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Anyone who owns a pet knows that odors can sometimes be a problem. Litter boxes, small pet cages, urine and other “accidents”, and even that pervasive “wet dog smell” can give your home an unpleasant aroma. Conscientious cleaning is important, but there are strategies and products that can help with even the most stubborn odors.
The simplest and safest weapon against pet odors is baking soda. It can be mixed with cat litter, sprinkled on carpets and rugs to be vacuumed up later, added to the stuffing material of pet beds, or just placed in an open container near the source of odor. A natural and inexpensive way to control odors from urine accidents is plain white vinegar. Apply in an appropriate manner to the surface that needs cleaning, which may be soaking or just applying with a damp sponge.
Some problems may be more stubborn, however. There are a variety of products on the market claiming to eliminate urine and fecal odors from carpets and furniture, some containing enzymes that will break down the source of the odor. Used properly, and sometimes with more than one application, these can work. Other solutions include scrubbing the carpet or furniture with diluted liquid laundry detergent, or with various all-purpose cleaners. Test an inconspicuous area of the carpet or furniture before applying, because the product may cause discoloration.
Cat owners must be extra vigilant about removing all traces of the odor, because if the scent remains, the cat will do it again in the same spot. Unfortunately, in some cases this may require removal of the carpet, and perhaps even sealing or removing the floor underneath! To prevent this, attack the problem at the first sign – don’t let it happen more than once. Apply odor removal products, and place a litter box over the spot, or at least cover it with a vinyl or plastic mat. You may need to restrict the cat from that room until the odor is completely gone.
Litter box odors can be kept to a minimum by using a premium cat litter, perhaps one made for multiple cat households. Scoopable clumping litter also helps because the offending material can be removed easily without dumping the whole box. Litter boxes with hoods help control odors and also keep the litter from being scattered outside the box.
When it’s not enough to keep cages and litter boxes clean to discourage odors in the home, pet owners have several strategies. Baking soda and vinegar are great tools to begin with, and there are many products on the market that can do the job. The most important way to eliminate pet odors is to be vigilant and attack the problem as soon as it occurs. The longer the source of an odor remains on a surface, the harder it will be to remove. Prevention goes a long way too!
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