Yes, you can absolutely remove strong dog smell, even tough odors like urine, from your blankets using simple home methods or specific cleaning products. This guide will show you step-by-step how to tackle that persistent dog odor removal from blankets, making your throws fresh and clean again. Whether you are dealing with general mustiness or specific accidents, these methods work well for washing pet soiled blankets.
Why Dog Smells Stick to Fabric
Dog smells get deep into fabric fibers. They are not just on the surface. Dog oils, dander, and moisture create the scent. When accidents happen, things get tougher. Urine, in particular, leaves behind uric acid crystals. These crystals don’t dissolve with just water or plain soap. This is why a simple wash often fails to get rid of the smell completely.
Preparing Your Blankets for Cleaning
Before you start washing, a little prep work helps a lot. This step is crucial for dog odor removal from blankets.
Inspecting the Blanket and Spot Treating
Look closely at the blanket. Can you see any stains? If there are visible stains, treat them first. This is especially important if you need to eliminate dog urine smell from bedding.
- Blot Excess: If the area is wet, press down with old towels or paper towels. Do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper.
- Rinse Cold: Run cool water through the back of the stain. This pushes the mess out, rather than driving it further in.
Checking the Care Label
Always check the label first. This tells you the maximum safe temperature and cycle type. Wool or delicate items need special care. Most pet blankets are sturdy and can handle warm or hot water. High heat helps kill odor-causing bacteria.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide
Washing is the main step for cleaning. Using the right products makes a big difference in dog odor removal from blankets.
Using the Best Detergent for Dog Smell on Blankets
Regular detergent might not be strong enough. Look for enzyme-based cleaners or those made for sports gear. These break down organic matter better.
- Enzyme Cleaners: These cleaners use helpful bacteria to “eat” the odor molecules. They are fantastic for eliminate dog urine smell from bedding.
- High-Quality Detergent: Use a good amount of a quality detergent. Do not overload the machine. Blankets need room to move so the water and soap can reach every fiber.
Adding Extra Deodorizers to the Wash
You can boost your detergent with simple household items. These are great for homemade dog smell remover for fabric needs.
White Vinegar Rinse
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer. It cuts through greasy oils that hold smells.
- Add one cup of plain white vinegar to the wash cycle along with your detergent.
- If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, use that for the vinegar in the final rinse.
Baking Soda Boost
Baking soda absorbs smells very well. It works great for deodorizing dog hair covered blankets that smell musty.
- Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum before starting the wash.
- You can use this before or after the main wash cycle.
The Importance of Soaking Dog Smelly Blankets
For very strong odors, a simple wash cycle is not enough. Soaking dog smelly blankets before the machine wash is key.
- Fill a large tub or clean sink with warm water.
- Add one cup of white vinegar or a scoop of oxygen bleach (if the blanket color allows). Never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach.
- Submerge the blanket completely.
- Let it soak for at least one hour. For severe smells, soak overnight.
- After soaking, wring out the excess water gently. Do not rinse. Put the blanket straight into the washing machine for a full cycle.
Machine Washing Cycles for Pet Smells
Choose your settings wisely when washing pet soiled blankets.
| Blanket Material | Water Temperature | Cycle Type | Extra Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton/Synthetics (Durable) | Hot (if safe) | Heavy Duty | Run an extra rinse cycle. |
| Fleece/Microfiber | Warm to Hot | Normal | Avoid too much heat, which can melt fibers. |
| Wool/Delicates | Cold | Gentle Cycle | Use wool-safe detergent. Skip vinegar in the wash phase if concerned. |
Running an Extra Rinse Cycle
Odors can linger if detergent residue is left behind. Residue traps new smells. Always choose the “Extra Rinse” option if available. This helps ensure all soap is gone.
Dealing with Hair: Deodorizing Dog Hair Covered Blankets
Dog hair carries scent. Removing the hair helps remove the smell.
- Before Washing: Use a lint roller or rubber gloves dampened with water to pick off as much hair as possible from the dry blanket.
- During Washing: Add a half-cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps relax the fabric fibers, releasing trapped hair.
- After Washing: Clean your washing machine filter or lint trap immediately after the cycle finishes.
Drying: The Final Defense Against Odor
Improper drying is a huge cause of lingering smells, especially mildew or mustiness. You must dry the blanket thoroughly.
Air Drying vs. Tumble Drying
Air drying is often the best choice for serious odor removal. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
- Hang the blanket outside on a sunny, breezy day.
- If you must dry indoors, use a dehumidifier or run fans directly on the blanket. Make sure air flows all around it.
If you use a dryer, follow these steps for drying blankets after pet accidents:
- Low Heat is Best: High heat can permanently set certain odors, especially protein stains from urine. Use a low or air-only setting.
- Add Dryer Balls: Toss in a few wool dryer balls. They help separate the fabric, allowing air to circulate better and speed up drying.
Scent Boosters for Freshness
Once the blanket is mostly dry, if a faint smell remains, you can add a final light scent.
- Essential Oils (Optional): If the blanket is completely dry, you can lightly spritz it with a diluted mixture of water and a few drops of lavender or cedarwood oil. Note: Always ensure the blanket is fully dry before using oils, as oil residue on wet fabric can stain.
Tackling Tough Stains: Urine Odor
If the smell is from urine, you need specialized treatment. You must break down the uric acid crystals for eliminate dog urine smell from bedding problems.
Using Commercial Pet Stain and Odor Remover for Blankets
For severe accidents, commercial products shine. Look for specialized pet stain and odor remover for blankets that explicitly state they contain enzymes.
- Follow the product instructions exactly.
- Usually, this means soaking the area with the cleaner, letting it sit for the recommended time (often 15-30 minutes), and then washing as normal.
- Do not rinse the product off before washing unless the label tells you to. The enzymes need time to work.
Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Mix (For White or Colorfast Items Only)
This mix is powerful but can bleach fabrics. Test it on a small, hidden spot first!
- Mix: 1 cup Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), 1/4 cup Baking Soda, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
- Apply this mixture directly to the soiled area.
- Let it bubble and sit for about 15 minutes.
- Wash immediately afterward in cold water.
Natural Ways to Remove Pet Odor from Throws and Delicate Items
Not everything can handle harsh washing or strong chemicals. Natural ways to remove pet odor from throws focus on gentle deodorizing.
The Sun Cure
Sunlight is your best friend for natural ways to remove pet odor from throws. UV rays naturally break down odor-causing bacteria. Lay the blanket flat outside on a clean surface (like a patio table or clean tarp) for several hours on a sunny day. Flip it halfway through.
Baking Soda Dry Deodorizing
If the blanket cannot be washed often, use baking soda as a dry freshener.
- Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface or inside a large plastic bin.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the blanket.
- Use a soft brush to gently work the powder into the fabric.
- Leave it undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Longer is better for deep smells.
- Vacuum the baking soda off thoroughly using a hose attachment.
Steam Cleaning for Gentle Refreshing
A handheld steamer can help refresh items that are difficult to wash fully. The hot steam kills surface bacteria and loosens trapped odors. Do not hold the steamer in one spot too long, as excessive moisture can cause mildew.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Blankets Smelling Fresh
Preventing the smell is easier than removing it once it sets in. Good habits keep your blankets fresh longer.
Regular Washing Schedule
Establish a routine. If your dog sleeps on a specific blanket every night, wash it weekly. Even if it looks clean, dander and natural body oils build up.
Using Washable Protectors
Put a dedicated, easily washable blanket or cover over your dog’s favorite sleeping spots. This protects the main blankets underneath. These covers can be washed more frequently than heavy throws.
Immediate Accident Cleanup
If an accident occurs, deal with it right away. Time is the enemy when trying to eliminate dog urine smell from bedding. The longer urine sits, the harder it is to remove the uric acid. Always rinse and pretreat immediately.
Machine Maintenance
Your washing machine can also trap smells if you only wash pet items. Periodically run an empty hot cycle with two cups of vinegar or a machine cleaner to keep the washer itself fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use bleach to remove dog smell?
A: Chlorine bleach works on white cotton, but it can damage many fabrics, including wool, spandex, and colored materials. It does not always break down the uric acid in urine well. For better results, use an oxygen-based bleach or enzyme cleaner unless you are certain the blanket is bleach-safe and white.
Q: How do I get the smell out of a thick, heavy dog bed blanket?
A: Thick blankets need long soaking times. Use a large utility tub or bathtub for soaking dog smelly blankets. Ensure your washing machine is not overloaded; you may need to wash these huge items in batches or take them to a laundromat with commercial-sized machines. Always use the highest safe water temperature.
Q: What if the smell is still there after washing?
A: If the smell lingers after a full wash and dry cycle, the odor source is still present. Repeat the process. Try soaking dog smelly blankets again using a stronger vinegar or enzyme solution. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before sniffing for odors, as dampness can mimic a bad smell.
Q: Is there a quick fix for a slightly musty throw blanket?
A: Yes. For a quick fix, try the dry deodorizing method with baking soda. Lay the throw flat, sprinkle baking soda generously, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it off. This is one of the best natural ways to remove pet odor from throws without a full wash.
Q: What is the best product for tough pet stains?
A: Enzyme cleaners are generally considered the best detergent for dog smell on blankets and stains, especially urine. They actively digest the organic matter causing the smell rather than just masking it. Look for cleaners labeled specifically as pet stain and odor remover for blankets.