If your home smells like wet dog, no matter how much you clean, here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to. With a consistent routine and a few natural products, you can keep your home smelling fresh without harmful chemicals.
- Open windows regularly for fresh air
- Vacuum and mop floors weekly with dog-safe cleaners
- Wash dog beds, blankets, and toys regularly
- Use baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal to neutralize odors
- Brush your dog and stay on top of grooming
- Avoid toxic sprays, candles, and cleaners
- Replace carpets and old furniture if smells linger
- Run a HEPA air purifier and change furnace filters often
Watch the video below where I walk through my real-life cleaning routine with 4 dogs, and exactly how we keep the dog smell under control:
Let’s Be Real… Dog Smell Happens
I know how frustrating it is when your house smells like dog no matter how much you scrub. Before we moved into our current house, I used to get compliments on how fresh our home smelled, even with two dogs and foster pups coming and going.
But then we bought a 1960s house that reeked of old dog smell. I cleaned for days and still couldn’t get rid of it.
Now with four dogs (Ginger, Bear, Thunder, and Wizard), I’ve figured out a system that keeps our house smelling clean, even after muddy paw prints and dog hair everywhere.
This post covers my full non-toxic routine… daily habits, deep-cleaning tips, and my favorite products to keep everything fresh. If you want to avoid the chemical cleaners and make your house smell good with dogs, keep reading.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Air Quality & Smell Control
Before you reach for the air freshener spray, pause. Most sprays, plug-ins, and candles contain chemicals that aren’t safe for dogs (or you). Let’s freshen the air the natural way.
1. Open the windows
Fresh air is magical. Even in Wisconsin winters, I turn off the heat and open a few windows to air out the house. It really helps with odors, and I swear it “freezes out” the funky smell.
2. Run a HEPA air purifier
Many people with allergies and other breathing problems use an air purifier to help them breathe. But an air purifier will also help rid your home of pet dander and other smells.
➡️ Watch: Here is a video of the one we have in our living room.
3. Change your furnace filters
We use a high-MERV filter and change it every couple of months. Clean air filters help with pet dander and odors. We also upgraded to a whole-house air purifier, and it’s been a game-changer.
You can read more about choosing the right filter here: The MERV Rating System for Air Filters.
4. Use activated charcoal bags
I keep these little charcoal bags near the dog beds, the couch, and the mudroom. They absorb smells naturally. Just set them in the sun once a month to “recharge.”
⚠️ PRO TIP: Get a quick view of all the products I use to keep our house clean and smelling fresh on my Amazon shopping list.
5. Diffuse essential oils (safely)
Some essential oils are safe around dogs (in small, diluted amounts). I like diffusing lavender, but I always run the diffuser in a well-ventilated space and watch how the dogs react. If they leave the room, that’s your cue to stop.
📖 Read: Essential Oils and Dogs – Pet Poison Helpline
6. Add air-purifying plants
Air-purifying plants won’t magically clean your whole house, but they can help reduce trace pollutants in the air.
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. While you’d need a lot of plants to make a huge difference, every little bit helps.
📖 Read: What Plants are Toxic to Dogs?
Keeping your floors clean
Your dog spends most of their time on the floor… so naturally, that’s where a lot of the smell ends up.
We ripped out all the carpeting in our house and replaced it with bamboo and tile floors, it was one of the best decisions we made. If carpet isn’t an option to remove (especially if you rent), don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with non-toxic ways to keep whatever flooring you have as clean as possible.
7. Wipe paws at the door
I’m not perfect at this, but wiping paws helps keep dirt and smell outside.
We use absorbent mats at the doors and keep pet-safe wipes nearby for when it’s extra muddy.
➡️ Watch: How to Care for Your Dog’s Paws (Video)
8. Vacuum regularly (or as often as real life allows)
Dog hair is everywhere. I aim for vacuuming once a week with our Dyson Animal and sweeping the main areas in between. When I have time, I move furniture and vacuum underneath… you’d be shocked how much hair collects under the couch.
We’ve had a Dyson for over 20 years and love it. Even when I upgraded, our old one was still working!
9. Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming rugs
Instead of store-bought carpet deodorizers (which are full of chemicals your dog walks and lies on), just use baking soda. It naturally absorbs odor and is safe for pets.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes before vacuuming. (Test on a small area first, just in case.)
⚠️ PRO TIP: Get our FREE Natural Remedies Reference Guide.
10. Mop with vinegar and water
I stopped using chemical cleaners after Ginger started getting irritated paws. Now I mop with a simple mix of white vinegar and water, sometimes adding a drop or two of peppermint essential oil (make sure it’s dog-safe and diluted).
11. Clean up accidents immediately
Pee accidents are no joke. They will stink if they are not cleaned up the right way.
I use enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle and my Little Green Machine for any stains. For a DIY option, mix equal parts vinegar and water.
Back when we fostered two puppies at once, I used that Little Green Machine almost daily. Total lifesaver.
⚠️ PRO TIP: Avoid potty accidents by using DoggieLawn. Hydroponically grown grass is designed to work perfectly as an indoor puppy potty, a porch potty for your dog, or outside on your balcony as a fresh potty patch.
12. Steam clean carpets once a year
Even if you’re careful, carpets trap smells. Steam cleaning once a year (DIY or professional) helps deep-clean and refresh.
We’ve done both, plus I hose off throw rugs outside with OdoBan and let them dry in the sun.
📖 Read: How can I remove dog urine odor from carpet?
Furniture and Stuff
Anything porous = potential stink trap. That includes your couch, rugs, blankets, and even your walls.
13. Use washable furniture covers
I love snuggling with my dogs on the couch, but I don’t love the smell they leave behind.
We use slipcovers that I can throw in the wash weekly. Quick to remove when company comes, too!
➡️ Watch: Watch my review of the couch covers we use here.
14. Vacuum and lint-roll furniture weekly
Even with covers, hair creeps everywhere. I use my Dyson vacuum with the attachments to clean cushions, corners, and under the furniture. A Lilly Brush and lint roller are my go-tos for quick cleanup.
15. Wash your walls and windows
Yep, walls. Slobber, dirt, and oils from your dog can build up. I use OdoBan because it’s tough on the dirt, and I know it will help remove any smells that build up in the drywall.
You know that nose prints and slobber build up on your windows and glass doors, too, right? I use a vinegar/water/rubbing alcohol mix, or a safer store-bought cleaner like Full Circle Market’s bathroom spray. Dog nose prints disappear fast.
16. Clean dog toys regularly
Soft toys go in the washer on cold. Hard toys get a vinegar soak in the sink or run through the dishwasher (like Kongs or Toppls).
⚠️ PRO TIP: Wash toys with their bedding to save time.
17. Wash dog beds, blankets, and crate mats regularly
Dog beds are odor magnets. Between muddy paws, drool, and daily use, they soak in smells fast.
I wash ours at least once a month, sometimes more often depending on the weather and how dirty they get. Most dog beds come with removable covers, if yours doesn’t, it might be time to upgrade to something washable.
Here’s how I do it:
- Remove the cover (if possible) and shake it out outside
- Wash with a combination of white vinegar and baking soda in cold or warm water
- Avoid heavily fragranced detergents—they can irritate your dog’s skin. I like to use TrulyFree.
Grooming & Prevention
If your dog smells, your house probably will too. Grooming is a big part of odor control.
18. Brush your dog regularly
Brushing helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduces shedding.
I love using grooming gloves; they feel like a massage, and even our brush-haters enjoy them. When the weather’s nice, I brush them outside… less fur floating through the house!
19. Clean ears and teeth
Funky smells often come from your dog’s ears or mouth.
I clean our dogs’ ears monthly using Eco Ears. I brush their teeth too. I know it’s not fun, but it helps so much with bad breath.
➡️ Watch: How to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing
20. Bathe as needed
There’s no set rule here. Some dogs need baths more often than others.
If your dog rolls in something nasty or starts to smell, it’s bath time.
We installed a dog wash station in our mudroom, which makes it so much easier.
➡️ Watch: Our DIY Dog Wash Station Setup
21. Wash collars and leashes
This one’s easy to forget, but those collars trap odors fast. I soak ours in warm soapy water or vinegar… and honestly, they usually look pretty gross when I do… watch the video to see it in action.
⚠️ BONUS: biothane collars don’t hold odor, which is a huge win.
22. Keep up with regular vet care
If your dog still smells, even after a bath and brushing, it could be a medical issue.
Things like allergies, yeast infections, or skin problems can all cause odor. Don’t wait, check in with your vet.
👉 Grab my free Natural Remedies Reference Guide
Deep Cleaning Your Home (For Stubborn Pet Smells)
Sometimes surface cleaning isn’t enough. If your house still smells like dog even after all of this, here are a few deeper fixes to consider.
23. Hire a professional cleaning service
They’ve got tools (and muscle) that can reach places we can’t.
24. Ozone treatment
Some people swear by whole-house ozone treatments to remove deep, embedded pet smells. Just make sure to follow safety instructions or hire a pro.
25. Replace carpeting or furniture
Carpet, dog beds, and even your couch cushions can absorb years of odor.
If the smell won’t go away, it might be time to replace them. We ditched all our carpet years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
26. Stick to a cleaning schedule
This is the real secret… consistency. Once you get things clean, stay on top of it with a simple routine.
Keeping your house clean with dogs is a lot easier when you have a plan.
That’s why I created a Dog-Safe Cleaning Guide — with my favorite DIY cleaning recipes, printable checklists, and simple room-by-room routines.
Natural remedies for eliminating dog odors
If you’re like me and want to avoid chemical sprays and plug-ins… try these natural remedies:
- Baking soda – Sprinkle it on carpets or inside dog beds, then vacuum it up
- White vinegar – Mix 1:1 with water for mopping or spot-cleaning
- Activated charcoal – Great for soaking up odors passively
- Essential oils – Just make sure they’re safe for dogs and diffuse in moderation
- Houseplants – Add beauty and help purify indoor air
What’s Your Best Cleaning Hack?
Got a go-to cleaning tip that helps keep your house fresh with dogs?
Share it in the comments! Your advice could help another dog parent who’s struggling with the same issues. Let’s make life with dogs… cleaner, calmer, and just a little less hairy.
Have you ever tried to remove dog hair with a rubber glove? It works wonders!
I have lost the majority of my sense of smell since I got to be over 65 years old and only occasionally do I smell a real strong odor of any kind. My daughter still has hers and gets after me frequently because of my 4 dogs who are paper trained but miss them more than they should and hit the carpets. After reading this article I now have hope as to getting it to smell better then I have been able to do and starting tonight getting out the baking soda so it has time overnight to work on the odors. Then tomorrow is vacuuming and shampooing carpets and all 4 getting baths.
Patricia, if your pups have been peeing on the carpet for a while, you may need to replace the carpet, as it may have soaked into the pad and even into the subfloor. We removed the carpet when we bought our house and it was terrible how bad the wood floors under the carpet were destroyed. Just don’t be disappointed if after all the cleaning effort it still smells.
Thanks for the great tips! One note though… I bought an air purifier with an ozone setting and loved it, until I read how dangerous ozone is in your home. Some reports say it causes brain and lung cancer. I used to run it constantly in the rooms we kept our dogs in when we leave. I felt TERRIBLE. Now, if I use it, I close that room’s door and put a towel under the crack. After it runs, I open the window and turn on the fan, keeping the door closed. Works like a charm!
Very interesting, I’ve never heard that about Ozone and cancer… I’m going to have to go and research now! Thanks for sharing.
This is such great advice! I have 2 med-large dogs and controlling the doggie odor got so much easier once we moved into an apartment with hardwood and tile rather than carpeting. I feel like no matter how clean you and your pets are, carpet just traps fur, dander, and odors.
Also, remember that dogs have a very strong odor when stressed (think about the smell of a vet exam room!). So try to minimize stressors in your home so it doesn’t start smelling like a scared pup! The DAP pheromone sprays were good for decreasing environmental stress for one of my uptight pups.
Thank you Lee Ann. And great point about dogs that are stressed! Thanks for pointing the additional tip out.