How to Get Dog Smell Out of Blankets? 3 Useful Tips to Consider

Having a furry friend is accompanied by a lot of snuggles and devotion, but it also has its downfalls. Your blankets retain the dog odor no matter how much you strive or subject them to harsh washing sessions.

Does that ring a bell? Then do not worry, this article is for you! After devising numerous laundry solutions, we just got a simple piece of advice I found on a forum that changed the game. Let’s check out how to get dog smell out of blankets naturally!

What Causes Pet Odors in Bedding and Blankets?

Every source of odor possesses a distinctive characteristic that enables it to infuse into the fabric, and knowing these factors is the first move in dealing with those smells.

Urine

Whether you have a young puppy, an old dog, or an energetic cat, urination can be an issue. When urine gets into blankets, bedding, or soft materials, it has things like urea and ammonia in it. If you don’t clean it quickly, these things can harden over time, making the stains tough.

Dog urine might be hard to get rid of immediately

Dog hair

During the shedding process on the fur of animals, sweat, skin oils, and bacteria get collected into the hair strands. At first glance, it might not seem a lot, but when it gets stuck onto the bedding, the hair strands become the perfect ingredients to create odors. 

Dog hair is also a main cause of smell on the blankets (Source: hepper.com)

Dirt

Who does not adore watching their pet have a field day outside? However, every happy sprint or tumble in the yard brings along some dirty aspects as well. These outdoor factors get lodged in your pet’s fur and paws. 

And when your fur baby decides the time to take a nap, they transfer all that onto your warm blankets. In the long run, if this dust accumulates, it can emit earthy, musty, or even sour odors.

Your dog sometimes comes with so much dirt (Source: dogster.com)

How to Get Dog Smell Out of Blankets? 3 Simple Ways to Follow

So, how do you get dog urine smell out of blankets? Here are 3 common ways you should consider:

1. Borax

If you’re looking for the best way to get dog smell out of blankets, borax is your secret weapon. It’s simple, effective, and works wonders even with just a small amount. 

Whether you have an HE washing machine or a septic system, borax will tackle those lingering smells without any issues. Here’s how you can use this powerful powder to freshen up your blankets in no time.

1. Measure a small amount: Grab a teaspoon of borax. Trust me, a little goes a long way!
2. Add it to the wash: Toss the borax directly into your washing machine drum. It’s safe for HE machines, so don’t worry.
3. Use your regular detergent: Pour in your usual laundry soap as you would for any load.
4. Run a normal cycle: Set your washing machine to a regular wash cycle with warm water. Warm water helps borax dissolve and work its magic.
5. Check the smell: Once the cycle is done, take a deep sniff. The doggy odor should be gone!

Borax might be the key to blowing out all over the dog smell (Source: thepetown.com)

Pro Tips:

• For extra freshness, follow up with a fabric softener or dryer sheet.
• Don’t overdo it – borax is powerful, and just a pinch is all you need.
• Store borax in a cool, dry place to keep it effective for your next use.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar has remained over the years a trusted solution in every household activity, and this applies even when trying how to get rid of dog smell in blankets. You know, vinegar’s acid gets rid of smells, and your clothes will end up smelling clean. 

1. Measure the correct amount: Put 1/4 cup of vinegar, either apple cider or white-both work fine, into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.
2. Ditch the Detergent for Now: Run the first cycle with vinegar and water in the wash for particularly pungent odors.
3. Start by washing with hot water and vinegar. Then, do a second wash with detergent: right after the vinegar wash, use your regular detergent to get rid of any leftover vinegar smell.
4. Drying is also important: if feasible, hang your laundry outside in the sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure is remarkably effective in neutralizing odors.

Vinegar is a classic solution for every odor from your dog (Source: freshwave.com)

Pro Tips:

• An insightful tip is that if the odor continues, you should soak the blankets in a solution of water and vinegar (specifically, one part vinegar to three parts water).
• Avoid combining vinegar with bleach, as this results in toxic fumes!

3. Baking Soda

Many people wonder about how to wash fleece blankets from dog smells. The short answer is baking soda – a great, natural way to eliminate pet odors and is easy to use. The Humane Society even suggests its use in removing odors and stains from pet blankets. 

If you do not feel like using harsh chemicals, baking soda is the gentler but equally effective alternative. Because baking soda has odor-neutralizing properties, your blankets will smell fresh without necessarily having to apply any complicated method. 

Here’s how to harness the power of baking soda.

1. Mix baking soda with detergent: Mix 1 pound of baking soda in a washing machine with your regular detergent. Stir well to distribute the powder evenly.
2. Pre-treat for heavy odors: Sprinkle this baking soda directly onto the blankets and allow it to sit for 15–20 minutes before washing. This step will help break down odors at their very source.
3. Add to wash: The mixture of baking soda and detergent mixture may be poured into the washer just like one uses pure soap.
4. Do a normal wash cycle: Running it under warm water enables the baking soda to dissolve and do its work effectively in its functionality of neutralizing odors.
5. Rinse properly: Ensure all the baking soda is washed out from the fabric.

Use baking soda might be a great choice for your blankets (Source: thetoweldepot.com)

Pro Tips:

• To give an extra kick, put a few drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender or tea tree oil in with the baking soda.
• Baking soda is a natural fabric softener that is great for making your blankets feel fluffy and fresh.

How to Effectively Dry Your Bedding and Blankets from Dog Smell?

With the right steps, you can easily dry and maintain your bedding to keep it fresh, clean, and odor-free. Let’s roll it up step by step with me, like a true pet odor expert!

Use baking soda might be a great choice for your blankets (Source: thetoweldepot.com)

Step 1: Set Your Dryer in High Temperature

Start to set the dryer with high temperature at first (Source: snowe.com)

First of all, set your dryer in the highest temperature setting. Not only will it dry your bedding faster, but also kill the bacteria that may have survived the washing process and are still attached to the fabric. 

Step 2: Throw In Wool Dryer Balls

You should have 2-3 wool dryer balls to wash your blankets (Source: Hushblanket.net)

Rolling to step 2, throw in one or two wool dryer balls. These lovely little things puff up your bedding as it tumbles, helping it dry faster. Just the cherry on top is applying a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the balls. 

Step 3: Pull Out Your Bedding

Now is the time to pull out the blankets on bedding (Source: Nosleepness.com)

Do not think the job is complete once the timer goes off. Pull out your bedding and give it an inspection, particularly in the thickest areas. If it’s still a bit damp, do not take shortcuts by putting it away too soon. 

FAQs

1. Why Does My Dog Urinate on Their Blanket?

Dogs typically don’t like to mess up the areas where they rest, which means the practice can often indicate underlying problems. Yes, dogs do pee to mark their territory but if the penis is out for too long and too many times on a bed or blanket then these behaviors are unacceptable.

Causes such as urinary incontinence or urinary infections may be possible. Also, environmental changes may influence their actions, as well as stress and anxiety.

2. Can I Use Fabric Softener to Cover Up the Dog Smell?

While fabric softener can add a pleasant scent, it doesn’t neutralize odors and may even trap oils in the fabric. Instead, you should try to use odor-removing solutions like vinegar or baking soda mentioned above.

3. Are There Specific Detergents for Removing Pet Odors?

Yes, many detergents are specifically formulated to remove pet odors. You can look for those labeled as pet-safe or enzyme-based, as they target the proteins and oils responsible for odors.

Conclusion

So, we cover you on how to get dog smell out of blankets. By following these tips, you are not just eliminating odors but building a cleaner, cozier space for yourself and your furry friend. Plus, it’s easier than you think!

So why wait? Take action now and say goodbye to lingering smells for good. You’ve got this!