Sofa that smells of dog or cat: how to get rid of it for good
Dog and cat owners get used to the smell, but visitors notice it straight away, especially on the sofa where the animal sleeps. The smell does not come from hair alone: it also comes from the skin, saliva and natural oils of the animal, which stay in the fabric and the foam.
What helps at home
- Vacuum the sofa twice a week, also between the cushions
- A washable throw on the animal's favourite spot, washed every week
- Baking soda sprinkled dry, left a few hours and vacuumed afterwards
- Air the living room every day
What only masks it
- Scented sprays: they cover the smell for a few hours and add more residue to the fabric
- Washing only the covers: the smell stays in the foam underneath
When professional cleaning solves it
If the smell comes back right after vacuuming, it is inside the sofa. Injection-extraction removes the dirt, embedded hair and the residue that feeds the smell, with hypoallergenic products that are safe for the animal. For hair stuck in the fibres see pet hair on the sofa, and if there is urine, why the urine smell comes back.
How much it costs
Sofa cleaning costs €40 (2 seats), €55 (3 seats) or €75 (corner sofa or chaise longue), guide price, with drying in 2 to 6 hours.