Pets bring joy, but they can also leave behind unpleasant odors from urine, fur, dander, and litter boxes. If you’re struggling with pet smells in your apartment, this guide will show you effective ways to remove odors and keep your home fresh.
Before treating pet smells, find out where they are coming from.
✔ Pet urine stains on floors, carpets, or furniture.
✔ Dirty litter boxes or pet bedding.
✔ Wet dog smell from fur or damp areas.
✔ Pet dander (shed skin and hair).
Pro Tip: Use a blacklight flashlight to detect hidden urine stains on floors and furniture.
Fresh air is key to removing pet odors and preventing stale smells.
✔ Open windows and doors daily to allow fresh air in.
✔ Use fans and air purifiers to filter out pet dander and odors.
✔ Turn on exhaust fans in rooms where pets spend the most time.
Pro Tip: If your apartment lacks ventilation, place a fan near a window to push stale air outside.
Pet urine is one of the strongest and longest-lasting odors.
✔ Blot fresh urine stains with paper towels—don’t rub, as it spreads the stain.
✔ Mix white vinegar and baking soda—apply to the area and let it sit before wiping.
✔ Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down urine molecules completely.
✔ For carpets, sprinkle baking soda overnight and vacuum in the morning.
Pro Tip: Enzymatic cleaners are the best for eliminating urine smells—regular soap won’t remove the odor completely.
Fabrics absorb pet smells quickly, making them a major odor source.
✔ Wash pet beds, blankets, and cushions weekly with detergent and vinegar.
✔ Vacuum soft furniture (sofas, rugs, and curtains) to remove fur and dander.
✔ Dry pet items in direct sunlight—UV rays help kill bacteria and odors.
Pro Tip: Use pet-safe fabric sprays to keep bedding smelling fresh longer.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that works well on soft surfaces.
✔ Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and sofas, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
✔ Mix baking soda with essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus) and sprinkle lightly.
✔ For stubborn smells, apply a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and scrub.
Pro Tip: For deep-set odors, let baking soda sit overnight before vacuuming.
Cat litter boxes are a major source of pet odors if not cleaned regularly.
✔ Scoop litter daily to remove waste before it smells.
✔ Wash the litter box with vinegar and warm water weekly.
✔ Use baking soda in the litter to absorb extra moisture and odors.
✔ Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area.
Pro Tip: Try odor-control cat litter for extra freshness.
Even if you don’t see stains, pet odors stick to hard surfaces.
✔ Mop with a mix of water and white vinegar to neutralize odors.
✔ Use pet-safe disinfectants for deeper cleaning.
✔ For tile or wood floors, apply a diluted essential oil spray after mopping.
Pro Tip: Steam mopping works well for removing pet urine stains from tile floors.
Avoid chemical air fresheners—they only mask pet odors instead of removing them.
✔ Activated charcoal bags—place them in corners to absorb bad smells.
✔ Vinegar bowls—leave small bowls of vinegar in odor-prone areas overnight.
✔ Lemon and orange peels—boil in water for a fresh citrus scent.
✔ Coffee grounds—place in open containers to absorb smells.
Pro Tip: Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, peppermint) can also help freshen the air, but avoid strong oils if you have cats.
A clean pet means a fresher apartment!
✔ Bathe dogs every 2-4 weeks with pet shampoo.
✔ Brush cats and dogs daily to remove excess fur and dander.
✔ Wipe paws after outdoor walks to prevent dirt buildup.
Pro Tip: Use dry shampoo for pets if you want to control odors between baths.
Once your apartment smells fresh, follow these daily habits to keep it that way.
✔ Vacuum floors and furniture regularly to remove pet hair.
✔ Wash pet toys, bowls, and beds frequently.
✔ Keep pet areas well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
✔ Use baking soda or charcoal in problem areas for continuous odor control.
Pro Tip: A clean apartment prevents odors from settling into fabrics and furniture.
If you're looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Accra with good ventilation and easy cleaning surfaces, Apartments.com.gh helps you:
✔ Find apartments that allow pets with proper hygiene policies.
✔ Compare rental listings with tiled floors and pet-friendly features.
✔ Connect directly with landlords who accept pets.
Start your apartment search today at Apartments.com.gh.
Getting rid of pet odor in your apartment in Accra requires cleaning, odor-neutralizing methods, and regular pet grooming. By following these steps, you can eliminate pet smells and keep your home fresh permanently.
Looking for a pet-friendly, fresh-smelling apartment? Visit Apartments.com.gh today to explore listings in Accra.
