Ever come home from a long day or a weekend getaway and you can smell your pet before you even see them? Whether you left clothes on the bedroom floor or your pet found their way into your closet, the scent of your pet lingering on your wardrobe isn’t a flattering aroma. Before you toss out your favorite tee, you should know that there’s hope in saving your garments. Follow these recommended tips from the laundry experts at SoapBox Laundry for how to eliminate pet odors from your clothing once and for all!
Avoid Rubbing in Pet Stains
If your pet made a mess on your clothing, take action as soon as possible! First, douse the affected area with cold sink water. Flipping the stained section inside out and holding it under the faucet should flush those pesky particles out. Rather than rubbing the stain—which pushes the particles further into the fabric—it’s best to blot out or pat the area with a paper towel or cloth. If the clothing is “dry clean only”, bring it to the dry cleaner, let them know and they’ll handle it for you!
Use Vinegar in the Washer
It’s important to wash the clothing without detergent first. Whether you’re washing your clothes at home or visiting your preferred laundromat for a self-service wash, you will want to use vinegar—this will thoroughly reduce the odor’s power. In order to avoid spreading the stench, be sure to not mix your soiled clothes with regular ones. After the wash, allow to air dry for at least 24 hours. If the clothing has an older pet stain that smells strong, soak the clothing in a solution of cool water and two cups of vinegar overnight. Just be sure to not use warm/hot water in the washer or throw your clothes in the dryer since heat will only set the odor in the clothing permanently!
Rinse and Repeat for Better Results
Washing your clothing twice will give you better results in removing your pet’s markings. After air drying overnight, toss the clothes in the washer again and add detergent this time around. It’s highly recommended to use enzyme-based detergents because it eats away at stain particles for an effective rinse. If you prefer to have someone more experienced to handle this situation, most laundromats will pick-up laundry and deliver the same day, so you’re not worrying over the washing machine all day!
Taking care of your pet’s mess comes with the responsibilities of being a pet owner. From wet dog smells to cat hair stink, follow these tips if your furry friend is making themselves known on all of your clothes. Better yet, contact us at Soapbox Laundry today—we’ll be your pet smell saviors!
