There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and curling up on the couch with your favorite four-legged friend. The cuddles are great — the odor left behind on couches, bedding, and other soft surfaces, however, is not. Fortunately, a handful of inexpensive household items can eliminate those smells in seconds.
DIY Deodorizer Recipe
To get rid of pet odors in a pinch, you need a spray bottle, lukewarm water, and distilled white vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your spritzer, give it a quick shake, and spray the solution liberally on any surface that needs freshening up. The solution is safe for pets, but you should allow it to dry completely before letting your dog or cat back onto the furniture.
Love the deodorizing power of vinegar but hate the sharp scent? Don’t worry — the sour odor naturally dissipates within 30 to 60 minutes. But if you want to mask the scent of vinegar with a more pleasant one, you can create a custom fragrance using your favorite herbs and fruits.
Why It Works
Why is vinegar such a powerhouse for eliminating odors? Its high acetic acid content neutralizes odor-causing particles rather than covering them up. The acid binds with the compounds found in pet odor molecules and chemically alters them until the scent vanishes.
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The Power of Peels
Warning: This next step is not recommended for pet owners. Citrus peels contain high concentrations of d-limonene, a compound that is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Start by peeling the rind of whatever citrus you have on hand. Lemon is a popular choice, but you can also opt for orange or grapefruit for a sweeter, zestier aroma.
Fill a small saucepan halfway with water, then simmer the rinds of one citrus fruit with a few sprigs of an aromatic herb, such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, or lemon balm, for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, fill a spray bottle (preferably glass) halfway with the strained, infused liquid. Then, add an equal amount of distilled white vinegar and shake well to combine. Spritz the upholstery with your DIY deodorizer to eliminate those deep-seated odors.
In lieu of peels, you can use citrus essential oils. Adding 10 to 15 drops to your spray bottle will take the edge off the vinegar and leave your upholstery smelling fresh. Note that citrus essential oils are also toxic to pets because they contain d-limonene.
