How to Remove Dog Smell from Car
- ScrubUp Team
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 8
We all adore our furry companions. They’re our co-pilots on road trips, our backseat buddies on grocery shopping, and our joy-filled passengers everywhere we go. But those adventures often leave behind a not-so-pleasant smell. Be it pet hair, a surprise accident, or that unmistakable wet dog scent, the odors can settle deep into the seats, carpet, and vents, turning your vehicle from fresh to funky in no time.
What’s worse, these smells aren’t just on the surface. Bacteria and yeast from your dog’s fur can seep in, making them tough to eliminate with basic air fresheners.
Thankfully, with a few proven methods and some consistency, it's absolutely possible to remove dog smell from a car and keep it fresh so you and your pup can enjoy the ride stink-free.
Key takeaway:
Target odors at the source by eliminating pet hair, dander, and bacteria with deep vacuuming and pet-safe cleaning methods.
Use proven neutralizers like baking soda, vinegar, or vodka to absorb and eliminate smells, not just mask them.
Combat stubborn odors with ozone generators or professional steam cleaning for long-lasting freshness.
Maintain a fresh-smelling car with simple DIY routines or hassle-free deep cleaning when needed.
Why Does Your Car Smell Like a Dog?
Dog odors in cars come from a mix of pet dander, wet fur, saliva, and sometimes dirt or sand. Even Dubai’s hot climate can intensify these smells because heat helps odors linger longer. Plus, materials like fabric seats and carpets absorb and trap these smells over time. This means regular cleaning is essential if you want to remove dog smell from your car for good.
Odors Caused by Yeast and Bacteria in Dog’s Fur: Your dog’s fur carries natural bacteria and yeast that release musty odors, especially when wet. These smells can seep into your car’s fabric, vents, and carpets, lingering long after the ride.
Stubborn Pet Urine Odors: Pet urine penetrates deep into seats and carpets. In hot climates like Dubai, the odor intensifies as it crystallizes, making it tough to remove without enzymatic cleaners, even from small accidents.
To remove dog smell from a car effectively, here are proven tips to restore your car’s freshness.
Top 5 Effective Ways to Remove Dog Smell from Your Car
Dealing with dog smell in your car is a common challenge for pet owners. Here are five tried-and-true methods to remove dog smell from your car and maintain a fresh environment for every journey.
1. Vacuum Thoroughly and Regularly
Before you begin scrubbing, spraying, or soaking, make sure to remove all the loose dog hair from your vehicle. Start by vacuuming your car seats, floors, and any pet accessories inside your vehicle. Pet hair and dander can cling to every nook and cranny, trapping odors. Using a handheld vacuum or a pet hair attachment makes this step easier.
Try these quick ways to remove dog hair from your car that include tools such as.
Rubber Gloves: Wet gloves, rub seats to lift hair, rinse gloves as needed.
Balloon: Rub balloons on fabric to loosen hair with static.
Dryer Sheets: Wipe surfaces to pick up hair and dirt.
Lint Rollers: Roll over upholstery to grab stubborn hair.
Duct Tape: Press sticky tape on surfaces to lift hair; replace when sticky.
Squeegee: Drag over seats and floors to gather hair.
Pumice Stone: Spray diluted fabric softener, then gently rub to remove hair
2. Clean with Pet-Safe Upholstery Cleaner
Once vacuumed, use a pet-safe upholstery cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe down seats and carpets. Vinegar neutralizes odors naturally, and it’s safe for most fabrics. Be sure to spot-test any cleaner to avoid damage.
Quick Odour Removers for Your Car
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the fabric seats and carpet areas where your dog sits. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. Baking soda is fantastic at absorbing smells and moisture.
Vinegar: Spray diluted vinegar (1:2) on affected section of your car, let dry, repeat if needed.
Vodka: Spray a diluted vodka mix on smelly spots. Keep windows open to avoid alcohol buildup in air filters.
Ozone Generator: This device remove dog smell from car, including bacteria, and viruses at a molecular level. Used for tough smells like fur, urine, mold, and smoke.
3. Ventilate and Use Air Fresheners
After cleaning, open your car doors and windows to air it out. You can also use pet-friendly car air fresheners or odor eliminators designed specifically for pet odors.
4. Deep Cleaning with Shampoo and Steam
Sometimes DIY methods aren’t enough to remove stubborn pet odors. That’s where professional services like ScrubUp’s mobile steam wash come in. Our steam cleaning is mess-free and water-free, gentle on all surfaces yet tough on dirt and debris. Using eco-friendly methods, we thoroughly sanitize and deodorize your car’s interior without the hassle of visiting a car wash station, leaving your vehicle fresh and clean right at your doorstep.
Suggested Read: How to Clean Car Mats Effectively
If home remedies aren’t quite cutting it, or you want a thorough, hassle-free solution, we at ScrubUp offer the perfect way to restore freshness to your car quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
To remove dog smell from your car, regular vacuuming, natural odor neutralizers like vinegar and baking soda, and proper ventilation are essential. For tough odors, professional services like ScrubUp’s steam cleaning provide a deep, effective solution. Combining these steps ensures your car stays fresh and comfortable for every ride with your furry friend.
Why Choose a ScrubUp?
At ScrubUp, we offer convenient mobile service, sending skilled professionals directly to your doorstep to save you time and effort.
Our deep steam cleaning effectively removes dog smell from the car by penetrating upholstery, killing bacteria, and eliminating odors at their source. (Starting from AED 105).
Powerful pressure washing targets stubborn dirt and pet smells in hard-to-reach areas. (Starting from AED 75).
Eco-friendly cleaning methods provide a safe, sustainable clean for your car. (Starting from AED 39).
You can easily book your service via WhatsApp or our user-friendly mobile app (available on the Play Store and App Store). This convenience means you can get rid of that dog smell on your schedule—no long queues or waiting rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I clean my car to remove dog smell?
Ideally, vacuum and clean your car’s interior weekly if you regularly travel with your dog. A deeper professional cleaning every few months helps maintain freshness.
Q2: Does ScrubUp offer pet odor removal services?
Yes! ScrubUp’s steam wash is excellent for removing pet odors and deep-cleaning your car’s interior safely and effectively.
Q3: Can I book ScrubUp’s services via WhatsApp?
Absolutely! ScrubUp offers easy booking through WhatsApp, their mobile app (available on the Play Store and App Store, and the Zenbooker website.
Q4: Are the cleaning products used safe for pets?
ScrubUp uses eco-friendly cleaning methods and pet-safe products to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
Q5: Will steam cleaning damage my car’s upholstery?
No, professional steam cleaning is gentle yet highly effective at cleaning and deodorising without damaging fabric or leather interiors.
Book your next wash now via WhatsApp, the ScrubUp app, or their website and say goodbye to dog smell today!
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