Last Updated on November 22, 2022 by ellen
Are you wondering how to remove dog odors from your pet vacuum? A pet vacuum is one of the best ways to remove pet hair and dog odors from your rugs and furniture. If you’re in spring cleaning mode as I am right now, pet hair is likely a problem you’re trying to deal with. Have you ever noticed that after you’re done cleaning your vacuum retains pet odors?
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Remove Dog Odors From Your Pet Vacuum
If you’re noticing that your pet vacuum is retaining odors, don’t give up hope. There are a few things that you can do to remove the odors from your pet vacuum so that the house will smell fresh and clean again.
Never store it dirty
The best way to keep your pet vacuum from having odors is never to store it dirty. Empty the cup or the bag after each use to prevent odors from occurring. Try washing out the cup with white vinegar to eliminate odors.
Clean the filter
If you have a reusable filter, it’s important to clean the filter regularly. If the filter isn’t reusable, then try changing it more frequently to prevent odors. It may cost more money to replace the filter with each use, but it will help keep your vacuum from absorbing pet odors.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. If you sprinkle baking soda on your rugs or sofa, let it sit for an hour, and then vacuum it up, it will help remove the odors at the same time.
Clean the vacuum
Take the vacuum apart and clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. This includes wiping down the outside, the area where the canister connects, and any hoses and brushes that you use. Then, take the whole thing outside and let the individual pieces dry in the sun and fresh air.
Do you have any tips to share to remove dog odors from your pet vacuum?
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.
I never thought about this. I have 2 dogs and a cat so we have a lot of pet fur. I’ll try it!
I hope the tips help!
You know this is a real issue. Very helpful post. I never thought about how the smells just hang out in the vacuum but of course they do! Love the tip about never store it dirty.
Glad it was helpful, Shelley!
I like th baking soda tip. We have a puppy so we could use some odor relief.
Glad to help!
Oh these are such great tips! I get this problem often, and am going to try these! Thank you!
I’m always glad to help!
I am going to try the baking soda tip. I had some in a canister specifically for refreshing carpet but it smelled so flowery, so I rarely used it! I have a few thin runners over the apartment carpet so I can shampoo that easier than the carpet. White vinegar on the storage cup should work too. Thanks!
It really can be such a challenge, Deb. I don’t like the perfumey ones either.
This is good to know because I have never had a dog in the house before but my daughter is going to be moving back in after college and the dog comes with her! Thanks!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy having her home!
I’m going to have to give these ideas a whirl. Roxi, although we love her with all our heart, is really a smelly dog! LOL Perhaps this way, at least we can keep our vacuum cleaner. Time to give it a thorough cleaning!
I really find that I need to do this every other month or so.
I need to take my vacuum apart and clean it. It definitely has a doggie odor to it right now.
That’s the perfect job for a sunny, spring day.
Great tips! I love our Hoover pet vacuum. We have four pets, so there is always SO much fur! 🙂
That can definitely be a problem!
Great tips! I have three dogs two are longhaired. I never thought of some of these things
Glad to help out, Margaret.