty the vacuum cleaner frequently to prevent it from getting clogged and losing suction power.
By using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, you can effectively remove dog hair, dander, and debris from your car’s upholstery and carpets, helping to eliminate the source of the odor.
Using Car Shampoo
To tackle dog odor in your car, you can use a special shampoo made for cars. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Shampoo:
Look for a car shampoo specifically designed to remove odors and stains from fabric seats, carpets, and other surfaces. Make sure it’s safe for use on your car’s interior materials.
Prepare the Shampoo:
Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle to mix it with water if necessary. Some shampoos come ready to use, while others need to be diluted.
Test in a Small Area:
Before applying the shampoo to the entire surface, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Apply to Surfaces:
Use a clean sponge or brush to apply the shampoo to the fabric seats, carpets, and other affected surfaces. Work in small sections and scrub gently to lift dirt and odors.
Rinse Thoroughly:
After scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth or sponge to rinse the shampoo off the surfaces. Make sure to remove all traces of shampoo to prevent residue buildup.
Allow to Dry:
Leave the car windows open or use a fan to help speed up the drying process. Ensure that the interior is completely dry before using the car again.
By applying a specially formulated car shampoo, you can effectively clean fabric seats, carpets, and other surfaces affected by dog odor, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean.
Changing Air Filters
To tackle persistent odors in your car, especially those trapped in the ventilation system, consider replacing the cabin air filters. Here’s how to do it:
Locate the Air Filter:
Find the location of the cabin air filter in your car. It’s typically located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard, but consult your car’s manual for specific instructions.
Purchase a Replacement Filter:
Buy a new cabin air filter that matches the make and model of your car. You can find compatible filters at auto parts stores or online.
Prepare for Replacement:
Open the glove compartment and remove any items stored inside. Some cars may require removing a panel or cover to access the filter.
Remove Old Filter:
Carefully remove the old cabin air filter from its housing. Pay attention to how it’s positioned so you can install the new one correctly.
Install New Filter:
Insert the new cabin air filter into the housing, ensuring it’s oriented the same way as the old one. Double-check that it’s securely in place.
Close Compartment:
If you had to remove any panels or covers, reattach them securely. Close the glove compartment door.
Test Airflow:
Turn on the car’s ventilation system and check if there’s improved airflow. You should notice fresher air circulating inside the car.
Odor Neutralizers
White vinegar
Using a mixture of white vinegar and water can effectively neutralize odors on surfaces in your car. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then apply it generously to areas like upholstery and carpets. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to penetrate the surface and neutralize odors. Afterwards, blot away excess moisture with a clean cloth and allow the area to air dry. This natural remedy helps eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving your car smelling fresh.
Vodka Solution
Using a mixture of vodka and water can be a handy solution for eliminating odors and bacteria in your car. Simply combine equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, then generously spray the mixture onto affected areas such as upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces.
The alcohol in the vodka helps to neutralize odors by breaking down odor-causing molecules, while also acting as a disinfectant to kill bacteria. Allow the area to air dry naturally, leaving behind a fresher and cleaner-smelling car interior.
Mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Creating a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is a powerful solution for tackling stubborn odors and stains in your car. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas, such as upholstery or carpets, using a clean cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub the paste into the surface, focusing on areas with tough odors or stains.
- Let the paste sit for at least 15-30 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down the odors and stains.
- Afterward, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and thoroughly dry the area.
This potent mixture effectively neutralizes odors and lifts stains, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean.
Bread
Placing slices of bread in your car can help absorb moisture and odors. Simply place slices of bread in strategic locations, such as on the seats or floor mats, and leave them overnight. The bread acts as a natural absorbent, soaking up moisture and capturing odors in the process. In the morning, remove the bread slices and discard them. This simple trick can help freshen up your car’s interior, leaving it smelling cleaner and more pleasant.
Enzymatic cleaner
Enzymatic cleaners are a powerful tool for eliminating deep odors caused by organic matter in your car. These cleaners contain special enzymes that break down the molecules responsible for odors at a molecular level. To use an enzymatic cleaner, simply follow these steps:
- Identify the areas in your car where the odors are strongest, such as carpets, upholstery, or floor mats.
- Spray the enzymatic cleaner directly onto the affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time specified on the product label. This allows the enzymes to penetrate deep into the fibers and break down the organic matter causing the odor.
- After the designated time has passed, blot the treated areas with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture and residue.
- Allow the treated areas to air dry completely. This may take several hours, depending on the level of saturation.
- Repeat the process if necessary for particularly stubborn odors.
Charcoal
Placing activated charcoal bags in your car is a natural and effective way to absorb odors and moisture. Here’s how to use them:
- Purchase activated charcoal bags specifically designed for odor absorption. These can typically be found at home improvement stores or online.
- Place the charcoal bags in strategic locations throughout your car, such as on the dashboard, under the seats, or in the trunk.
- Leave the bags in your car for several hours or overnight to allow them to absorb odors and moisture from the air.
- Periodically recharge the charcoal bags by placing them in direct sunlight for a few hours. This helps to rejuvenate the charcoal and extend its odor-absorbing capabilities.
- Replace the charcoal bags as needed, typically every few months depending on their effectiveness and the level of odor and moisture in your car.
Activated charcoal is highly porous and has a strong ability to adsorb odors and moisture, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean.
How to Prevent Dog Odor in the Future?
Give Your Pet a Blanket:
When your dog rides in the car, give them a blanket to sit on. This can help contain their shedding fur and reduce the transfer of odor to the car’s interior.
Keep Your Dog Clean:
Bathe and groom your dog regularly to keep their fur clean and minimize the amount of dander they shed. This can help reduce odor buildup in your car over time.
Keep Your Car Clean:
Take proactive measures to keep your car’s interior clean and fresh-smelling. Vacuum regularly to remove dog hair and debris, and use odor-neutralizing products to keep odors at bay.
Final Thoughts
To effectively get rid of dog smell in your car, follow these key steps: thoroughly clean the interior, utilize odor absorbers like charcoal or baking soda, steam clean or shampoo carpets and upholstery, replace cabin air filters, and implement preventive measures such as using a blanket for your pet during travel.
