If you’ve still got a dog smell on your sofa after you’ve cleaned it, a quick spritz isn’t going to cut it. Dog odour can work its way past the surface and into the upholstery underneath, which is why it has a habit of hanging around well past its welcome.
So, how do you get dog smell out of a couch? Start by vacuuming up fur and dander, treat any accidents properly and opt for a deep clean for smells that have soaked into the fabric. Fragrance can mask it for a while, but getting to the source is what really makes a difference.
In Summary
- If the dog smell keeps making a comeback, it’s probably worked its way past the surface and into the upholstery or padding underneath.
- For toilet accidents, blot first, use an enzyme-based cleaner and resist the urge to scrub it further into the couch.
- Everyday dog smell usually needs more than a quick spray. Vacuum properly, then bring in extraction cleaning when the smell has really settled in.
- Stay on top of it with regular vacuuming, washable throws and fast accident clean-ups, and you’ll save yourself a much bigger job later.
Why does dog smell come back after cleaning?
Because the smell doesn’t always stop at the surface. Body oils, dander, drool and the occasional accident can work their way through the fabric and into the layers underneath. That’s why the smell can disappear for a short while, then make an unwelcome return when you least expect it. The fix will depend on what caused it.
How do you get dog pee smell out of a couch?
Caught them in the act? Move quickly:
- Blot the urine using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to soak up as much moisture as possible.
- Treat the residue with an enzyme-based urine cleaner that breaks down what’s causing the smell.
- Check whether it’s gone deeper. If you’re still struggling to get dog urine smell out of your couch after a couple of goes at the same spot, it may have soaked through the fabric and into the cushioning. That’s when surface treatment might not cut it, and a deeper upholstery clean may help.
How do you remove general dog smell from upholstery?
If there’s no obvious accident, your couch might be the victim of built-up fur, dander and everyday dog grime. Removing pet smells from your upholstery starts with:
- A thorough vacuum: Remove cushions and get into seams, creases and all those places where half your dog seems to have disappeared.
- An odour treatment: For lingering smells, an enzyme-based product like our Britex Odour Blaster can help target the source rather than just adding another fragrance over the top.
- A deeper clean if needed: If vacuuming and spot treatment aren’t cutting it, a low-foaming upholstery cleaner can be used as part of a deeper couch clean.
When should you deep clean your couch?
Surface cleaning tackles what’s on top. Extraction with a deep cleaning machine goes deeper, flushing your upholstery and pulling out dirty moisture, oils and trapped residue that can cause those lingering smells.
Before you start
Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions first and make sure your upholstery can be wet cleaned. It’s also worth spot testing an inconspicuous area before doing the whole couch. If you’re treating a urine accident, give the enzyme cleaner time to work before you deep clean, as heat can help set urine odour.
Work in sections
Take it one cushion or patch at a time rather than soaking the whole couch in one hit. A deep cleaning machine with an upholstery wand helps pull moisture, grime and lingering odour back out as you go.
Don’t drown it
More water doesn’t mean a better clean. Drowning your couch will only slow down drying and can leave unwanted moisture sitting deeper in the cushioning. The last thing you want is a damp smell on top of the dog smell.
How can you stop dog smell coming back?
Your couch can still belong to your furry best mate – it just doesn’t have to advertise the fact. We recommend:
- Vacuuming regularly, including under the cushions
- Using washable throws on your dog’s favourite spot
- Washing pet blankets and bedding regularly
- Dealing with accidents as soon as you spot them, and skipping ammonia-based cleaners, which can smell like urine to your dog
- Deep cleaning the upholstery when vacuuming and spot treatment stop doing the job
Removing pet smells from upholstery FAQs
Does baking soda get dog smell out of couch?
Baking soda can help get mild dog smell out of a couch by absorbing some surface odours, but it won’t remove urine, oils or other residue sitting deeper in the upholstery.
Can I use carpet cleaner on my couch?
It’s best to use a cleaning solution made specifically for upholstery rather than a general carpet cleaning product. A carpet cleaning machine is fine to use on your couch with an upholstery wand, as long as you pair it with the right solution. Upholstery fabrics can behave differently, so check the care instructions first and use an upholstery-specific cleaning product that suits the job.
Why does my couch still smell after cleaning it?
Your couch usually still smells after cleaning because odour-causing oils, pet accidents or grime have soaked past the surface and into the foam or padding underneath. If the smell keeps coming back, use a targeted treatment or extraction clean to get to the source.
