How To Get The Dog Smell Out Of Blankets? (8 Tips)

We all love our dogs. They’re amazing creatures that are not only faithful, but also fun, and provide us with unconditional love and companionship. Unfortunately, they can also be messy and stinky.

Not to say that they aren’t worth it, but it’s hard to keep a house clean when you have a dog. From keeping them off your clothes, to constantly sweeping and vacuuming fur, to cleaning up muddy paw prints, it seems like there’s always something to clean up when you have a dog.

And then there’s the issue of smells. Even if your best friend is the cleanest dog in the world, they’re still going to have a natural “dog smell” about them. This can be especially noticeable if you have a small house or apartment.

If your dog has a special blanket they lay on or sleep on constantly, it’s likely one of the smelliest things in the house.

So, how do you get the dog smell out of blankets? Usually, one of the following tips will work very well:

• Use vinegar
• Use baking soda
• Use hydrogen peroxide
• Find a specially formulated laundry detergent
• Add an oxy booster or borax to the wash
• Use a deodorizing spray
• Try dog shampoo
• Invest in an ozone machine

How Do I Get My Dog’s Smell Out Of His Blanket

Let’s take a deeper look at each method.

Vinegar

When it comes to smelly dog blankets, both white and apple cider vinegar can help. Depending on the intensity of the smell you may need to use more vinegar.

First, try spraying the blanket before you wash it. Mix 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and mist the stinky blanket. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash as usual.

If that doesn’t work, you can try adding a cup of vinegar to your washing machine. Run either with detergent or just with warm water.

Finally, if neither of those options work, you can go all out and soak the blanket in vinegar before washing it.

Before proceeding please read the safety note below.

Baking Soda

Another great way to get rid of smells is to use baking soda. Sprinkle the blanket with baking soda, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the better it will work. Then vacuum it up and wash as usual.

Be sure to keep your dog off the blanket while it sits with the baking soda or you’ll defeat the purpose.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove smells from dog blankets. Put one cup in your washing machine with your usual detergent and then wash as usual.

Hydrogen peroxide is safe for most fabrics, however, it can fade some colors. If you’re concerned about that, you can always test a small hidden area of the blanket first.

Before proceeding please read the safety note below.

Specially Formulated Laundry Detergent

If you’re looking for something specifically designed to get rid of pet odors, there are many different pet odor laundry detergents on the market. These usually work very well and are definitely worth trying if the other methods don’t work. The only drawback is that they can sometimes be a little pricey.

Oxy Booster Or Borax

If you’ve tried all of the above and the smell is still there, you can try using an oxygen booster or borax in the wash. These are both very effective at getting rid of tough smells.

Deodorizing Spray

When you need something to use in between washes, there are many different types of dog odor deodorizing sprays available. These can be very helpful in keeping the smell down.

Dog Shampoo

There are shampoos designed for dogs. These shampoos aren’t only made to be dog safe, but also formulated to specifically clean dogs. Try hand washing your dog’s blanket with dog shampoo.

Ozone Machine

If you’re really struggling to get rid of the smell, you can try using an ozone machine. These are designed to remove all sorts of smells, including pet odors.

Be sure to follow all the instructions that come with the machine, as using it improperly can be dangerous.

Safety Note: Mixing Hydrogen Peroxide And Vinegar With Detergent

Please be aware that when mixed with the wrong chemicals both hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can be dangerous.

Please read what chemicals are used in your laundry detergent before adding either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to the wash.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not mix them with your laundry detergent.

Drying Tips To Help Remove The Smell From A Dog’s Blanket

Washing, and more specifically, the type of soap and deodorizer you use is the most important step, however, the method of drying can also help remove odors from your dog’s blanket as well.

Hang The Blanket In The Sun

The sun is a great natural way to get rid of odors. If you can, hang the blanket outside in the sun to dry. The UV rays from the sun will help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the smell. Additionally, the fresh air will help to remove any lingering smells.

Perfumed Drying Sheets

Perfumed dryer sheets can also help to remove smells. Just add one or two to the dryer with the blanket and wash as usual. As with anything scented make sure that your dryer sheets are dog safe before using them on his blanket.

How To Prevent My Dog’s Blanket From Smelling

Preventing your dog’s blanket from getting smelly in the first place is the best way to deal with the problem. Here are a few tips that can help:

Wash The Blanket Frequently

The more you wash your dog’s blanket, the less chance there is for bacteria and therefore smells to build up. Try to wash it at least once a week, or more if necessary.

Bathe Your Dog Frequently

Obviously, if your dog goes swimming in a pond, rolls in some mud, or otherwise gets dirty, you’ll need to wash him more often.

Even if he doesn’t get dirty, it’s still a good idea to bathe him every month or so. This will help to remove any oils or smells that may be coming from his skin.

The frequency will depend on your dog’s coat and how oily and dirty it gets. Talk with your vet or a groomer who knows your dog about how often your pooch should be getting a bath

Use A Dog Bed Cover

A dog bed cover is a great way to protect your dog’s special blanket from getting dirty or smelly. It’s easy to take off and wash, and it will help to keep the bed looking and smelling fresh.

There are many different types of dog bed covers available. You can find them in most pet stores, or online.

Keep Your Dog Clean

As mentioned, bathing your dog regularly is a great way to prevent smells. In between baths, don’t be afraid to use dry dog shampoo if necessary. This can help to absorb any oils or smells that may be on your dog’s coat.

Additionally, brushing your dog’s fur on a regular basis will also help to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in his coat. It will also help to distribute the natural oils in his fur, which will keep his coat healthy and looking its best.

Final Thoughts: How Do I Get The Dog Smell Out Of Blankets?

No matter how much you love your dog, his smelly blanket dominating the house is not pleasant. Hopefully, these tips will help you get rid of the smell and keep your home smelling fresh.

Washing the blanket frequently, using a dog bed cover, and keeping your dog clean are all great ways to prevent smells from happening in the first place. If you do find yourself dealing with a smelly blanket, remember that sunlight, vinegar, and baking soda can all help to remove odors.

With a little effort, you can keep your dog’s blanket smelling fresh and clean.