Remove dog smell from your car: 5 easy tips

Dogs can smell — and in the confined space of a car the odor can be especially persistent. The good news: removing dog smell from your car permanently isn’t that hard. Here are 5 easy tips to get rid of the musty smell and keep your car fresh.

Tip #1: Vacuum regularly

Often it’s dog hair that causes the unpleasant smell. The problem: if you frequently drive with the A/C on or the windows open, hair spreads quickly throughout the car. That’s why you should vacuum the entire interior regularly. A small handheld vacuum makes it easier to reach tight spaces.

Tip #2: Wash removable parts

Wash all removable parts of your car — for example seat covers, rubber mats, or dog blankets. A thorough wash immediately improves how your car smells and removes a large portion of the dog odor. Many of these parts can go into the washing machine.

Important: wash at a low temperature (max. 30 °C) and check the labels: what can go in the machine and what cannot? If you prefer hand-washing, we recommend the dipure® upholstery shampoo. It removes even stubborn dirt and odors from car seats and covers — and avoids the risk of shrinking in the washing machine.

If fixed parts such as upholstery or the rear bench are dirty, the upholstery shampoo can help as well — for example together with an upholstery brush.

Tip #3: Use an odor neutralizer

An odor neutralizer is the most convenient way to remove dog smell from a car. We recommend either the Destral odor neutralizer or the New Fresh Air odor remover. It’s easy to use: a few sprays are often enough to improve the air.

To eliminate the dog smell quickly and efficiently, mist the odor remover lightly over all surfaces inside the car. Close the car and let it work for about 30 minutes. Repeat until the smell is gone.

Tip #4: Baking powder overnight

Baking powder is also a good odor absorber. Fill a bowl with baking powder and place it in the car overnight. The next day the smell may not be completely gone, but you should notice an improvement. After that, a thorough cleaning with the dipure® upholstery shampoo is recommended — or, for tough odor cases, dipure® DLexa.

Tip #5: Prevent dog smell

• Always use a blanket for your dog. It should be comfortable but also easy to wash. Wash it regularly.
• Brush your dog regularly. That reduces hair in the car and makes vacuuming easier. For short-haired dogs, wiping with a damp cloth can also help.
• Bathe your dog. A bath can work wonders and remove odors quickly. Especially if you’re taking your dog on a long car trip, bathing beforehand is a good idea.

If none of that helps, there may be an underlying issue with your dog: illnesses, skin infections (from insects or bacteria), ear infections, or dental problems can significantly increase body odor.

If these 5 tips didn’t improve the situation, consider having your dog checked by a veterinarian.

Learn more about eliminating odors in your car.

Updated on 27.02.2023