Love your dog, but not so much the way your couch smells? You’re definitely not alone. That doggy funk can hang around on your favorite seat, making your living room just a little less cozy than you’d like.
The best way to get dog smell out of your couch is to clean the covers, use baking soda to absorb odors, and vacuum really well.
There are actually a bunch of easy ways to freshen up your couch—no fancy products required. Odds are, you’ve already got most of what you need at home.
Let’s get into the steps you can follow. Soon, your couch will smell way better (promise).
No time to read this now?
Click here to save this idea for later!
↓↓↓↓↓
Heads up: I sometimes use affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything but it helps me to run this site.
Why Does My Couch Smell Like Dog?
Dog smells have a way of sticking to your furniture for what feels like forever. Your pup’s fur, skin oils, and those little “oops” moments all add up to couch odor that’s tough to shake.
Where That Doggy Odor Comes From
Most of the time, it’s the natural oils in your dog’s skin and fur. When your dog sprawls out on the couch, those oils rub right into the fabric. Dogs that love to nap or wrestle on the couch leave behind hair and dander too.
Other big causes of pet couch odor:
- Saliva from chewing toys or licking paws
- Mud or dirt tracked in after walks
- That classic wet dog smell after rain or baths
- Accidents or leaks (especially with puppies or seniors)
Even if your dog seems squeaky clean, the smell can still build up. Over time, all those little bits add up and suddenly, the couch just smells… doggy.
Why Upholstery Holds Onto Smells
Most couches have layers—fabric, foam, padding. All those layers trap dog odors deep inside. I’ve noticed that even after vacuuming, the smell can linger because pet hair and dander hide under the surface.
Soft fabrics like microfiber soak up more oil and odor than leather or vinyl. If your couch has thick cushions or tufted spots, those are prime hiding places for smells.
Cleaning regularly helps, but once dog oils and dirt get into the foam, the odor gets stubborn. Humid days or spills just make it worse, pushing the smell even deeper.
How To Clean Your Sofa and Remove the Dog Smell
Before you go all in with the cleaning, you’ll want to get rid of pet hair, check the tags, and grab the right supplies. Doing this first makes everything easier and keeps your couch safe.
Kick Off With Hair and Debris Removal
Start by getting as much hair and dirt off your couch as you can. Use a vacuum cleaner with the upholstery tool and go over every cushion. Don’t forget those sneaky creases where fur loves to hide.
For tight spots, a lint roller or even sticky tape works wonders. If your cushions come off, take them out and vacuum underneath—crumbs and fur love to collect down there.
These pet hair rollers are very effective:
Sometimes a rubber glove or soft brush helps too; just rub over the fabric to gather stubborn hair. Check around the base and back of the couch, since debris hides there more than you’d think.
Check The Labels
Always look for the cleaning tags on your couch or cushions before using anything. You’ll see codes like W, S, WS, or X. Here’s what they mean:
| Code | Meaning | Cleaner to Use |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaners | Upholstery foam |
| S | Solvent-based cleaners | Dry cleaning only |
| WS | Water or solvent-based cleaners | Both are safe |
| X | Vacuum only, no cleaners allowed | No liquids |
If your couch covers are removable and machine washable, I recommend doing so with a gentle detergent and a cup of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is great for naturally neutralizing odors. Make sure to check the label for precise washing instructions.
If your couch covers don’t fit well in the machine, take them to the laundromat, where they have much bigger drums.
Can’t get motivated?
#10 works every time I use it!
Baking Soda: The Classic Fix
Baking soda is a total lifesaver for pet odors. It’s a natural odor buster and actually absorbs smells instead of just hiding them.
Just sprinkle a solid layer over all the smelly couch spots. Let it sit for a few hours—or overnight if things are really bad. Then vacuum it up with the brush tool. That’ll take out both the baking soda and the trapped smells.
If it still smells, do it again or put extra baking soda where your dog hangs out the most. Baking soda is gentle, so you don’t have to worry about wrecking your couch fabric.
Vinegar Spray: Simple and Effective
White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) is awesome for neutralizing dog smell. It breaks down odor molecules instead of just covering them up. Pretty handy, right?
Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Give the couch a light mist, focusing on the worst spots. Blot with a clean cloth to pick up extra moisture and odor.
Don’t soak the couch—especially if it’s a delicate fabric. Let it air dry. The vinegar smell fades as it dries, and usually takes the dog smell with it. Always test on a hidden patch first, just in case.
Enzymatic Cleaners: For Stubborn Odors
Enzymatic cleaners are made to tackle pet smells at the source. The enzymes break down the proteins in dog pee, drool, and whatever else is stinking up your couch.
Nature’s Miracle Stain And Odor Remover Dog 1.33 Gallons, Odor Control Formula, AccuShot Sprayer Refill 170 fl oz, Tough on Dog Urine, Feces, Vomit, Drool and Other Organic Stains and Odors
You can grab pet-safe enzyme cleaners at most stores. Just follow the label—usually, you spray it on, let it sit, then blot or scrub lightly.
These work best for really strong or old smells. If baking soda and vinegar don’t cut it, this is your next move. Just double check it’s safe for your couch fabric.
DIY Deodorizing Spray
You can whip up a homemade deodorizing spray in no time. All you need is water, some white vinegar, and a few drops of mild essential oil (think lavender or chamomile—not tea tree, since that’s not pet safe).
Mix 1 cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, and 5–10 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the couch, focusing on the smelly zones. Don’t soak it, just a light mist.
Let it air dry. This spray is great for freshening up between deep cleans. Always test on a hidden spot first, just to be safe.
Tips For Stubborn Smells
Sometimes, regular cleaning just doesn’t cut it. If the dog smell is still hanging around, you’ve got a few more options.
Steam Cleaning: Deep Clean Magic
Steam cleaning works wonders for deep-set odors. If you have a steam cleaner or can rent one, it uses hot water and steam to loosen and lift out smells from deep inside your couch.
I’ve noticed it works best on non-leather upholstery. Always check your couch’s care tags first—high heat can mess up some materials.
Use the upholstery attachment and move slowly, letting the steam do its thing. Let the couch dry completely before you sit down again. If it’s still stinky, don’t be afraid to run it again.
Fabric Fresheners: Quick Fixes
Odor-eliminating sprays like Febreze can help with dog smell on fabric couches. They’re quick and usually safe for most upholstery.
Spray lightly over the couch, especially where your dog likes to nap. Don’t overdo it. These sprays grab onto odor particles and neutralize them.
Just remember, fabric sprays are a temporary fix for mild smells. If you’ve got a serious odor problem, you’ll need a deeper clean. They’re great for a quick refresh after vacuuming or steam cleaning, though.
- Vacuum the couch.
- Spray evenly over the surface.
- Wait until it’s dry before sitting down.
Should You Call a Pro Cleaner?
Sometimes, no matter what you do, dog smells just hang on. In those cases, a professional upholstery cleaning service might be your best bet.
When You Need the Pros
Call a professional cleaner if the smell is deep in the couch and keeps coming back. If vacuuming and washing cushion covers just isn’t cutting it, it’s probably time.
Stains from accidents or wet dog fur can make odors way harder to get out with home products. If your couch has special fabrics like velvet or leather, cleaning it yourself could wreck it.
Mold or mildew from old pet stains, or if allergies get worse around the furniture, that’s another reason to call in an expert. Pet smells trapped in both the couch and carpet can spread, and pros can handle both.
Reasons to call a pro:
- Odors return after multiple cleanings
- Stains from urine, vomit, or wet fur
- Couch or carpet is delicate or expensive
- Signs of mold or mildew
- Family members have allergies or asthma
What Happens When Pros Clean Your Upholstery
When the cleaner shows up, they’ll check out your couch’s fabric and sniff around for the worst dog smell spots. They might ask if you’ve tried cleaning it yourself or noticed any weird stains or dampness.
Most pros bring in gear like steam cleaners. These machines dig deep into the cushions and fabric to chase down stubborn odors.
They often use soaps made for pet messes. Don’t worry—those are safe for both pets and people.
Usually, they’ll cover up nearby furniture so nothing else gets messy. After cleaning, they tidy up the area.
Your couch might need a few hours to dry. Some cleaners can even tackle your carpets while they’re there if the dog smell has spread.
Feel free to ask what products they’re using or how long the fresh smell will last. Most of the time, the cleaning wipes out bacteria too, so your couch ends up feeling and smelling a whole lot better.
