We all love our furry friends, and if yours are like ours, there’s nothing they appreciate more than a long car ride. While seeing our pups happy with the window down makes the trip worthwhile, there’s one thing that we can’t deny – the smell they leave behind. You know what we’re talking about: the smell of wet dog, hair everywhere, maybe some drool, and even pee if we’re unlucky.
While there’s nothing worse than a smelly car, that doesn’t mean we have to leave our pups behind on our next road trip. All we have to do is be aware of how to get rid of the smell in the car, which can be done with these tips.
How to Get the Dog Smell Out of a Car
Step 1: Vacuum
The first step to cleaning your car is removing dog hair. If your dog is a shedder, then try to be very detailed and take the time to remove as much hair as possible; this will help the rest of the process go more smoothly. And for an added bonus, did you know that the removal of dog hair from the seats also has long-lasting benefits? It helps prevent it from embedding itself into your upholstery and transferring any dirt or residue from it to your car’s interior surfaces.
Step 2: Wipe Down Surfaces
Using an all-purpose cleaner, wipe down all the surfaces in the car, including the dashboard, door handles, and steering wheel. This will help remove leftover dog hair, as well as any drool or dirt that your dog left behind.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda
And if you really want to know how to get rid of that dog smell, then baking soda is key. Sprinkle it on the seats and carpets of your car, let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps absorb odors and leave your car smelling fresh.
Step 4: Use a Steam Cleaner
If the dog odor is particularly strong, you may want to consider using a steam cleaner. This will help deep-clean the carpets and upholstery and remove any lingering dog odor.
Step 5: Use an Air Freshener
Air fresheners help neutralize odors and leave your car smelling better for longer. There are a large number of fragrances to choose from, so choose the one that best fits your preferences.
How to Get Pee Out of Car Seat
And if you need to get pee out of your car seat, then you’ll need to give that seat an extra wash to get rid of the smell and prevent it from staining. Baking soda and white vinegar are both regular household items and naturally deodorizing, making them a great solution.
First, you should clean and dry the pee with a cloth as best you can (if it’s an old stain, you can skip this step). If you choose to use vinegar, all you have to do is spray equal parts water and vinegar on the affected surface. If you choose baking soda, rub a baking soda paste on the area and remove any residue once it’s dry.
Get Your Car Detailed for a Longer-Lasting Solution
The tips from this article are a great way to keep your car clean in between washes, especially if you take your pup on regular outings. However, there’s no better way to truly get rid of pet odor than a professional car wash. When you get your car detailed, it will be deep cleaned with professional techniques and products to help remove deep-rooted stains and odors.
If you’re ready to get your car detailed, check out our various car washing plans at Rinzer, as well as our additional services such as Pet Hair Removal and Odor Removal in severe cases. All you have to do is let us know when and where you want your wash, and our mobile car wash will come to you!
