How to Remove Dog Smell from Blankets (For Good)

One downside to having a dog is that they can leave a lingering smell on your blankets.

Whether it’s from cuddling with your pup on the couch or letting them sleep in your bed and burrow under the blankets, the dog smell can be tough to get rid of.

Fortunately, there are several simple methods you can use to remove the smell and keep your blankets smelling fresh.

Understanding Dog Odors

Before you can effectively get rid of the dog smell on your blankets, it’s important to understand where the odor is coming from. Dogs have a unique scent that is caused by their skin, fur, and sweat.

Additionally, dogs have scent glands that secrete oils, which can also contribute to their odor. When your dog spends time on your blankets, they leave behind a combination of these scents, which can be difficult to remove.

Causes of Dog Smell

Dog smells can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Natural oils: Dogs have natural oils in their skin that can transfer onto blankets and other fabrics, causing a distinct odor.
Paw sweat: Dogs sweat mainly through their paw pads, so blankets they walk and lie on pick up that scent.
Dirt and debris: Dogs may pick up dirt and debris on their fur when they are outside, which can transfer onto blankets and other fabrics.
Urine and feces: Accidents can happen, and if your dog has an accident on a blanket, the smell can linger even after the mess has been cleaned up.

Understanding the cause of the dog smell on your blankets can help you choose the best method for removing the odor, and may even make you think twice before letting your dog play in the rain again.

Types of Blanket Fabrics

Different types of blanket fabrics may require different methods for removing dog smells.

Here are some common types of blanket fabrics and tips for removing dog odors:

Cotton: Cotton blankets are durable and easy to clean. To remove dog smells, wash the blanket in hot water with a heavy-duty detergent.
Wool: Wool blankets can shrink or felt in hot water. Follow the care label, which usually means cold water, a gentle cycle and a wool-safe detergent.
Fleece: Fleece can trap dog smells. Wash it in the warmest water its care label allows and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Synthetic: Polyester and other synthetics can be damaged by very hot water. Wash them at the temperature on the label and add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your blankets smelling fresh. One way to prevent dog odor from building up on your blankets is to limit your dog’s access to them.

You can also use a washable dog blanket or cover your blankets with a sheet that can be easily washed. Another preventive measure is to regularly groom your dog to keep their skin and fur clean and healthy.

Regular Grooming

One of the best ways to prevent dog smell from permeating your blankets is to keep your furry friend clean. Regular grooming helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair that can contribute to the unpleasant odor.

Brush your dog’s fur at least once a week to remove loose hair and debris.

Bathe your dog with a dog shampoo when they get dirty or smelly. How often depends on the coat and skin, so ask your vet if your dog has skin problems.

Proper Dog Bed Maintenance

Your dog’s bed can also contribute to the dog smell in your blankets. Make sure your dog’s bed is clean and well-maintained. Wash the bed cover and any blankets or pillows regularly.

Use a fragrance-free detergent and skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They leave a residue that can trap odors and may irritate sensitive skin.

In addition, consider using a waterproof liner under your dog’s bed cover. This will help to prevent any urine or other bodily fluids from seeping into the bed and causing an unpleasant odor. You can also sprinkle baking soda on your dog’s bed to help absorb any odors.

By following these simple preventive measures, you can help to keep your blankets smelling fresh and clean, even with a furry friend in the house.

Washing Techniques

By choosing the right detergent, using baking soda and vinegar, and using the right water temperature and cycle settings, you can effectively remove dog smell from blankets.

Choosing the Right Detergent

When washing blankets that have dog smell, it’s important to choose the right detergent. Look for a detergent that is specifically designed for removing odors and stains. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can actually trap odors in the fabric.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Before washing, sprinkle about a cup of baking soda onto the dry blanket, let it sit for 30 minutes, then shake it out. Wash as usual and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Keep the two in separate steps. Mixed together, baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other and lose most of their cleaning effect.

Water Temperature and Cycle Settings

Use the hottest water the care label allows, since warmer water removes body oils and odors better.

For heavily soiled blankets, use a longer wash cycle to ensure that the blanket is thoroughly cleaned.

Natural Deodorizers

Essential Oils

Skip essential oils on anything your dog or cat lies on. The ASPCA warns that essential oils on a pet’s coat or skin can cause unsteadiness, depression and low body temperature, and concentrated tea tree oil can cause problems with just a few drops.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control also lists eucalyptus as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of its essential oil. If a pet licks or eats an oil, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

DIY Natural Sprays

Another natural way to deodorize your dog’s blankets is to make your own spray. Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on your blankets, then let them air dry. The vinegar smell fades as it dries.

Another option is to mix baking soda and water in a spray bottle. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors and can help to eliminate the dog smell from your blankets. Simply spray the mixture onto your blankets and let it sit for a few hours before washing.

Vinegar and baking soda are mild options that are gentle on most fabrics.

Sun-Drying and Aeration

If your blankets have a dog smell, sun-drying and aeration can help eliminate the odor. Follow these guidelines to get the best results.

Benefits of Sunlight

Sunlight and fresh air help dry blankets fully and can reduce lingering odors. Sun can also fade some stains, and some colors, so turn dark blankets inside out.

Proper Airing Practices

To sun-dry your blankets, first, shake them out to remove any loose hair or debris. Then, hang them outside on a clothesline or over a balcony railing in direct sunlight. Be sure to spread the blankets out evenly to ensure that they dry evenly.

Leave them outside for several hours, or until they are completely dry. If the weather is not sunny, you can still air out your blankets by hanging them in a well-ventilated area, such as near an open window or a fan.

To maximize the benefits of sun-drying and aeration, follow these practices:

Wash the blankets before sun-drying them to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can leave a residue on the blankets that may trap odors.
If your blankets are particularly smelly, you may need to repeat the sun-drying process several times to completely eliminate the odor.

Deep Cleaning Solutions

When regular washing isn’t enough to get rid of the dog smell from your blankets, it’s time to turn to deep cleaning solutions.

Here are two effective options to consider:

Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down organic matter, such as urine and feces, that can cause unpleasant odors. These cleaners contain enzymes that target the source of the smell, breaking it down and eliminating it.

To use an enzymatic cleaner on your blankets, follow these steps:

Check the label to make sure the cleaner is safe for use on the type of fabric your blanket is made of.
Apply the cleaner directly to the affected area, making sure to saturate it completely.
Let the cleaner sit for the recommended amount of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
Rinse the blanket thoroughly with water.
Allow the blanket to air dry.

Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using an enzymatic cleaner, as some products may require additional steps or precautions.

Professional Services

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get rid of the dog smell from your blankets, it may be time to call in the professionals.

Many cleaning companies offer specialized services for pet odors, using powerful equipment and cleaning solutions to deep clean your blankets and eliminate even the toughest odors.

Look for a cleaner with pet odor experience, and ask what products they use. Professional cleaning costs more than DIY, but it can help with large or delicate blankets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best practices for washing dog blankets to avoid lingering odors?

Wash dog blankets often, in the warmest water the label allows, and use an extra rinse cycle so no detergent is left behind.

Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can leave a residue that can trap odors. It is also a good idea to wash the blankets separately from other laundry to prevent cross-contamination.

How can I effectively remove dog urine smell from blankets and carpets?

To effectively remove the dog urine smell from blankets and carpets, start by blotting up as much of the urine as possible with a clean cloth. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray the affected area.

Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the odor is gone. You can also use a pet odor neutralizer, which is specifically designed to eliminate pet odors.

What can be done to prevent dog bedding from retaining odors over time?

To prevent dog bedding from retaining odors over time, it is important to wash the bedding regularly. You should also vacuum the bedding regularly to remove any hair or dander that can trap odors.

If possible, air out the bedding in the sun between washes. If you use an odor spray, choose one labeled safe for use around pets and let it dry before your dog lies down.

Sources

The Essentials of Essential Oils Around Pets, ASPCA
Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Eucalyptus, ASPCA Animal Poison Control