We simply adore our pets—they’re family. But let’s be real: sometimes they don’t smell great. Whether it’s lingering litter box funk, doggy odor in the carpets, or that mysterious smell coming from their favorite corner, strong pet odors can take over your home fast. And no matter how much you love your furry friend, no one wants their house to smell like a kennel.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between a fresh-smelling home and having pets. With the right maid service in San Francisco and the right approach, you can get rid of even the toughest pet smells at the source—not just cover them up with air fresheners.
If you’re ready to reclaim your living space and breathe a little easier, here’s how to eliminate pet odors for good—and keep them from creeping back in.
How do I get rid of a strong pet smell in my house?
The first thing to keep in mind is that getting rid of pet odor isn’t a one-time job. It’s about creating a routine that tackles smells before they build up. Once you’ve hired a trusted cleaner to do a deep clean, the key is regular upkeep: daily touch-ups, weekly maid service, and keeping your pet (and their stuff) as clean as possible.
1. Identify the source
Pet smells usually come from more than one place. It could be their bedding, your rugs, the couch, the air, or even the walls if the smell’s been around a while. Start by figuring out where it’s strongest. Trust your nose and follow the scent trail to the worst offenders.
Don’t forget to check:
- Upholstered furniture
- Pet beds, blankets, or toys
- Carpets and rugs
- Baseboards or walls (especially if there have been accidents)
- HVAC vents and air filters
Once you know where the smell is coming from, you can target your cleaning instead of spraying air freshener and hoping for the best.
2. Wash everything washable
If it fits in the washer, it’s going in. Start with pet bedding, your own bedding (if your pets sleep with you), curtains, removable couch covers, throw pillows—anything that holds scent.
Use a detergent that’s designed for odor elimination. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help break down stubborn smells, too. Then dry everything thoroughly—damp fabrics can actually hold onto odors even more.
3. Deep clean soft surfaces
Carpets, rugs, and couches trap pet smells like sponges. You’ll want to deep clean these areas, especially if your pet has had accidents or sheds a lot.
For carpets:
- Let your maids vacuum them thoroughly (preferably using a vacuum with a HEPA filter if they have one).
- Let them spray baking soda generously over the carpet and let it sit for a few hours (or overnight if possible). It absorbs odors naturally.
- It’s time to vacuum again or maybe try a steam cleaner if the smell is still noticeable.
For sofas and chairs, an upholstery cleaner or enzyme-based spray made for pet odors may be the best option. Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in urine and other organic smells instead of just masking them.
4. Don’t forget the air
Airborne odors are sneaky. They linger long after you’ve cleaned every surface. To tackle pet smells floating around your home:
- Replace HVAC filters (especially if you haven’t done it in a while).
- Use an air purifier with a carbon or HEPA filter to trap pet dander and odors.
- Simmer a pot of citrus peels and cinnamon sticks on the stove or use essential oil diffusers for a natural scent boost.
Avoid overpowering sprays that just mix with the smell—it’s about neutralizing, not covering.
5. Clean the litter box or pet area daily
If you’ve got cats, a dirty litter box is often the number one culprit. Scoop daily and fully change the litter at least once a week. Wash the box with mild soap and water—don’t use ammonia-based cleaners, as the scent can make the smell worse.
For dogs, make sure their designated area—whether it’s a crate, mat, or corner of the house—gets cleaned regularly. Wash food and water bowls often, too.
6. Bathe & groom your pet regularly
Sometimes, the smell is coming straight from the source—your pet. Regular baths, brushing, and grooming can reduce that natural pet odor, especially for dogs. If your pet goes outside, it’s probably tracking in more than just mud. Wipe their paws when they come in and keep up with vet-recommended hygiene habits.
Where can I find the leading maid service in San Francisco, CA & beyond?
If you can stand pungent pet odors in your home, want to embrace the power of green cleaning, need pros who can tackle the hardest cleaning chores, or would like to implement a recurring house cleaning plan, Adriana’s House Cleaning is at your beck and call for all this and so much more.
As a dedicated, consistent, flexible, and dependable team of experienced pros, all you have to do is give us a call or contact us online, and you’re free to enjoy the beautiful ocean views from Twin Peaks while we take care of the dirt. We’ll leave your home spotless and neat, so get in touch with us today!