We all love our dogs, but boy can they stink sometimes. Especially in wet, rainy weather. Unfortunately, these unwanted odors don’t just cling to the dog’s coat. They also permeate the surfaces your dog comes into contact with. This How-To Guide explains how to get rid of that “wet dog smell” on furniture, carpets, bed, car seats and even the ambient air in your home or car. Read on – you’ll be breathing easy in no time!
In this guide:
- What’s the best dog odor remover: Neutralizer or deodorizer?
- How odor neutralizers work
- The right technique for removing dog smell from any surface
- Removing wet dog smell from your dog’s coat
- Removing wet dog smell from your car
- Removing wet dog smell from your house
- Easy trick for removing dog hair from clothing and fabrics
- Where to find Purodora products
What’s the best dog odor remover: Neutralizer or deodorizer?
The particle giving off that strong wet dog odor can seep into any hard or soft surface in your home or car. When it comes to eliminating any unwanted smell – pet odors or otherwise – you have to locate the source of the odor and neutralize it.
Unfortunately, most products sold simply mask or deodorize the smell; they don’t actually neutralize it. Many merely create an unpleasant mix of odors that can actually make the situation worse. Even if these products do work for a while, the pet odors will eventually return.
To completely eliminate stubborn animal odors for good, you need a product containing an odor neutralizer that’s specific to the molecule creating the odor.
Purodora products use advanced odor-neutralizing technology to eliminate even the most stubborn odors on contact (including products that eliminate skunk smell).
How odor neutralizers work
Purodora odor neutralizers quickly and permanently eliminate all types of animal odor problems, including dogs, cats, rodents and horses. (Even if the odor has been around for years.) As soon as the product comes into contact with the source of the odor, it molecularly binds to it to neutralize the odor. The odor instantly disappears. The only smell Purodora products leave behind is a clean fresh scent.
See the science behind this advanced odor neutralizing technology and why Purodora products are guaranteed to work!
Pro Tip
For best results, make sure the odor neutralizer reaches ALL of the animal odor
To eliminate stinky dog smells completely and permanently, odor neutralizers need to come into contact with the entire source of the odor. For deeply embedded odors, a few treatments may be needed for the product to reach all of the odor-causing molecules and neutralize them completely. Don’t give up! Eventually the odor will be gone for good!
The right technique for removing dog smell from any surface
Using the right products is important, but they will only take you so far. You also need to use the right odor-removing techniques. Below we explain the best odor-removing techniques and products that are proven to work.
Pro Tip
When we talk about the intensity of a dog odor, this refers to things like how long the smell has been embedded in the surface, the number of dogs in the house or car each day and for how long, and how smelly their coats are. The more intense the odor, the more treatments may be needed to completely eliminate the dog smell.
Removing wet dog smell from your dog’s coat
A dog’s coat can smell for all sorts of reasons (some we’d rather not know about). Here are two options for eliminating wet dog smell from any type of coat. You can use either method that’s most convenient for you, or alternate between the two as desired.
Method 1: Wash method
This method involves washing the pet’s coat with an odor neutralizing shampoo. It takes a bit more time and effort, but the results are worth it. The products recommended below will leave your pet’s coat squeaky clean and completely odor-free.
Required materials:
- Clean cloth, access to running water
Recommended products: (depending on your dog/type of odor)
- Purodora Pet Shampoo & Skunk Odor Neutralizer (better for treating intense odors on the coat, including skunk smells)
- OR
- Purodora Pet Shampoo for Curly Coats
- Purodora Pet Shampoo for Shaggy Coats
- Purodora Pet Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Why use Purodora Pet Shampoos
- Contains an odor neutralizer that’s guaranteed to work
- 3 formulations adapted to different coats
- Pet Shampoo for Curly Coats: nourishes, moisturizes and revitalizes curly coats
- Pet Shampoo for Shaggy Coats: moisturizes, conditions and detangles long coats
- Pet Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic formula gently moisturizes and restores shine to coats of animals with sensitive skin
- Safe for puppies and kittens
- Non-irritant; dermatologically tested
- Contains 90% natural ingredients
- Biodegradable, sulfate-free, paraben-free and silicone-free
Why use Purodora Pet Shampoo & Skunk Odor Neutralizer
- Contains a special odor neutralizer against skunk spray and other intense odors (urine, feces, wet hair, etc.)
- Instantly removes strong odors from the animal’s coat; doesn’t mask them like a deodorant would
- Paraben-free and pH balanced: gentler on your pet’s coat
- Non-irritant; dermatologically tested
- A great alternative to traditional shampoos for neutralizing intense odors on the coat of certain dog breeds
- Can also be used to neutralize skunk smell on a cat or dog
- Leaves a pleasant apple blossom scent on the coat for several days
How to shampoo your pet to remove odors on coat
- Wet the animal with warm water.
- Pour small amounts of shampoo all over the dog’s coat and work into a rich lather.
- Also treat the animal’s head, taking care to avoid the eyes and mouth.
- Leave the shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Dry the coat with a towel or hair dryer.
Pro Tip
Purodora Pet Shampoo & Skunk Odor Neutralizer normally produces a thick, rich lather. If it doesn’t, it means you either didn’t wet your pet enough or use enough shampoo.
Method 2: No-wash method
This is the quicker and easier method if you’re pressed for time. It involves simply spraying your pet with a pet odor neutralizer. The upside of this method is that you can spray the pet as often as needed between baths whenever its coat starts to smell. You can even use it to prevent the coat from smelling. The no-rinse product recommended below is safe to use frequently on your dog, cat or rodent, even if it licks itself.
- Required materials: None
- Recommended product: Purodora Skunk Odor Neutralizer for Pets
Why use Purodora Skunk Odor Neutralizer for Pets
- Guaranteed to eliminate common odors on the coats of dogs, cats, rodents and even horses (wet hair, urine, feces, cigarettes, etc.)
- Neutralizes odors on contact
- Easy-to-use: no diluting or rinsing required
- Paraben-free and safe for use on pets
- Non-irritant; dermatologically tested
- Also recommended for eliminating anal gland odors in the home
- Even completely neutralizes the smell of skunk on the animal’s coat
- Leaves a pleasant cotton flower scent on the coat
How to use Purodora Skunk Odor Neutralizer for Pets
To get rid of unwanted smells on the coat of your pet, such as a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, etc.:
- Spray Purodora Skunk Odor Neutralizer for Pets on the coat, taking care not to spray the eyes or mouth.
- Massage the product into the animal’s coat and allow to work. No rinsing required.
Removing wet dog smell from your car
Pets can really stink up a car – and the smell can linger forever. Here’s how you can eliminate that strong wet dog smell (or any other animal odors) in your car:
Required materials:
- Spray bottle, couple of clean cloths, bucket of water
Recommended products:
Why use Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer
- Quickly neutralizes and eliminates dog odors from all sorts of fabrics and upholstered furniture (car seats, carpets, clothes, sofa, bedding, etc.)
- Easy-to-use: just spray and walk away; no rinsing required
- Water-based neutralizer: can be sprayed directly onto fabrics
- Can also be used to neutralize cigarette, smoke, farmhouse and mildew odors on fabrics and in the ambient air
- Leaves a pleasant juniper and pear scent
Why use Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer
- Neutralizes and eliminates unwanted pet odors on hard surfaces (dashboard, steering wheel, console, etc.)
- Gets rid of odors on contact; never masks them like other products
- Widely used by pet stores, veterinary clinics, kennels, breeders, groomers and animal shelters
- Water-based, pH-neutral formula is safe for people, pets and the environment
- Can also be used to clean and disinfect all sorts of hard surfaces throughout the home: wood floors, walls, ceilings, ceramics, cabinets, concrete, etc.
- Leaves a fresh mint scent in the air for several hours after use
Eliminating wet dog smell from fabric car surfaces
Pro Tip
Always test an inconspicuous area first to ensure the water in Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer doesn’t stain the fabric.
- Spray Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer on all fabric surfaces (carpets, fabric seats, seatbelts, etc.) smelling of wet dog.
- Allow surface to dry naturally; no rinsing required.
Eliminating wet dog smell from leather car seats
Pro Tip
Always proceed with caution when treating genuine leather
Before using any product on genuine leather, it’s best to always test a non-visible area to ensure it doesn’t discolor. Never spray products directly onto leather. Instead, apply with a clean cloth and rub gently. Then remove the product after the indicated time with a clean, wet cloth. Keep in mind that leather absorbs odors more deeply than fabric, so several treatments may be needed.
- Spray Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer on a clean cloth and gently wipe the seats.
- Allow product to work for 15 minutes.
- Remove with a clean, damp cloth.
Eliminating wet dog smell from ambient air in your car
- Spray Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer on the front driver and passenger mats.
- Turn on the ventilation and run for 2-3 minutes so that the neutralizer can work its way through the plastic ducts and into the ambient.
- No need to rinse.
Removing wet dog smell from your house
You might enjoy snuggling up with your dog in bed or on the sofa. But over time, your furniture will start to smell of dog. Here’s how you can eliminate pet odors from carpets, cushions, mattresses and more:
Required materials:
- Spray bottle, couple of clean cloths, bucket, fan
Recommended products:
- Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer
- Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer
(See section Eliminating wet dog smell from your car for why these are the best products for getting rid of dog and other animal odors in your car and home.)
Eliminating wet dog smell from upholstered sofas, chairs and carpets
Pro Tip
Always test an inconspicuous area first to ensure the water in Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer doesn’t stain the fabric.
- Spray Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer on all soft/fabric surfaces smelling of dog.
- Allow surface to air dry. No rinsing required.
Eliminating wet dog smell from leather sofas and chairs
Pro Tip
Always proceed with caution when treating genuine leather
Before using any product on genuine leather, it’s best to always test a non-visible area to ensure it doesn’t discolor. Never spray products directly onto leather. Instead, apply with a clean cloth and rub gently. Always remove the product after the indicated time with a clean, wet cloth. Keep in mind that leather absorbs odors more deeply than fabric, so several treatments may be needed.
- Spray Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer on a clean cloth and gently wipe the seats.
- Allow product to work for 15 minutes.
- Remove with a clean, damp cloth.
Eliminating wet dog smell from ambient air in your home
- Clean all hard floors (concrete, wood, ceramic, linoleum, etc.) with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer diluted in 1 gallon (4 L) of water.
- Allow floors to air dry. No rinsing required.
- During cleaning, the product will also eliminate animal odors in the air.
Eliminating very strong wet dog smell from ambient air in your home
A surprising amount of the dog smell in your home is actually trapped in the air. Here’s how you can get rid of airborne animal odors in any room of your home.
For homes WITH a ventilation system, air exchanger or air conditioning system
- Spray the diluted Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer on the filters of the home’s ventilation or A/C system or air exchanger.
- Reinstall the filters and run the system to distribute the product in the ventilation ducts and throughout the house to eliminate bad odors.
For homes WITHOUT a ventilation system, air exchanger or air conditioning system
- Spray Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer on a clean cloth and hang over a table or floor fan.
- Run the fan for one hour in each room where pet odors are present. You can treat multiple rooms at the same time if you have access to more than one fan.
Removing wet dog smell from dog beds, blankets and clothes
Whether your dog prefers to sleep in a dog bed, cushion or a favorite blanket, these items are eventually going to smell like dog. So will your bed covers if you let your dog sleep on them. Tossing the item in the wash with normal laundry detergent is often not enough to completely get rid of the smell. Here’s how to quickly get rid of odors in pet bedding completely. In fact, here are TWO good methods:
Required materials: None
Recommended products:
- Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer
- Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer
(See section Eliminating wet dog smell from your car for why these are the best products for getting rid of dog and other animal odors in your car and home.)
Method 1: Wash method
Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Purodora Disinfectant & Animal Odor Neutralizer to your regular laundry detergent and wash the item in the washing machine as instructed on the label.
This product will not damage fabrics, but it will remove unwanted pet smells – even deep-set odors that have been around for years.
Method 2: No-wash method
If the bed doesn’t fit into a washing machine, or if you want to get rid of the odor in a jiffy:
- Spray Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer all over the bed or basket. For best results, generously spray all sides of the bed, inside and out, so that the product can reach all of the fabric fibers and neutralize the odors with just one treatment.
- If the cushion is thick, you can inject the product with a syringe and needle to get at the odor molecules embedded deep in the cushion. It’s easy and it works like a charm.
- Allow the product to work and air dry. No rinsing required.
Pro Tip
- Always test an inconspicuous area first to ensure the water in Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer doesn’t stain the fabric.
You can also regularly spray your dog’s bed or basket with Purodora Pet Bedding Odor Neutralizer to prevent odors.
Easy trick for removing dog hair from clothing and fabrics
If your dog sheds a lot, you know what it’s like to live with everything covered in dog hair. Your clothes, your carpets and furniture, your car seats – you name it. Even if you regularly brush your pet and vacuum every day, having a reusable synthetic sponge will change your life.
Why use a reusable pet hair sponge
- Handy for any cat or dog owner
- Removes pet hair from fabrics, couches, chairs, clothes, car seats and more
- Synthetic sponge made from volcanic rubber: catches hair as well as an adhesive roller, but has a longer lifespan
- Easy to use
- Also great for grabbing dust from television and computer screens
- Economical and eco-friendly: sponge can be reused over and over
How to remove animal hair from fabrics with a reusable pet hair sponge
- Simply wipe the dry sponge (don’t wet it) over any fabric covered with dog hair (clothing, cushions, blankets, car seats, upholstered furniture, etc.).
- Remove the hair from the sponge with your fingers or with a vacuum cleaner to clean the sponge for reuse.
Where to find Purodora products
Purodora odor neutralizers are available online and at many pet supply stores. Check out our Find Us section to find the retailer nearest you.
We want you to be completely satisfied with our products. If you have any questions or comments, contact us by email, phone or live chat! We’re here to help!
