Dog ownership comes with plenty of love and companionship, but it also comes with occasional messes. Whether your dog had an accident inside the house, left a stinky pile in the yard, or soiled your car during a trip, you may be dealing with the lingering odor of dog poop.
That smell can be tough to eliminate, and no one wants their home or car to smell like dog waste! Fortunately, knowing how to remove dog poop smell is key to keeping your spaces fresh and clean.
Keep going to find out all the simple techniques to remove dog poop smell simply –
Why Does Dog Poop Smell Linger?
Dog poop contains a mix of bacteria, waste proteins, and fats that produce a strong odor, and when it’s left untreated, that smell can linger in carpets, on surfaces, or even outside in the yard.
On hard surfaces, the smell may not be as persistent, but if dog poop gets absorbed into fabrics, upholstery, or cracks in flooring, it can be much harder to remove. Moreover, if the waste isn’t cleaned up quickly, bacteria can multiply, making the smell worse.
By acting quickly and using the right cleaning methods, you can eliminate the odor before it sets in, no matter where the accident happens.
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Step-by-Step Techniques to Remove Dog Poop Smell
To remove dog poop smell, clean the affected area immediately, using a mixture of mild soap and water or an enzyme cleaner. For tougher smells, follow up with natural deodorizers like baking soda or vinegar. Proper cleaning and deodorizing techniques will leave your space smelling fresh again.
Whether you’re dealing with poop smells in your house, car, or yard, here’s a detailed guide to help you tackle the odor and freshen up your space.
Step 1: Remove the Poop and Clean the Area
The first step in getting rid of the smell is to clean up the mess itself. The longer you wait, the more time the odor has to seep into surfaces.
- Pick up the poop: Use disposable gloves and pick up as much of the solid waste as possible. If the poop is in the yard, scoop it up with a plastic bag or dog poop scoop and discard it in an outdoor trash can.
- Blot, don’t rub (for indoor accidents): If the poop is on carpet or fabric, blot the area with paper towels to soak up any moisture. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the waste deeper into the fibers and spread the smell.
Removing as much of the poop as possible is crucial before you move on to cleaning and deodorizing the affected area.
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Step 2: Clean with Soap and Water
Once the solid waste is removed, it’s time to clean the area to get rid of any residue or remaining bacteria that can contribute to the smell.
- Use a mild soap solution: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the area, whether it’s on hard floors, carpets, or furniture.
- Rinse and blot: After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area, removing any soap residue. Blot the area dry with a towel or paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
If the smell is still lingering after cleaning, you’ll need to follow up with odor-neutralizing methods.
Step 3: Apply an Enzyme Cleaner for Tough Odors
For stronger smells or accidents on carpets and fabrics, enzyme-based cleaners are your best option. These cleaners break down the proteins in pet waste, completely eliminating the odor rather than just masking it.
- Apply the enzyme cleaner: Spray or pour the enzyme cleaner directly on the affected area, whether it’s a carpet, rug, or upholstery. Be sure to cover the entire area where the dog poop was, including any places where the smell might have spread.
- Let it sit: Allow the enzyme cleaner to work for 10–15 minutes. The enzymes will break down the odor-causing particles in the waste.
- Blot dry: After the cleaner has had time to work, blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any excess moisture. For best results, let the area air dry completely.
Enzyme cleaners are highly effective and are available at most pet supply stores or online. If you don’t have an enzyme cleaner on hand, natural deodorizing methods can also be used.
Step 4: Neutralize Odors with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that works wonders for eliminating bad smells, including dog poop odors. It’s safe for most surfaces and fabrics, making it a great choice for indoor or outdoor use.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the area: After cleaning and drying the spot, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area. Be sure to cover the entire spot where the smell is coming from.
- Let it sit overnight: Allow the baking soda to sit on the surface for several hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more odor it can absorb.
- Vacuum it up: The next day, vacuum up the baking soda. Your carpets, floors, or furniture should smell significantly fresher. You can repeat this process if the smell persists.
Step 5: Use White Vinegar for Extra Deodorizing
If the smell is still lingering after cleaning, white vinegar is a powerful natural deodorizer that can help eliminate any remaining odor.
- Create a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar neutralizes odors naturally without leaving behind harmful chemicals.
- Spray the affected area: Lightly spray the vinegar solution onto the area where the dog poop smell lingers. For carpets or fabrics, avoid soaking the material, and just spray enough to cover the surface.
- Let it air dry: Vinegar has a strong smell initially, but as it dries, it will take the dog poop smell with it, leaving behind a fresh scent.
Pro Tip: For outdoor areas, like patios or decks, you can use a stronger vinegar solution and rinse with water afterward.
Step 6: Freshen Up the Air
After cleaning and deodorizing, you can freshen up the air in your home or car to make sure the bad smell is fully eliminated.
- Use air purifiers or fans: Set up fans or an air purifier near the affected area to help circulate fresh air and remove any lingering odors.
- Try essential oils or air fresheners: Add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or lemon, to a diffuser or use a natural air freshener to leave your space smelling clean and pleasant.
- Charcoal bags for cars: If the poop smell is inside your car, place activated charcoal bags under the seats to absorb any leftover odors.
Step 7: Clean Outdoor Areas
If the dog poop smell is coming from your yard or outdoor space, there are simple ways to keep the area fresh.
- Rinse with water: Use a hose to rinse the area where the poop was, especially if it was on concrete, patios, or walkways. This helps remove any remaining waste particles and reduces the smell.
- Use an outdoor cleaner: For tough smells, consider using a pet-safe outdoor cleaner designed for patios and grass. These products can break down waste and neutralize odors effectively.
- Baking soda or vinegar: For smaller areas, sprinkle baking soda or spray vinegar to further neutralize any lingering smells.
Regularly cleaning outdoor spaces where your dog frequently goes to the bathroom can prevent odors from building up and keep your yard smelling fresh.
End Note
Removing dog poop smell from your home, car, or yard doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By acting quickly and using the right cleaning methods—such as soap and water, enzyme cleaners, baking soda, and vinegar—you can effectively neutralize even the strongest odors. Whether it’s a one-time accident or a recurring issue, these techniques will help you keep your spaces smelling fresh and clean.
With regular cleaning, deodorizing, and a few natural odor absorbers, you can enjoy a clean environment that’s free from dog poop smell, making life with your furry friend even more enjoyable.
