Traveling? How to get the pet smell out of your rental

Living with pets can make us nose blind to the way they smell, but rental owners and their future guests will surely notice. That’s why when you’re traveling it’s important to know how to get any funky smells out—to be a courteous guest and to avoid any extra fees!

1. Choose the right cleaners

Depending on the mess your pet’s made, you need to choose the appropriate cleaner. Luckily for us, there are a ton of pet-specific cleaning products to help battle lingering smells and stains.

• Enzymatic cleaner. These use enzymes to break down organic materials, stains, etc. Ones like Nature’s Miracle are a great option.
• Detergents. For anything that can go in the washing machine, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a pet-safe, especially if you’re washing toys they’ll have in their mouths.
• Household cleaners. Baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide can make simple, easy-to-use cleaners for a variety of messes, especially in carpets or fabrics.
• Odor sprays. Pets sometimes smell a little ripe, but using an odor spray like Skout’s can break down the smell.

👉 Always double-check to see if a cleaner will have any adverse reactions to fabrics or surfaces. You don’t want to cause more damage!

🚨Keep your pets away from cleaning products and call an emergency vet if you notice signs of distress following accidental consumption.

2. Do a deep clean

This may not always be possible, but if your rental comes with the appropriate equipment for a deep clean, do it! A thorough vacuum can do wonders in picking up pesky pet hair and dander, which often lead to the “pet smell” we want to avoid. Utilizing carpet cleaner can go a step further in removing any leftover signs of your pets. On tile or hardwood, using a mop or steamer can remove dirt particles and any leftover accidents your pet may have had.

3. Groom your pet

Grooming your pet before you take them on vacation can do a world of wonders. By having their hair brushed and trimmed, you lessen the likelihood of huge clumps being strewn about the rental or hidden under furniture. This goes for cats, too. While they’re notoriously great self-groomers, brushing your cat before your trip and while you’re there can ensure there are no hairballs for them to cough up later.

If your pet happens to need a spray down or bath while you’re on vacation, go about grooming them as usual. But we caution you from allowing your wet furred dog from running around the rental. This can cause that “wet dog” smell that is notoriously hard to get out of the air. Plus, a little nail clipping may present damaged furniture, which is always a positive.

4. Air out the home

Stale air is really noticeable, especially if there have been pets staying in the home. That’s why airing out the home during your stay and prior to leaving can keep circulation going to reduce smells we’d rather avoid. This might not be doable depending on your location, so instead you can consider using a compact air purifier. If your rental doesn’t already have one, you may want to bring one of your own or have one delivered to the rental location. A well-designed one can capture airborne allergens and all sorts of other odor-causing particles.

5. Change filters

Air filters make a huge difference in interior air quality. If your host gives you the all-clear, you may want to change the air filters during and after your stay to ensure they’re working as hard as they can to remove pathogens. Again, we advise you to talk with your host ahead of time about this as some HVAC systems are quite complex. Regardless, even the offer can go a long way in showing your host the kind of thoughtful guest you’re trying to be.

6. Prevent accidents

Pet accidents sometimes happen, even to the most well-trained animals. But, preventing accidents can do wonders in stopping some pretty bad pet smells from happening in the first place.

• Potty training. A pet that is trained not to go to the bathroom indoors will make avoiding accidents much easier. We share how to potty train a puppy, older dogs, and litter box train cats.
• Frequent bathroom breaks. Pets can only hold their bladders for so long, and new environments tend to throw off their routines. Take your pets out more than you might at home to avoid accidents.
• Diapers. If your pet has incontinence for any reason, invest in diapers to avoid any messes that would be unwelcome in a rental.
• Pee pads. If you’re in the process of potty training your pet, but they aren’t quite there yet, lay down pee pads as a last resort.
• Litter box placement. Easy-to-access litter boxes reduce the likelihood of your cat going elsewhere. Make sure it's in a well-ventilated area that’s easy to clean.
• Vet visit. If your pet has regular accidents at home, visit your vet to determine the cause. It could be stress, a UTI, or something more serious.

Being a good guest starts with minimizing the negative impact your pet may have on a rental property and smells are a huge part of that. In the ways you’d prevent unnecessary odor in your home, do so at your rental.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get rid of the pet smell in the house?

Grooming your pet is a huge part of the puzzle in eliminating pet odor. In tandem with regular brushing and bathing, use enzymatic cleaners for pet accidents, air out the home regularly, and consider using an air purifier.

What neutralizes the smell of a dog?

Special cleaners are great for neutralizing that dog smell we don’t like, but plenty of household cleaners can help like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. As with any other cleaner, don’t let your pet lick, sniff, or consume them.

How do I keep my litter box from smelling?

We recommend scooping out the litter box multiple times a day, especially in a rental. Litter deodorizers can also help to absorb odors, and ventilation is an added help.

What neutralizes pet odors?

Luckily for us there are a ton of products and steps we can take to lessen the smell of pets in a home. This includes regular air filter changes, ventilation, odor eliminators, and regular vacuuming.