Getting dog smell out of blankets can be a real challenge. It seems like no matter what you do, that pesky scent just lingers and won’t go away. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we will provide some useful tips and advice on how to get dog smell out of blankets once and for all. Follow these steps and your blankets will be smelling fresh in no time!
How to Get Dog Odor Out of Blankets?
Have you ever gone to snuggle up with your favorite blanket only to be hit with a wave of dog smell? Or maybe you’ve been lying in bed, trying to drift off to sleep, when all of a sudden your nose is assaulted by the stench of your furry friend. Either way, it’s not a pleasant experience.
But don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of that dog smell! In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to do just that.
Routine Wash
First things first, if your blanket smells like a dog, it’s probably because it needs to be washed. Even if you can’t see any dirt or hair on the blanket, there could still be bacteria and other things lurking in the fabric. So, the best way to get rid of that dog smell is to wash your blanket regularly.
Now, you can’t just throw your blanket in the washing machine and be done with it. You need to take a few extra steps to make sure the blanket comes out smelling fresh and clean. Here’s what you need to do:
- Pre-treat any stains on the blanket with a stain remover or enzyme cleaner. These products will help break down any dirt or grime that’s embedded in the fabric.
- Wash the blanket on its own in hot water. This will kill any bacteria that might be causing the odor.
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle.
- Hang the blanket out to dry in the sun. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will help disinfect the fabric and get rid of any remaining odors.
Removing the Covers
If your blanket is made with natural fibers like cotton or wool, then you can try removing the covers and washing them separately. This will help remove any smells that might be trapped in the fabric.
To remove the covers, start by turning the blanket inside out. Then, use a seam ripper or small scissors to carefully cut along the seams. Once you’ve removed the covers, wash them according to the instructions above.
Once the covers are clean, you can put them back on the blanket and enjoy snuggling up with your fresh-smelling friend!
Preparing the Washing Cycles
The first step is to make sure that you have the right washing cycle set up. You’ll want to use a gentle or delicate cycle, with cold water for protecting your blankets from damage and also prevent the smell from setting in.
You’ll also want to add in a mild detergent. Avoid using anything with strong chemicals or fragrances, as these can actually make the smell worse. Stick to something simple and unscented.
Finally, you’ll need to choose the right drying cycle. Again, you’ll want to use a gentle setting and avoid using any heat. Heat can actually cause the smell to set into the fabric, making it much harder to remove later on.
Drying the Blanket
Once the washing cycle is complete, it’s time to dry your blanket. As we mentioned before, you’ll want to avoid using any heat. Hang your blanket up to air dry, or use a low-heat setting on your tumble dryer.
If possible, try to do this in a well-ventilated room for speeding up the drying process and also preventing the smell from becoming trapped in the fabric.
Cleaning of the Washing Machine
Once you’ve removed the blanket from the washing machine, it’s important to clean the machine itself. This will help to remove any lingering smells and also prevent them from being transferred to your other laundry.
Run an empty cycle on your washing machine, using hot water and a strong detergent for breaking down any residue, and leave your machine smelling fresh and clean.
Vinegar
If you find that the smell is still lingering, even after washing and drying, you may need to give your blanket a vinegar soak. This will help to remove any stubborn smells and leave your blanket smelling fresh and clean.
To do this, simply add half a cup of white vinegar to a basin of cold water. Soak your blanket for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Hang up to dry as normal.
Baking Soda
Another option for removing stubborn smells is to use baking soda. This natural substance is great for absorbing odors and leaving your blanket smelling fresh and clean.
To use, simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of your blanket. Leave it to sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. You may need to repeat this process several times to fully remove the smell.
Hydrogen Peroxide
For a more heavy-duty option, you can try using hydrogen peroxide for breaking down the molecules that cause the smell.
To use, simply mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Spray the solution over the entire surface of your blanket and leave it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and hang up to dry.
Specially Formulated Laundry Detergent
If the odor persists, you may need to use a specifically designed laundry detergent. These products are designed to break down odors and leave your blankets smelling fresh and clean.
Look for a detergent that is specifically designed for removing pet smells. Follow the instructions on the packaging, using the recommended amount for your load size.
Oxy Booster Or Borax
Oxy boosters work by releasing oxygen molecules into the air for breaking down smells. Borax is a natural deodorizer. Simply add one cup of borax when washing your blankets.
Deodorizing Spray
There are a number of deodorizing sprays available on the market. Simply spray the affected area and allow it to dry.
Dog Shampoo
If you are looking for a more targeted approach, then consider using dog shampoo. It is designed to break down oils and dirt. Simply wet the affected area and apply the shampoo before rinsing it off.
Ozone Machine
Ozone machines are more expensive, but they are very successful in removing dog odor from blankets. Ozone machines work by releasing ozone into the air which helps to break down odors. You can either buy an ozone machine or rent one from a home improvement store. [1]
Safety Note
Mixing Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar with Detergent can produce Chlorine gas. Mix them in a well-ventilated area.
If you’re here, it’s likely because you have a stinky dog blanket problem. Maybe your pup likes to snuggle with their blankets, or maybe they had an accident on them.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to remove that dog smell.
Try washing your blanket with some vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural odor eliminator. Just add a cup of vinegar along with your regular detergent. Wash the blanket on a normal cycle and then hang it outside to dry.
If the vinegar doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you can try adding hydrogen peroxide to the mix. It is another great odor eliminator.
Drying Tips For Removing The Smell From A Dog’s Blanket
One of the best ways to eliminate a dog smell is to sun-dry outside. You can also try using a clothesline or drying rack. If you have access to a backyard, this is the best option.
Once it is completely dry, you can then put it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle using a mild detergent. If the blanket is still smelling, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle.
After washing, ensure to hang the blanket outside to dry completely before storing it away.
Hang The Blanket In The Sun
If you’re looking for a natural way to remove the dog smell from a blanket, hanging it in the sun is the best option. Sunlight eliminates any bacteria that may be causing the odor.
Perfumed Drying Sheets
The quick way to eliminate the smell is by using perfumed drying sheets. You can find them at most stores that sell laundry supplies.
All you need to do is put one of the sheets in the dryer with the blanket and run it on a low setting.
How To Prevent My Dog’s Blanket From Smelling
Wash The Blanket Frequently
The finest approach to keep the blanket from smelling is to wash it on a regular basis. At least once a month should do the trick, but more often if necessary. Use a mild detergent and ensure the blanket is completely dry before storing it. Use a fabric freshener on your dog’s blanket between washes. If you have an especially smelly dog, you may need to wash the blanket more often than usual. Some dogs are simply prone to having stronger-smelling skin and fur than others. In these cases, regular baths and grooming can help reduce the amount of odor that gets transferred to the blanket.
Remember that certain fabrics tend to hold onto smells more than others. If your dog’s blanket is made of particularly absorbent material, it may need to be washed more often than one made of less absorbent fabric.
Bathe Your Dog Frequently
Another way to keep your dog’s blanket from smelling is to make sure you’re bathing your dog frequently. This will help reduce the amount of odor-causing bacteria that gets transferred from your dog’s skin and fur to the blanket. How often you need to bathe your dog depends on a few factors, including how much time they spend outside, what kind of shampoo you use, and whether they have any medical conditions that require special care. In general, though, most dogs only need a bath every one to two weeks.
Use A Dog Bed Cover
You may want to consider using a dog bed cover. This is a piece of fabric that goes over the top of your dog’s blanket and can be removed and washed separately from the blanket itself. Dog bed covers are especially helpful if you have an older dog who is incontinent or if your dog likes to sleep outside and bring in all kinds of dirt and debris on their fur.
It can also help extend the life of your dog’s blanket by protecting it from wear and tear. If you have a particularly active or destructive dog, a cover can help prevent their nails from tearing holes in the fabric or their teeth from chewing through the threads.
Keep Your Dog Clean
One of the best ways to keep your dog’s blanket from smelling is to make sure they’re clean. This means regular baths, brushing, and grooming. The more often you can remove dirt, debris, and excess oil from your dog’s fur, the less likely it is that their blanket will start to smell.
If you have a particularly smelly or dirty dog, you may need to increase the frequency of their baths. Some dogs simply produce more oil than others, which can lead to a stronger body odor. In these cases, bathing your dog once a week or even every other day may be necessary to keep their blanket smelling fresh.
Finally, remember that certain fabrics tend to hold onto smells more than others. If your dog’s blanket is made of particularly absorbent material, it may need to be washed more often than one made of less absorbent fabric. [2]
Regular baths, brushing, and grooming will go a long way towards reducing the amount of odor-causing bacteria on your dog’s fur. And if you’re using a particularly absorbent fabric for their blanket, you may need to increase the frequency of your washings to prevent smells from building up.
FAQ
How do you get dog smell out of fabric?
There are a few things you can do to try and remove the dog smell from your fabric items. You can wash them in a washing machine using detergent and vinegar, you can soak them in baking soda and water, or you can rub them down with essential oils.
Of course, if the item is really valuable or delicate, you might want to take it to a professional cleaner who will know how to best deal with the issue.
Why do my blankets smell like dogs after washing?
There are a few reasons. The most common reason is that you’re not using the right detergent. You need to use a detergent that’s designed for removing pet odors, otherwise, the smell will just come back. Another reason could be that you’re not washing your blankets often enough. If you don’t wash them at least once a week, the smell will build up over time and become more difficult to remove.
Finally, it could be that your dog is simply too stinky! If you’ve tried all of the above and nothing seems to work, you might need to consider giving your dog a bath more often. [4]
How do you get dog smell out of blankets with baking soda?
The first step is to eliminate as much hair from the blanket as possible. A lint roller or tape can work for this, a vacuum with an upholstery attachment will work best. Once you’ve removed the hair, sprinkle baking soda all over the blanket and let it sit for 30 min. Vacuum up the baking soda. [5]
If the blanket still has a bit of a dog smell after using baking soda, you can try using vinegar. Again, start by removing any hair from the blanket. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and generously mist the blanket with the solution. Let it for 30 min, then blot it dry with a towel. The vinegar smell will dissipate as the blanket dries and your blanket should be free of any dog smells!
How do I stop my bedding from smelling like a dog?
This is a common question we get asked, and there are a few things you can do to help keep the bedding smelling fresh. Ensure your dog is clean – this sounds obvious, but it’s important! A clean dog is less likely to transfer dirt and smells onto your bedding.
Secondly, wash your bedding regularly – at least once a week to eliminate any smells that have built up over time. Finally, consider using a deodorizing spray or powder on your bedding – these can help to mask any lingering smells. [6]
If you’re still struggling with dog smell in your bedding, then it might be worth trying one of the following tips:
- Place a bowl of baking soda in your room – this will help to absorb any smells
- Place a few drops of essential oil on a cloth and place this near your bedding – the scent of the oil will help to mask any odors
- Hang your bedding outside in the sun for a few hours.
Useful Video: *How to keep dogs’ bedding smelling clean and fresh*
Conclusion
Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients in your home and can be used for a variety of purposes, including removing dog smells from your bedding. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto your bedding and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up. This will help to absorb any odors that are present. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it onto your bedding – this will help to mask any lingering smells.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any other tips or tricks for getting dog smell out of blankets, then please share them with us in the comments below. And if you’re still struggling, then don’t hesitate to contact a professional cleaner – they’ll be able to offer more advice and assistance. Thanks for reading!
References
- https://highpeakpets.com/how-to-get-the-dog-smell-out-of-blankets/
- https://bitzngiggles.com/how-to-remove-pet-smells-from-blankets/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/get-dog-smell-out-couch/
- https://www.quora.com/Every-time-I-wash-and-dry-my-blankets-they-smell-bad-like-dog-but-it-never-happens-to-my-clothes-Why-would-this-be
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_how_to_remove_the_smell_of_dog_without_removing_the_dog
- https://kolchakpuggle.com/2014/01/how-to-keep-dog-smell-out-of-your-bed.html