Yeah, you should be mister!
Today our lucky.he's.so.cute.dog.but.thinks.he's.a.person decided to lift his leg right on the corner of our couch.
I have tried everything to get rid of pet smells. From sprays, to powders, even enzyme stuff from the pet store. Nothing works well enough and it's super expensive to keep buying different products.
So I did some research on the internet, and wouldn't you know I've had the stuff to make pet smells disappear completely right in my bathroom!
So if you have a dog, cat, or even a potty training toddler...here's how to get rid of those stinky smells for free and for good!
Supplies
empty spray bottle
water
mouth wash (yeah, that's right mouth wash)
newspaper
In an empty spray bottle combine
2 parts water to 1 part mouth wash.
spray the mixture onto whatever upholstery is soiled.
Lay newspaper over the sprayed area and let dry.
The newspaper should absorb the smell completely. If not, repeat the process.
Your cushions may smell minty fresh for a few days, but once that wears off the urine smell will be gone!
Hope this helps!
UPDATE: You can see HOW I STOPPED THE ACCIDENTS FOR GOOD HERE!
linking up to
The ink from the newspaper won't transfer to the fabric?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing!
DeleteWon't the blue mouthwash stain my carpet?
DeleteIt shouldn't...you don't want to spray the fabric so much that it's drenched. As long as the newspaper stays dry it shouldn't bleed out.
ReplyDeleteOh my, naughty doggy! This is a great tip, one, that I hope, won't have to use soon. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely try this. Wonder if a dry rag would also work in place of the newspaper. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteIll have to try this. Kado keeps trying to pee on the cat while shes under our bed. Ugh
ReplyDeleteHaha! That's hilarious! Poor kitty!
DeleteOMGOSH! That's HILARIOUS!!!
DeleteMouthwash! Who would've guessed that one! I put out my large living room carpet out to air and shake out and a tom came by and put his cat stink {spray} on it! Argh! So between the toddler issues and cat stink I think we have a winning recipe here. thank you so much!
ReplyDelete~Becki
wonder if this works on vinyl floors as well? my cats like to pee right outside the litter box and i haven't been able to fully remove the odor from their "bathroom"...
ReplyDeleteNot sure...I've only used in upholstery. Try and let me know how it works out :)
DeleteFor that I would spray vinegar on the floor then sprinkle baking soda let set then wipe up. I do this around my toilets.
DeleteThank you I will try this.
DeleteWould this work on carpet?
ReplyDeleteI would think so...but try it on a small hidden spot first. I wouldn't want you to damage your carpet! Good luck!
DeleteAny particular mouthwash you recomment? Also have you tried on carpet?
ReplyDeleteI used scope, and it worked great. I would think any mouthwash would do. I haven't tried it on carpet, but would think it would work the same. Just do it in a small hidden area first to make sure no damage is done. Thanks!
DeleteIt will work even better if you add some vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to the mixture, plus a drop of Dawn dishwashing detergent. That's my blend - Listerine, H2O2, Dawn, and vinegar in water. I'll even add those to water in the carpet shampooer and use the upholstery attachment on the sofa. You're dealing with fats, proteins, and ammonia in urine, so you need something to address each of those things.
ReplyDeleteMouthwash has alcohol in it, which is good because it helps to lift the fats. They tend to be the hardest thing to remove. But anything with alcohol will will work. That's also why I add a drop of Dawn - it cuts the fat. You could use straight vodka or rubbing alcohol instead of mouthwash, but the menthol in the mouthwash also helps to cover the odor. In Listerine, there's also thymol and eucalyptol, so that's why I prefer it. But mouthwash won't get the proteins and ammonia. That's what the H2O2 and vinegar are for.
With H2O2, you have to test a spot, especially if you're working with a natural fabric or dye, but because it's diluted, it shouldn't cause any fading.
what are the quantities of each of the products to make this?
DeleteHow much of all those ingredients do you put in your mixture?
DeleteOk! I am about to use this Mixture to my Carpet Cleaner! I have 2 area rugs that I have had hanging outside, that either my Dog or kitty used as a potty! ): Which I am used too.... I am not sure on the measurements.. gonna use my all time favorite method! A little of this, and some of that.......... Thanks so much! Pam
DeleteAnything with alcohol would probably work, but mouthwash has menthol in it, which helps to counter the odor. But it's the alcohol in the mouthwash that cuts the fats in the urine and helps to lift it out of the fibers.
ReplyDeleteAdding a drop of Dawn dishwashing detergent and some hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to the solution works even better. Dawn will help it cut the fats even better than mouthwash alone, H2O2 will break down the proteins, and vinegar will neutralize the ammonia.
And I use original Listerine, because it has thymol and eucalyptol, not just menthol or other mint extracts like other mouthwashes. Thymol and eucalyptol make it similar to the "thieves oil" blend, so it's more sanitary and may even fight the odor better than other mouthwashes.
WOW! Great tips! Thanks so much for your comments. My head is spinning from all this new information! I'll be sure to try your mixture next time (but thankfully since this post we haven't had anymore accidents!
DeleteThank you for all the info!!!
Deletewhat are your measurement for the water, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide - you never mentioned it
DeleteTelesema, please tell us the ratio or measurements! I would hate to make this and be completely off and have too much of 1 ingredient and not enough of another. Thanks for the great information!
Deletewhat about the typical doggie smell that permeates my couches? wonder if that would work...like Fabreeze? My son is severely allergic to that stuff and I've been looking for a freshener..I wonder if this would work?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it would work, just be prepared for a minty couch for a few days, than the odor should be absorbed completely! Good luck!
DeleteDo you use fabric softener? I dilute a couple tablespoons of fabric softener in a spray bottle of water & use it as Febreeze. I actually think it works much better.
Delete(I do know though that there are plenty of people who can't/won't use fabric softener for allergy/personal reasons. If you are one, please don't attack me for spraying this in my house.)
Be careful with the fabric softener...I used Downey and ended up with blue circles on my drapes!!! Next time I will use a softener that is light in color!!
Deleteyou could try making your own fabric softener. Pinterest has some easy "recipes" for homemade fabric softener, but they are essentially white vinegar, water and any hair conditioner (pick your favorite). I don't remember the exact amounts, but I love my homemade fabric softener. We have several allergies as well as eczema and no reactions to it!
DeleteFor the fabric softener it's 6 cups warm water, 3 cups white vinegar and 1 whole bottle of conditioner (2 cups)
Deleteon hard surfaces put a little vicks vapor rub.they dont like the smell of it. it dont take much tho.
ReplyDeleteDoes this work on leather couches?
ReplyDeleteCan you use regular paper?
ReplyDeleteFor the person who said they can't use febreeze, maybe you can try this homemade version
ReplyDelete1/8 Cup of fabric softener
2 tablespoons Baking Soda
Hot tap water
Spray bottle
Do you think this would work in the bathroom around the toliet? I may just have to try it. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the good tips, I need to try this on carpet in my office, not sure why my little dog thinks it's her area but I never catch her I just smell it grrrr going to the store today :o)
ReplyDeleteI have the exact problem! One of my dogs loves to pee & poo in my office. He will go outside and then come back in and go to my office to do his business! It's killing me!
DeleteAwesome! That looks like our girl puppy we have now. Sigh... Dealing with the pet issues. Great tip!
ReplyDeleteYou can usually get blank newsprint from your local newspaper company. This is great info! I've got 4 dogs, 2 are 14 and forgetting where to go.
ReplyDeleteYou can usually get blank newspaper from your local newspaper co.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. With 4 dogs this will come in handy!
Some newspaper print doesn't transfer. Check yours to see. For example, I know the local paper in Colorado Springs, CO doesn't come off on hands (great to use for packing dishes)!
ReplyDeleteWHAT IF YOU JUST SPRAYED "MIXED JULIP" MIXTURE ON THE CARPET AND UPOLSTREY WITHOUT USING THE NEWSPAPER... WILL IT LIFT THE SMELL ANYWAY?
ReplyDeleteMISS ELLEN
Is there a difference between the newspaper, paper towel or rags? Is there something special in the newspaper that helps lift the odor/stain?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I pinned' this!!! I use the vinegar/H2O mixture all the time, when cleaning up my cats boo-boo's ): I also use baking soda and vinegar in my washing machine when I need to clean the animals beddings..sometimes I use apple cider vinegar..(when washing blankets, dog beds etc.) I am excited to try this! Thank You for sharing!!! <3
ReplyDeleteI was wanting to see if I could use this on my ceramic floors, where kitty has started peeing around my air vents?!? grrr.... I may just clean it really good with the vinegar/H2O solution, then spray area with your Mouthwash solution.... (0:
I am so glad I pinned' this!!! I use the vinegar/H2O mixture all the time, when cleaning up my cats boo-boo's ): I also use baking soda and vinegar in my washing machine when I need to clean the animals beddings..sometimes I use apple cider vinegar..(when washing blankets, dog beds etc.) I am excited to try this! Thank You for sharing!!! <3
ReplyDeleteI was wanting to see if I could use this on my ceramic floors, where kitty has started peeing around my air vents?!? grrr.... I may just clean it really good with the vinegar/H2O solution, then spray area with your Mouthwash solution.... (0:
i am questioning about the leather couch thing also. we have one that is reeking of cat pee and we have tried everything! its deep inside the coushons and i was wondering if you think it might work on the leather couch.
ReplyDeleteI have used the spray on my leather chair, and it has worked, but you have to do it over and over. I think it took a total of 6 separate times to get the smell gone. Good luck!
DeleteYes it works on leather, but the best thing is to be able to sit it outside after you have done this all day to air out. My old cat was blind (yuck old cat pee kinda like old man pee)and couldn't make it to the outside so he just started peeing on the couch. it permeated EVERYTHING all the way down to the springs. I figured wth i just sprayed the heck out of it, it was gonna be ruined anyway. Then i stuck it outside in the garage with all the cushions off all day and then all day the next day and OMG it was totally gone. The couch was only 1 year old, that was 3 years ago and I even lie on it to watch tv and can't smell a thing.
DeleteI bet this would work on the stuff left behind after cleaning up a hairball or when the little animals throw up. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteUnrelated to the issue at hand, but your dog looks JUST LIKE my dog. Except that mine is a girl and has one bright blue eye.
ReplyDeleteHi That is great tip I really need it. I would like to know who much measure cup each Listerine, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, water, and dawn dish soap in the spray bottle. Thanks =)
ReplyDeleteThat is great! I really need this. I would like to know what measure cup each Listerine, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, water, and dawn dish soap in spray bottle. Thank you. I am sorry if i posted twice but didnt go through
ReplyDeleteI use straight alcohol. Put it in a spray bottle and spray away
ReplyDeleteVinegar will etch ceramic floors to whoever asked about the ceramic floors.
ReplyDeleteanyone knows what will repell the dogs from doing poop on carpet. My cavalier 4 years old just loves my living room rug.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know what works to repel the dog from poop on carpet. My cavalier goes to my living room carpet. he is toilet train but sometimes he just goes on the carpet.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post
ReplyDeletedoesn't the mouthwash in it stain the fabrics?
ReplyDeleteI found this and LAUGHED I have a dog with the same attitude and he did the same thing except since he is smaller he did it on top of the sofa, I have to try this out
ReplyDeleteWhat about for hard wood floors?I can't seem to get the smell out,pee dog!
ReplyDeleteMinty fresh is a million times better than cat pee! I'm trying this tonight and keeping my fingers crossed. We thought for sure our love seat was ruined, but this gives me hope! My fiancé found blank newsprint at U-Haul. We had to buy a large box of it, but it was around $10, and that is a decent investment for something that is going to last us a very long time, and keep me from worrying about ink transferring on the couch! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteMy husband just used this mixture on an old pickup that had sat out and mice had vacationed in it, WOW works so far! thank you for the awesome tip, we just used Listerine, Hydregen Proxcide, dawn and water! 100 X better! and we just left the windows open didn't cover with paper!
ReplyDeleteIf it works. you're my new best friend :)
ReplyDeleteTrying this today! Thank you for the new idea!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't the print come off the newspaper? Thanks for the ideas! I am going to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI recently read a post that says using a little Dawn and some baking soda mixed with water in a spray bottle will kill the odor.
ReplyDeleteI need to know what will repell cats and dogs from going where they aren't supposed to. I've tryed just about everything from moth balls to that expensive pet no stuff at the store and nothing works. The pet no works some if you use it everyday but as soon as you run out they are right back at it:(. Help
ReplyDeleteFor my cats I use aluminum foil with cotton balls soaked in orange oil (lemon works too) placed on top of it. It's a tip I got from the ASPCA website and it works like a charm to keep my kitties away.
DeleteI don't know if it will work with dogs or not, though.
I found a blog using straight running alcohol to remove stains on our micro fiber couch. Havent tried it yet but plan on doing so this weekend. To add insult to injury I have an English Bulldog who likes to show her honey when she's mad and she potties on the couch. Think I'm going to try this first to get rid of the smell and try the other for the stain. Thanks for the tips! p.s, it would be fabulous if we got the mix ratio for the odor remover
ReplyDeleteok so I did this with an addition of using some baking soda sprinkled over the area after I sprayed it down. I didn't use the h2o2 for fear i was using this on my couch. After sprinkling on the baking soda I rubbed it in with a kitchen bristle scrubber and let it sit overnight to dry. After getting home this afternoon, I used the bristle scrubber again to loosen the dried baking soda and then vacuumed it up. To my delight, it not only took out the smell completely (leaving my couch minty freshness) it completely removed the stain off of a micro fiber couch. I will definitely keep this for the future.
ReplyDeleteI made this but using Listerine, Dawn, and vinegar in water. I didn't use the newspaper as I was running out the door for work...but when I came home NO DOG URINE SMELL in my house!!!!
ReplyDeleteSome people have mentioned putting something heavy on the newspaper to absorb everything. Is this needed? I'm doing this right now to a mattress my kitties seem to love and just have sheets of newspaper on top of it. Is pressure needed?
ReplyDeleteSome people have mentioned putting something on top of the newspaper to absorb the liquid. Is this needed?
ReplyDeleteI'm currently doing this to a mattress that my male cat liked to spray before he was fixed (ugh!), but I just have newspaper laid on top of it. Is pressure needed?
Alcohol is the secret ingredient to remove the pet odors.... I learned this as a rental property owner!! Enzymes work on hardwood floors and dry areas.... but if there is an "accident" on carpet, dump a bottle of rubbing alcohol on it... enough to saturate the whole stain..... if you can, put a fan over it.... as the alcohol dries down, the odor disappears. I have also used this on our mattress as our two kids slept (and peed) in the bed when they were babies.... the mint smell from the mouth wash sounds WONDERFUL!!! BUT, you could probably add a small drop or two to rubbing alcohol for the same effect... I would be extremely concerned about the dye from the alcohol staining my carpet or furniture.
ReplyDeleteFor those wanting to use the vinegar and dish soap, the recipe is 2 tbsp. white vinegar, 1 tsp. of Dawn dish soap per spray bottle of water. I haven't tried the mouthwash, but I would think you could add the vinegar and dish soap to the water/mouthwash solution.
ReplyDeletenewspaper absorbs smells...someone had asked if it lifts the odor, I sold Tupperware a long time ago and we were told to place newspaper in the containers overnight to absorb smells left over in the containers
ReplyDeleteYou can purchase end rolls from your local newspaper for usually around $3. They have a ton of paper on them and are free of the newsprint. Normally I purchase them for packing, but they would work great for this as well...also would be great for kid projects etc.
ReplyDeleteSo hope this works! My toddler is a mess machine and my couch has suffered the consequences. I will leave it at that...
ReplyDeleteAnybody knows what I can use to pet orders out of ceramic tile
ReplyDeleteSomeone put they(animals) don't like the smell of menthol, my cat goes crazy like it makes her high. LOL. We just had our carpet cleaned (professionally) before moving into our house, previos owner had dogs in the house. Well 2 months later all the spots came back and wondering how to get them out without having to replace it. The smell is very minimal. I have taken a handheld shampoo-er to them but just came back. Carpet is light brown.
ReplyDelete