Kristine Joy, Writer

Mission:

Rid our house of its dog smell without ridding our house of its dogs.

Wellness Why(s):

Primary: Environmental

Subsidiary: Physical (“Cleaner Air for Iowa” 🤣), Social (family and friends may be more apt to visit)

The Nuts & Bolts:

Upon returning from vacation, we got mad rushed by our 3 dogs. 🐕🐕🐶❤️

But, we also got mad rushed by the pungent smell of dog upon opening the front door.

In line with the theme of wellness for me this week, to Just Breathe, I hereby set out to quell the dog smell.

How do I start most endeavors? Ask ChatGPT.

How to rid our house of dog smell and then upkeep the cleaner air quality?

ChatGPT Response:

🧼 1. Deep Clean to Remove Dog Smell

Do this once thoroughly — it’s your “reset” day.

A. Fabrics and Soft Surfaces

These hold most of the odor.

• Wash everything washable: Pet bedding, throw blankets, cushion covers, curtains, and rugs (use enzymatic detergent if possible).
• Vacuum and steam clean: Carpets, upholstery, and mattresses. A steam cleaner or professional carpet cleaner removes embedded oils and bacteria from pet dander.
• Baking soda overnight: Sprinkle on carpets and couches, let sit overnight, then vacuum. It absorbs odor molecules.

B. Hard Surfaces

• Mop with vinegar + water (1:1) or a mild enzyme-based cleaner for floors, baseboards, and walls. These cut through oils that trap odors.
• Wipe down all surfaces — counters, cabinet fronts, doorknobs, window sills, and trim — dogs shed microscopic oils everywhere.

C. Air and Filters

• Replace or wash HVAC filters (preferably MERV 11–13 rated to catch dander).
• Clean vents and vacuum registers.
• Run air purifiers in main rooms with HEPA + activated carbon filters (Carbon removes odor molecules).

D. Dog Zone

• Deep clean crates, dog beds, and toys (most fabric toys can go in a pillowcase + washing machine).
• Wash collars and leashes — they absorb smell too.

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🧺 2. Weekly Maintenance Routine

Daily

• Quick vacuum/sweep of high-traffic areas and dog zones.
• Wipe paws before the dog comes inside to keep outside dirt/oils out.
• Empty trash cans and clean food/water bowls.

Weekly

• Wash dog bedding and blankets.
• Vacuum couches, rugs, and vents.
• Mop with an enzymatic floor cleaner.
• Wipe baseboards (these trap oils and hair).
• Spray fabric-safe odor neutralizer (not just fragrance cover-ups — look for “enzyme-based pet odor eliminator”).

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🌿 3. Air Quality & Odor Prevention

Home Environment

• HEPA air purifiers — one per main living area, one in the bedroom.
• Houseplants that naturally clean air: peace lily, spider plant, or snake plant (non-toxic options if your dog chews).
• Open windows daily for 10–15 minutes to exchange stale air.
• Dehumidifier if humidity is over 50% — damp air traps smells.

Dog Care

• Bathe every 3–4 weeks (too often can dry skin — use a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo).
• Brush regularly and wipe down with pet wipes between baths.
• Feed high-quality food — coat oils and body odor start inside.

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💡 Optional Upgrades

• Add charcoal air purifying bags or bamboo charcoal in corners and closets.
• Use essential oil diffusers (lavender, lemon, or cedarwood — but confirm pet-safe oils).
• Have HVAC ducts professionally cleaned once every 1–2 years.

The “reset” day that they propose may take me longer than a day…..just saying. 🤣

But, off I go on my quest to quell the smell where we dwell with ChatGPT intel and hopeful success in line with that of William Tell!