The Simple Kitchen Ingredient That Will Banish Dog Odors From Your Home

There are plenty of good reasons why dogs have earned the title of man's best friend, but there is nothing friendly about the odors they can leave around the house. We've all been there before — coming home after a long day at work, excited for your four-legged friend to greet you, only to be hit in the face with the strong scent of dog as soon as you open the door. While some dog odors can result from allergies or an infection that requires your veterinarian's expertise to treat, most are harmless but very unpleasant. Fortunately, you don't need a pricey air freshener product designed specifically for homes with pets. One of the quickest fixes for getting rid of pet odors in your home is already in your kitchen cabinet: vinegar. That's because it contains acetic acid, which doesn't just cover up odors but fully removes them. Its acidic nature can neutralize alkaline odor molecules, eliminating them completely. It can also kill bacteria, which are responsible for many unpleasant pet odors.

Once you've housetrained your pup, you may think the unfortunate smells will dissipate, but it's not just accidents that pose a problem. To keep their coat hydrated and healthy, dogs' skin secretes oils that can have a strong odor. As they lie on your sofa or bed, they rub those oils all over, spreading the scent. If they haven't had a bath for a while, natural bacteria can also grow on their skin, which doesn't smell the best either. Sometimes, it's as simple as your dog rolling around in something stinky while playing outside or going for a walk on a rainy day and bringing the unmistakable scent of wet dog into your home.

You can use vinegar to fix many issues around the house. However, it is particularly effective as a dog-odor eliminator. Just like vinegar can get stinky body odor smells out of your sheets, for pet owners, the most persuasive reason to reach for white vinegar to remove odors is probably that it's non-toxic and won't pose any danger to your pup.

The good news is that not only is vinegar effective for removing dog odors, but it is also extremely easy to use. If you are dealing with an airborne odor that isn't contained to a specific piece of furniture, carpet, set of drapes, or other home furnishing, fill a bowl with white vinegar. Place it in the area with the unpleasant smell, and allow it to sit overnight to fully remove the odor.

For odors tied to a specific item, such as your sofa, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist the item lightly, avoiding over-dampening it, and allow it to dry. If your dog has had an accident on a rug or carpet, blot the area well, and then use the same vinegar solution to thoroughly wet the spot. Let it absorb for several minutes, and then blot again.