Many dog owners love to take their pets in the car. But after a ride, the car may smell like a dog. This can be unpleasant. It is important to clean the car well. This helps remove dog smells. This guide will teach you how to get dog smell out of your car.
Why Does Your Car Smell Like a Dog?
Dog smells come from hair, dirt, and oils on your dog’s skin. When your dog rides in the car, these can stick to the seats and carpets. Also, dogs sometimes drool or have accidents. These add to the smell. The smell can stay for a long time if you don’t clean the car.
Step 1: Take Out All Items From the Car
First, remove everything from the car. Take out mats, blankets, and seat covers. If your dog used a blanket or towel, take it out too. These items can hold the smell. Wash or clean them separately. This helps reduce the smell inside the car.
Step 2: Vacuum the Car Interior
Vacuuming is the next step. Use a strong vacuum cleaner. Vacuum all seats, carpets, and floor mats. Don’t forget under the seats and in small spaces. Dog hair and dirt can hide in these places. Vacuuming removes hair, dust, and dirt that cause odors.
Step 3: Clean the Seats and Carpets
After vacuuming, clean the fabric parts. You can use a fabric cleaner or a mix of water and mild soap. Spray lightly on the seats and carpets. Use a soft brush to scrub gently. Then, wipe with a clean cloth. This helps remove deep dirt and smells.
If your car has leather seats, use a leather cleaner. Do not use water or soap on leather. This can damage it. Leather cleaners keep seats clean and fresh.
Step 4: Shampoo or Steam Clean Floor Mats and Carpets
For strong smells, shampooing or steam cleaning works well. Shampooing uses special cleaners that remove dirt and odor. Steam cleaning uses hot steam to clean and kill bacteria. Both methods clean deep inside the fabric where smells hide.
You can rent a steam cleaner or shampoo machine. Or take your car to a professional detailer. This step is very good for stubborn dog smells.
Step 5: Clean Hard Surfaces
Dog smell can also stick to hard surfaces. These include plastic, metal, and glass inside your car. Use a mild cleaner or all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the dashboard, doors, and windows. Cleaning these parts makes the whole car smell fresher.
Step 6: Clean Air Vents and Ducts
Air vents can hold dog smell too. When you turn on the car fan, the smell spreads. Use a small brush or compressed air to clean the vents. You can also use a special air vent cleaner spray. This helps remove odor from inside the air system.
Step 7: Use Odor Neutralizers
After cleaning, use an odor neutralizer. These products don’t just cover smells. They break down the odor molecules. You can use sprays made for cars or pet odors. Some natural options work well too.
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle on carpets and seats. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then vacuum it up.
- Activated Charcoal: Place a bag in the car. It absorbs bad smells from the air.
- White Vinegar: Mix vinegar with water and spray lightly. Vinegar removes odors naturally.
Step 8: Keep Removable Covers Clean
Use seat covers or blankets for your dog. Wash these often to prevent smells. Clean covers help protect your car and keep it fresh.
Step 9: Brush and Wipe Your Dog Before Rides
Prevent smells by cleaning your dog before car rides. Brush your dog to remove loose hair. Wipe your dog’s paws and fur if dirty. This lowers the dirt and oils that enter your car.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh
- Open car doors and windows after rides to air it out.
- Use a car air freshener designed for pets.
- Clean your car regularly, especially after long trips with your dog.
- Avoid feeding your dog inside the car to prevent spills and smells.
- Try to keep your dog on a blanket or seat cover during rides.
Professional Cleaning Options
If the smell stays after cleaning, consider professional help. Car detailers use special tools and cleaners. They can use steam cleaning, shampooing, and strong odor removers. Some use ozone generators or foggers. These machines remove smells at a deep level.
Professional cleaning is more expensive. But it works well for strong or old dog smells.
Summary: How to Get Dog Smell Out of Car
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove all items like mats and blankets from the car. |
| 2 | Vacuum seats, carpets, and floor areas well. |
| 3 | Clean fabric seats and carpets with mild soap or fabric cleaner. |
| 4 | Shampoo or steam clean mats and carpets for deep cleaning. |
| 5 | Wipe hard surfaces like dashboard and doors. |
| 6 | Clean air vents and ducts to remove trapped odors. |
| 7 | Use odor neutralizers like baking soda or activated charcoal. |
| 8 | Keep removable covers clean by washing often. |
| 9 | Brush and wipe your dog before car rides. |
Final Thoughts
Dog smells in cars are common but easy to fix. Cleaning well and often is the key. Use vacuuming, washing, and odor neutralizers. Keep your dog and car clean. This will make every ride better for you and your pet.
Follow these steps and enjoy a fresh-smelling car again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get Dog Smell Out Of Your Car?
Vacuum your car thoroughly and ventilate it well. Shampoo carpets and seats, then steam-clean if possible. Use enzymatic cleaners or odor neutralizers. Clean air vents and wipe hard surfaces. Place activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb smells. Regularly brush your dog before trips to reduce odor.
What Cancels Out Dog Smell?
Dog smell cancels out with thorough cleaning, enzymatic odor neutralizers, and activated charcoal or baking soda. Ventilate and steam clean fabrics. Use ozone generators or chlorine dioxide foggers for deep odor removal. Regularly wash pet covers and brush your dog before rides to prevent odors.
What Do Car Detailers Use To Remove Odors?
Car detailers remove odors using ozone generators, chlorine dioxide foggers, enzymatic cleaners, steam cleaning, and activated charcoal. These methods deeply clean and neutralize stubborn smells effectively.
How To Get Wet Dog Smell Out Of Car Seat?
Vacuum the seat thoroughly to remove hair and dirt. Spray enzymatic cleaner to break down odor-causing molecules. Steam clean or shampoo the fabric. Use baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb lingering smells. Air out your car by keeping windows open until the odor dissipates.