How to Get Rid of Pet Odors in Your Home the Natural Way

Pets bring so much love and joy into a home, but let’s be honest—sometimes they also bring unwanted odors. 

Whether it’s their bedding, the carpets, or even the air itself, pet smells can linger and make your space feel less fresh. 

While store-bought air fresheners and chemical-based cleaners might offer a quick fix, they often contain toxins that aren’t safe for pets or humans.

The good news is that you can eliminate pet odors naturally with a few simple, effective solutions. 

From using household staples like baking soda and vinegar to creating your own pet-safe deodorizers, these natural remedies will help your home smell fresh without harsh chemicals. 

Let’s dive into the best ways to keep your space odor-free while keeping it safe for your furry friends.

1. Regularly Clean Pet Beds and Fabrics

One of the biggest sources of pet odor is their bedding, blankets, and any fabric they frequently use. 

Pet hair, dander, and body oils accumulate over time, leading to unpleasant smells that spread throughout your home.

Wash pet beds, blankets, and cushion covers weekly using a mild, pet-safe detergent. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help break down odors naturally. 

For an extra fresh scent, dry the bedding outdoors in the sun, which acts as a natural disinfectant. 

If the bedding isn’t machine washable, sprinkle it with baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it thoroughly.

2. Use Baking Soda for Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can trap pet odors, making them difficult to remove with regular vacuuming alone. 

Baking soda is a powerful yet gentle deodorizer that absorbs smells without introducing harmful chemicals into your home.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over carpets and rugs, focusing on areas where your pet frequently lounges. 

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for strong odors), then vacuum thoroughly.

For added freshness, mix a few drops of pet-safe essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, into the baking soda before sprinkling it.

3. Freshen the Air with Natural Deodorizers

Instead of using synthetic air fresheners that may contain chemicals harmful to pets, opt for natural alternatives to keep your home smelling fresh. A simple DIY air spray can work wonders.

Mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of witch hazel, and 10–15 drops of pet-safe essential oils (such as chamomile, cedarwood, or rosemary) in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the air, pet bedding, and furniture as needed. 

Another great option is placing bowls of activated charcoal around your home—this naturally absorbs odors without releasing any artificial fragrances.

4. Deep Clean Pet Accidents with Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Accidents happen, whether it’s urine on the carpet or drool on the couch. 

Cleaning them quickly and effectively is key to preventing lingering odors. 

White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are natural, pet-safe cleaning agents that neutralize odors while disinfecting surfaces.

For urine stains on carpets, blot up as much liquid as possible, then spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. 

Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot again with a clean towel. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the area and mist it with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. 

Scrub gently, let it dry, then vacuum thoroughly.

5. Keep Litter Boxes Odor-Free

If you have cats, a smelly litter box can be one of the most challenging odors to control. 

Regular maintenance is essential, but there are also a few tricks to keeping it fresh naturally.

Scoop the litter box daily and replace the litter entirely at least once a week. 

When changing the litter, wipe down the box with a mix of white vinegar and water before adding fresh litter. 

Sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box before adding new litter can help absorb odors before they start. 

If your cat is comfortable with it, using a natural, unscented litter made from corn, wood, or walnut shells can help reduce strong smells.

6. Wash and Groom Your Pet Regularly

Your pet’s hygiene plays a big role in keeping your home odor-free. 

Regular grooming prevents dirt, oils, and odors from building up on their fur, which can transfer to furniture, carpets, and bedding.

Brush your pet frequently to remove loose hair and dander that contribute to odors. 

Bathing them once a month with a pet-safe, natural shampoo can also help keep their coat fresh. 

If your pet isn’t a fan of baths, try using pet wipes infused with aloe vera or chamomile to gently cleanse their fur between washes.

7. Open Windows and Improve Ventilation

Fresh air is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce pet odors. 

Poor air circulation can cause smells to linger, making your home feel stuffy and stale.

Open windows daily, even for just 10–15 minutes, to allow fresh air to flow through your space. 

If the weather permits, use a ceiling fan or place a bowl of white vinegar in the room to help absorb any lingering odors. 

Adding houseplants like snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies can also help purify the air naturally while adding a touch of greenery to your home.

8. Clean Pet Toys and Accessories

Pet toys, collars, and leashes often get overlooked when tackling odors, but they can harbor bacteria and smells just like bedding and carpets.

Wash soft plush toys in the washing machine using a mild detergent and let them air dry. 

Hard toys can be soaked in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15 minutes before rinsing. 

Collars and leashes should be cleaned with warm, soapy water every couple of weeks to remove dirt and odors.

9. Use DIY Citrus and Herb Air Fresheners

Citrus peels and fresh herbs make excellent natural air fresheners that are safe for pets. 

They not only help eliminate odors but also add a refreshing scent to your home.

Simmer a pot of water with lemon or orange peels, along with herbs like rosemary or thyme, for a natural, long-lasting fragrance. 

You can also create a DIY citrus spray by mixing equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle and lightly misting around your home.

Conclusion

Getting rid of pet odors naturally doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. 

By using simple, non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can keep your home smelling fresh while keeping it safe for your furry friends. 

Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and a few DIY tricks can make a world of difference in maintaining an odor-free home.

Try these natural solutions today and enjoy a fresh, pet-friendly home!