Pet odor problems with your vacuum cleaner? In this article, you’ll learn how to finally get that awful pet odor out! What you’ll learn works for other types of odors, too.
Contents
How To Get Pet Smell Out of a Vacuum
1. Check the Filters
Caked-up dust accumulates on the filter with repeat use. Check the filter first.
- Remove your filter and clean it with soap and water to remove the caked-up dust.
- If your vacuum requires replacement filters, purchase the correct ones and replace them accordingly. (For example, Dyson vacuum filters are washable with warm water.)
- Leave the filter to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling it inside your vacuum.
2. Clean and Rinse Out the Dust Bin
Bagless vacuums require just a little bit of effort to get them clean and fresh.
- Remove the filter and soak the dust bin in white vinegar, baking soda, and your choice of dish soap.
- Rinse the canister and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
3. Check and Clean the Rotating Brush
The rotating brush builds up with dirt and pet hair as you continually use your vacuum.
- Remove the rotating brush on your vacuum and remove all the human and dog hair first.
- Next, wash it with warm water and dish soap to remove the grime and odors.
4. Replace the Vacuum Bag
If your vacuum uses a vacuum bag replace it with a new one. Old vacuum bags can harbor dog urine and other lingering odor from continuously using the vacuum over time to clean up pet-related messes in your home.
Most bagged vacuums come with an indicator that lights up when the bag needs a replacement. Have bag replacements on hand for when this happens.
Unplug your unit, remove the bag per the manufacturer’s instructions, discard it, and replace it with a new bag.
How Do You Get the Musty Smell Out of a Vacuum Filter?
When you vacuum, dust from the floor turns into airborne pollutants. The dust in the air rapidly skyrockets by 98% when vacuum cleaning. Vacuum cleaner smells come from the unit when the power switches on.
Dog urine and other musty smells can accumulate in your vacuum too.
- Soak the vacuum attachments in a mixture of hot water and baking soda to remove the musty smell.
- Allow them to air dry. (Alternatively you can shake off the excess water and dry them with a paper towel.)
How Do You Disinfect a Vacuum?
Your vacuum cleaner picks up dog pee smell and other contaminants.
Disinfect your vacuum using bleach:
- First, rinse the vacuum attachments in water. Bleach is another method to get pet smell out of a vacuum because the formula eliminates odor-causing bacteria.
- Grab a spray bottle and fill it with room temperature water.
- Measure a tablespoon of bleach and add it to the bottle.
- Spray the attachments with the solution and then allow them to air dry.
What Can I Put In My Vacuum To Make It Smell Better?
You can put several things in your vacuum to make it smell better. For example, you can add one of the following on the filter or into the bag or canister:
- Thymol essential oil for lingering odor.
- Any other essential oil of your choice. (Eucalyptus is a great one for example.)
- Baking soda to help keep unpleasant smells under control – and it’s totally pet-safe, too.
You can also sprinkle baking soda onto your carpet. Vacuum it up to have better-smelling carpets and a smell-free vacuum cleaner.
