How to get rid of dog hair and smell from your car
There’s no denying that man’s best friend, our beloved pups, are (deservedly) positioned near the top of the family hierarchy.Whether it’s holidays, road trips, to the dog park, work companions, or a trip to the beach, our dogs are regular features in our daily activities and with this, ride in our cars almost as much as we do.
According to one Australian study, Sydney-siders make around 2.4 million dog-related trips in their cars, per week alone.
While having our fur-buddies riding shotgun with us comes with a lot of positives, there can also be some downsides; namely dog hair, dirt, and that very specific doggy odour left behind.
“If your car smells like your pup's been living in it full time, it's probably due to a build-up of pet hair and dander in the vehicle,” says PetLab co-founder Tyron Lazar-Tromp.
“Basically, a combination of natural body oils, dead skin cells, bacteria and yeast embed themselves into car seats/upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces, contributing to musty odours in the car.”
Wet fur is unsurprisingly another one of the biggest sources of smelliness says Barb de Corti, chief executive of cleaning company ENJO.
“The combination of water with natural oils and bacteria often produces a very distinctive and strong odour,” she says.
Additionally, saliva, toilet accidents, vomit, or dirty fur can also contribute to a pungent and persistent smell.
The good news is, that these smells can be minimised.
Prevention
Firstly, Lazar-Tromp says to take a proactive approach by giving your dog regular baths and a good wipe-down before you allow them into the vehicle after a swim.
Covering surfaces like upholstery can also minimise the absorption of odours.
“While you can't 100 per cent prevent odours in your vehicle, you can avoid irreversible damage and make cleaning up hairs, pet-related organic stains, and their corresponding smells much easier by covering surfaces,” Lazar-Tromp says.
To do this, use an old towel or blanket for the job but ideally, he says, use products designed specifically for pets.
“These have essential features like a non-slip backing (they stay in place even if your pup jumps on and off), they're waterproof (precisely what you need to protect against pee, vomit, drool seeping into the car's upholstery/carpets), and much less hassle to wash/clean.”
Another action you can take is to assign a specific spot in the car for your dog.
“You can keep your pet in a travel crate during car rides or have a dedicated spot equipped with a car seat cover/throw blanket for your pup,” Lazar-Tromp says.
How to remove dog odour
If it’s too late and your car’s cabin comes with the not-so-designer scent of canine, there are a few steps you can take depending on the root of the smell.
“The best way to remove 'doggy body odour' is to clear all the hair and dander from your vehicle,” Lazar-Tromp says.
Because pet hairs can be incredibly stubborn, this is a multi-step process.
- Use a rubber broom to attract and lift pet hair, dander, and dirt
- Vacuum the hairs
- Launder any washable car seat covers/removable fabric floor mats
“This removes the odours associated with body oils (as your pup's body rubs against it during rides), removes dust/dirt/debris/allergens, and washes away straggler hairs. Always follow manufacturer instructions,” Lazar-Tromp says.
Removing odours from dog urine
“Whether it’s pee on car seats, fabric/rubber mats, or carpets - time is of the essence,” says Lazar-Tromp.
On fabric car upholstery and carpets:
- Soak up as much of the urine from the affected surface as possible using paper towels, an old rag, or white microfibre cloths. Do not rub; dab only so you don't push the urine deeper into the material
- Spray a specific pet urine stain and odour remover as per instructions
- Remember: Enzymes need time to work
For old, dried-up urine stains:
Wet the area with clean water (it should not be hot). Next, apply an enzymatic cleaner and leave it to air dry. You may have to spray an enzymatic solution several times to treat the stains and odours.
For rubber floor mats:
- Soak up the urine using paper towels, an old rag, or microfibre cloths
- Remove the floor mat from the vehicle, then wash it with clean, cool water
- Apply an enzymatic cleaning solution
- Sanitise using a plant-based disinfectant
Use household products to help clean
de Corti says that many household products can be used as a part of the odour-removal process.
“Baking soda, activated charcoal and promoting air circulation is the best way to get rid of car smells. You can get charcoal bags and leave them in your vehicle overnight to absorb odours,” she says.
“Sprinkle seats and carpets with baking soda and vacuum after a few hours or overnight. Simply pop your window open to let the fresh air in to get rid of any residual odours.”
Related: Things to consider when travelling with pets in the car
Related: Best pet-friendly car accessories for your furry friends
Related: New research suggests drivers are more careful when dogs are in the car
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