How to Eliminate Pet Odors Naturally at Home
Love your pet, but not the lingering whiff on the couch or in the hallway? You are not alone. The good news is you can freshen your rooms and keep them that way using simple, natural methods you already have at home. If you are trying to get rid of pet smell in house without harsh chemicals, this beginner friendly guide will show you exactly what to do.
We will start with quick wins that make a difference in minutes, then move into step by step fixes for carpets, couches, floors, and the air itself. You will learn how to use baking soda, white vinegar, sunlight, and activated charcoal safely, how to wash fabrics so odors do not come back, and how to set an easy weekly routine to prevent smells. We will also cover when an enzyme cleaner is worth using, plus a short list of things to skip, like heavy perfumes and certain essential oils that are not pet safe. Ready to breathe easy again? Let’s jump in.
Materials You Will Need
What to gather
To get rid of pet smell in house, start by assembling a pet-safe toolkit. You will need baking soda, distilled white vinegar, Earthworm Enzyme Cleaner, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, and a probiotic-based cleaner. Add two spray bottles, a measuring cup, microfiber cloths, paper towels, and a vacuum with an upholstery attachment. These choices prioritize non-toxic cleaning, which over 70 percent of consumers now prefer. Enzymatic options like Earthworm break down urine and other organic messes rather than masking them, and they are safe around kids and pets when used as directed. Keeping these items handy lets you act fast before odors set.
Quick prep steps
Set up your materials in this order. 1) Mix a 1 to 1 white vinegar and water solution in a labeled bottle for hard floors and fresh accidents, see how to use vinegar for pet odor. 2) Fill a shaker with baking soda for carpets and bedding, let it sit 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming as PetMD’s baking soda guide notes. 3) For tough stains, spot test then apply one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to two parts water, blot, and repeat. 4) For deep cleaning, saturate with Earthworm Enzyme Cleaner and let enzymes dwell 10 to 15 minutes. 5) Use a probiotic-based cleaner last for lingering odor zones, mist lightly and allow to air dry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Pet Odors
Materials: baking soda and a vacuum. Prerequisite: blot fresh accidents so the spot is dry to the touch. Generously sprinkle baking soda over carpets, rugs, or pet bedding, then let it sit 30 minutes to overnight for tough smells, as advised by eufy’s guide. Vacuum slowly to pull up powder and trapped odors; baking soda excels on surfaces, while activated charcoal can help with airborne smells.
Materials: distilled white vinegar, water, spray bottle, optional baking soda. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then lightly mist hard floors, walls, and baseboards; let them air dry. The vinegar scent fades as it neutralizes lingering pet odors, a method demonstrated in this natural cleaning walkthrough. For carpets, mist, sprinkle baking soda, allow to dry, then vacuum, a simple way to get rid of pet smell in your house without harsh chemicals.
Materials: Earthworm Enzyme Cleaner and clean cloths. Saturate the affected area per label directions, allow dwell time, then blot and air dry. Enzymatic action breaks down urine and other organic molecules at the source, which is why these cleaners are widely recommended for deep odor neutralization. Earthworm’s natural bioenzymatic formula is made in the USA, safe around kids and pets, and backed by a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot score, aligning with 2025’s shift toward non-toxic products preferred by over 70 percent of consumers.
Materials: 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, mild dish soap, baking soda, soft brush. Prerequisite: color test in an inconspicuous spot, and avoid wool or silk. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, mix 1 cup peroxide with 1 teaspoon dish soap, and pour enough to dampen the area. Gently work it in, let it dry fully, then vacuum; this combo helps break down urine crystals and lift stubborn discoloration.
Materials: a probiotic-based cleaner labeled pet safe. Apply as directed, then allow several hours or overnight so beneficial bacteria can consume odor-causing residues. Expect gradual, long-lasting odor reduction, because the microbes continue working as the area dries. For whole-room freshness, pair surface treatments with ventilation and, for airborne smells, an odor absorber like activated charcoal.
Quick Tips and Troubleshooting
Fast fixes that work
Ensure proper ventilation. Prerequisite: select a pet-safe cleaner and clear pets from the room. Materials needed: a box fan, openable windows, and exhaust fans. While you clean, ventilate by opening windows and using fans, and run bathroom or kitchen exhaust to move humid air out. Expected outcome: quicker dry times, fewer fumes, and a safer way to get rid of pet smell in house.
Always spot test first. Prerequisite: find an inconspicuous corner of carpet, upholstery, or hard floor. Materials needed: microfiber cloths and a small amount of your solution, like Earthworm Enzyme Cleaner that is non-toxic and made in the USA. Apply, wait until fully dry, then inspect for color change or residue. Expected outcome: you confirm compatibility before broad use, which protects finishes and fabrics.
Build a simple daily routine. Prerequisite: set a schedule you can keep. Materials needed: a HEPA vacuum, pet-safe detergent, and baking soda for quick refreshes. Aim to vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash pet bedding weekly, then wipe hard surfaces with a plant-based cleaner; baking soda helps on surfaces while activated charcoal can absorb airborne odors. Expected outcome: fewer lingering smells and less dander buildup, aligning with the 70 percent of consumers preferring green cleaning by 2025.
Act fast on accidents. Prerequisite: address spills immediately to prevent setting. Materials needed: paper towels and Earthworm Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator, an enzymatic formula that targets urine proteins. Blot, never rub, then saturate the area, let enzymes work per label, and blot again; avoid heat that can set odors. Expected outcome: stains lift and odors are neutralized, supported by bioenzymatic science and Earthworm’s 4.5 out of 5 TrustScore.
Store cleaning supplies smartly. Prerequisite: label and date opened products. Materials needed: sealed bins and a cool, dry cabinet out of reach of kids and pets. Keep caps tight, avoid direct sunlight, and never mix chemicals. Expected outcome: maximum product effectiveness and safer, clutter-free cleaning sessions.
Why Eco-Friendly Products Are Best
Eco-friendly cleaners make it easier to get rid of pet smell in house without putting your family at risk. Traditional products can leave chemical residues on floors, counters, and pet zones, which kids and pets can touch or lick. Plant-based and enzyme formulas reduce that exposure while still tackling tough messes, so you get a truly clean surface and better indoor air. For example, Earthworm Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator uses a natural bioenzymatic process that is fragrance free and designed to be safe around children and pets. That means fewer harsh fumes, no sticky film, and less worry about what is left behind after you clean.
A simple eco-switch checklist
Prerequisites: identify the odor source and ventilate. Materials needed: an enzymatic cleaner, a general odor eliminator, microfiber cloths, and baking soda.
Spot-treat accidents: saturate the area with an enzyme cleaner and let it dwell for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot. Expected outcome: urine and organic residues are broken down at the source, not just masked.
Clear the air: spray a fragrance-free household odor eliminator into the room or onto fabrics per label directions. Expected outcome: airborne and embedded odors are neutralized without synthetic perfumes. Try Earthworm Household Odor Eliminator.
Residue check: wipe frequently touched surfaces with a plant-based cleaner and a damp cloth. Expected outcome: a residue-free finish that is safer for small hands and paws.
Maintain weekly: refresh pet bedding with a light baking soda shake and vacuum; place activated charcoal near litter or crate areas. Expected outcome: ongoing odor capture between deep cleans.
Eco choices also support the environment. Biodegradable formulas reduce what goes down the drain and into waterways, and consumers are voting with their wallets, with more than 70 percent preferring green or non-toxic products by 2025. Enzymatic cleaners are known for breaking down stubborn pet stains and odors at a molecular level, which is why they are increasingly popular. Baking soda excels on surfaces, while activated charcoal absorbs odors in the air, so you get layered coverage. Earthworm backs this approach with USA-made, cruelty-free products that are kid and pet friendly, and customers report strong satisfaction with a 4.5 out of 5 TrustScore. The result is effectiveness you can count on, plus a healthier home and planet.
Debunking Common Myths About Pet Odor Removal
Pet odors can make any home feel less fresh, and myths often stop beginners from fixing them. If you want to get rid of pet smell in house without harsh chemicals, it helps to separate fact from fiction. Non-toxic and plant-based cleaners reduce chemical exposure and bio allergen triggers, which keeps pets and kids safer. Consumer preference backs this up, with more than 70 percent of cleaning service customers choosing green products by 2025. Use the simple steps below to test claims at home and pick solutions that work.
Step-by-step: put the myths to the test
Myth: Natural cleaners are not effective. Prerequisite: choose a small, low-visibility test spot. Materials: baking soda, a 1:1 white vinegar and water spray, timer. Action: treat two identical smelly cloths, one with baking soda and one with the vinegar solution, wait 15 minutes, then sniff-test. Expected outcome: clear odor reduction, consistent with evidence that baking soda and vinegar neutralize odors effectively.
Myth: Enzymatic cleaners are harsh. Prerequisite: check labels for chlorine-free and pH-friendly. Materials: an enzymatic cleaner such as Earthworm Enzyme Cleaner and a white cloth. Action: spot test in a hidden area, let it dwell as directed, then blot. Expected outcome: no bleaching, plus source-level odor breakdown, aligning with tests showing enzymatic cleaners are safe and non-toxic.
Myth: Homemade solutions are unsafe. Prerequisite: confirm ingredients are pet safe. Materials: white vinegar, water, spray bottle. Action: mix 1:1, keep pets away until dry, avoid essential oils that are problematic for pets. Expected outcome: safe light-duty cleaning when used correctly, as noted in guidance on pet-safe natural solutions.
Myth: Eco-friendly products are not accessible. Prerequisite: list your top odor trouble spots. Materials: retailer search, product labels. Action: search for plant-based or bioenzymatic pet odor removers, compare ingredient transparency and reviews. Expected outcome: plentiful options online and in stores, reflecting rapid market growth.
Truth: Natural products offer in-depth cleaning. Prerequisite: find the source of the odor. Materials: enzymatic cleaner, optional activated charcoal for rooms. Action: apply enzymes for 10 to 15 minutes to digest odor-causing molecules, then place charcoal nearby for airborne smells. Expected outcome: long-lasting deodorizing rather than masking.
These quick checks help you choose safer, effective tools. Earthworm’s bioenzymatic formulas are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and designed to be powerful yet family friendly. Customer feedback reflects this balance, with strong satisfaction ratings. With the myths out of the way, you can confidently clean smarter and keep every room fresh.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Home Fresh and Clean
Fresh, clean air is realistic when you pair smart habits with proven science. Enzymatic cleaners do not just mask smells, they digest the urine crystals and other organics that cause them; see how enzymatic cleaners neutralize urine odors. For everyday prevention, lean on natural helpers, baking soda for surfaces like rugs and pet beds, and activated charcoal to absorb airborne odors near litter boxes or crates. With more than 70 percent of cleaning customers preferring green products by 2025, eco choices matter to families and pets. Earthworm’s plant-based formulas are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating signals strong results.
To keep momentum, try this easy routine to get rid of pet smell in house. 1) Prerequisite, identify the source and blot fresh accidents, materials, microfiber towels and baking soda, outcome, surface odor is neutralized before it sets. 2) On carpets, sofas, and mattresses, materials, Earthworm Pet Stain & Odor Remover and a soft brush, apply, let the enzymes work 10 to 15 minutes, then blot, outcome, deep odor molecules are broken down and stains fade. 3) For room air, materials, a bowl of activated charcoal and good ventilation, run a box fan for 15 minutes, then set charcoal near the odor zone, outcome, lingering smells drop while adding a light scent. Finish with a weekly refresh, wash bedding hot, vacuum high-traffic paths, and spot-treat repeat areas with Earthworm. Combined natural and commercial strategies keep your space fresh, without harsh residues.
