How to Get Dog Smell Out of Couch and Restore Freshness

Every pup has a spot where they want to cuddle up, and the smell could be due to an unfortunate doggy accident on the couch. However, the struggle is always dealing with the scent.

The good news is that you don’t have to use expensive cleaning supplies to eliminate the scent. With the right knowledge and a couch-cleaning strategy, you can get rid of the doggy smell deep in the couch. I want to help you achieve that.

Why Does Your Couch Smell Like A Dog?

Before talking about cleaning your couch, let's discuss what causes the smell in the first place. What causes your dog to bring home the funky odor is not just a single issue. There are a variety of reasons why dog smells and odors can occur.

• Fur and Dander: Puppies and dogs of all ages and breeds shed. Shedding happens with all dog types and is not limited to those with long fur. Skin flakes end up on cushions and in enclosed spaces and combine to form a smell.
• Feces: Dogs that enjoy sitting on the couch with you can transfer fecal residue from their bottoms onto your cushions.
• Accidents: Thorough training can minimize the likelihood of a dog making an accidental mess on the couch, but it can never completely eliminate it. Undoubtedly, dogs are going to pee, vomit, and/or poop on your couch. Honestly, if you do not clean it well enough, you are going to be living with that smell, and the odor will be absorbed into the couch.
• Natural Oils: If you have ever touched a dog, you have noticed that they can feel sticky and/or oily. Dogs also spread their natural oils onto the surfaces they sit on. The oils will accumulate and eventually stink.

Couches are like sponges, soaking up odors and holding onto them. Air freshener sprayed onto couches can end up smelling like wet dog because of the fabric. To eliminate that odor (and any others), the fabric must be cleaned.

Pet scents can be removed with the use of fabric fresheners

Step 1: Begin with a Deep Clean

Most people find vacuuming tedious and unrewarding, but it must be done to ensure the smell from the couch can actually be removed.

You will need:

• A vacuum with a couch attachment, or a small vacuum
• A vacuum brush insert (an old toothbrush will also work)
• A lint roller

Instructions:

Take off everything from the couch.

Using the couch attachment, go through the cracks and crevices of the couch, between the cushions, and along seams to remove hair, dust, and debris.

Make sure you vacuum the space between the cushions (brace yourself—this is where the “indescribable” stuff hides). Also vacuum the back, sides, arms, and any spots where your dog rubs or lounges the most.

Vacuum again to remove dog hair that was loosened. A lint roller or lint brush works well for small touch-ups between more thorough cleans.

If the couch cushions can be removed, switch the couch cushions with each other. This will help the couch cushions wear at the same rate and help reduce odors from becoming trapped.

Pro tip: Attempt to brush your dog regularly. Dog hair really does get everywhere, and although vacuuming (like I do with my Golden Retriever) is always a good idea, dog hair is much easier to manage after a solid brushing routine.

Couches should be regularly vacuumed if you have pets

Step 2: Getting Rid of the Smell

Using candles and fur spray can mask the smell, but the smell is still there. If you want to truly understand how to get dog smell out of couch effectively, you need to address the source, not just cover it up.

Option 1: Baking Soda

Home bakers and dog owners who need to remove a smell can find that baking soda works wonders. Baking soda is cheap, non-toxic, and safe for materials like a couch (and many others).

Besides the baking soda, you will need:

• A strainer (optional, to help you sprinkle the soda more evenly)
• A vacuum (the kind you use to remove pet hair from your sofa will work perfectly)

There are two steps to the baking soda process:

Sprinkle baking soda over your sofa. Target the places where the smell is strongest for an added level of concentration. 

Go do something while the soda works its magic. For a light smell, you can leave it for up to 30 minutes. A strong smell will need an overnight baking soda session.

Afterwards, vacuum it up. Use the upholstery attachment to remove all the soda. If you see any white powder after you are done, you need to vacuum some more.

Bonus: To make it feel even fresher, you can mix a drop or two of a pet-safe essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling. If you have pets, make sure the oil is truly pet-safe. For dogs, avoid tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus oils.

A multipurpose cleaner, baking soda can also remove dog odors

Option 2: White Vinegar Solution

Vinegar has a strong smell at first, but it goes away and takes smells with it. It’s also good for breaking down pet pee and drool.

What you will need:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Clean microfiber cloths

Instructions:

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and vinegar. For strong odors, you can use vinegar without water.

Spray the couch lightly. Be careful not to soak it.

Let the spray sit for 5–10 minutes, and then use a cloth to dab it dry. The vinegar smell will disappear as it dries.

Repeat as needed. For strong odors, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

Warning: This is not recommended for every fabric. If you must do it, test an area where it won't be visible to make sure the vinegar will not cause discoloration.

Option 3: Enzyme Cleaner for Pet Accidents

If your dog peed on your couch or had an accident somewhere else in your home, regular cleaners won't be enough. You'll have to use an enzyme cleaner, which eliminates the smell by breaking down the proteins in urine, vomit, and drool (which is what causes the smell).

What you'll need:

• An enzyme cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, or Angry Orange
• Paper towels or a clean cloth

How to do it:

Using your paper towels, soak up as much liquid as you can by pressing down to absorb it. Do not rub, or you will push it deeper into the fabric.

Spray the enzyme cleaner on the area. You can be generous, but do not soak it. Make sure the area is covered.

Set a timer for 10–15 minutes. If the instructions on your enzyme cleaner say to leave it for longer, follow those instructions.

Next, get your clean cloth and blot the area to remove some of the moisture.

Lastly, leave the area to air dry. You shouldn't use a hairdryer since heat can set odors. If you want, open a window or use gentle airflow to help it dry faster.

Real-life example: Max is my friend’s Beagle. He used to sneak on the couch when nobody was watching. One day, my friend came home to Max looking guilty and a wet mark on the couch. She used soap and water to clean the wet spot, but the smell remained. Then, she used an enzyme cleaner and the smell was gone.

There are numerous pet-specific odor removers that are ready to use

Step 3: Air Should Be Freshened

Even if you deep clean your couch, there may still be an odor. If there is a smell on your couch that has been there for a long time, you should complete your pet odor removal and freshen things up. Here is how:

Sunlight (Nature's Disinfectant)

UV rays can kill bacteria and help odors evaporate. If your couch has removable covers or cushions, take them outdoors on a sunny day.

How to do it:

• Place the covers and cushions in direct sunlight for 2–4 hours.
• Halfway through, flip them to expose the other side.
• Once they are dry, take them back indoors.

Note: Some fabric can fade, so don't leave your covers in the sun for too long.

Light Essential Oil Spray

An essential oil spray can help your couch smell nice and not just neutral.

What you'll need:

• Distilled water
• Pet-safe essential oil (lavender, chamomile, or frankincense)
• A spray bottle

Instructions:

Fill a spray bottle with water.

Add 5–10 drops of the essential oil you prefer.

Mist it on your couch (don’t soak it) and let it dry.

Important: Some essential oils can be toxic to pets. Never use tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oils (even diluted) on your dog or their bedding.

Using Coffee Grounds or Charcoal to Absorb Odors

If couch smells persist, natural odor absorbers may be able to help.

• Coffee grounds: Fill a mug with used coffee grounds and place it close to the couch. Change it every couple of days.
• Activated charcoal: Put an activated charcoal stick in a sock and tuck it behind the couch. Change it every month.

Step 4: Maintain Odor Control

Hopefully, your couch smells good and you’ve learned how to remove dog smell from a couch. Your couch will smell good for now, but how do you prevent dog odor from returning?

Teach Your Dog to Stay Off the Couch (or Use a Blanket)

If your dog does not have couch privileges, you can teach them to sit on a specific blanket. This saves the couch fabric, protects the couch from dog hair, and makes your job of cleaning the couch easier.

How to do it:

• Put a blanket or towel on the couch (and plan to launder it).
• Use dog training treats to teach your dog to sit only on the blanket.
• Launder the blanket weekly.

Real-life example: Oscar, the Dachshund that lives next door, has this annoying habit of getting into anything gross and then jumping on the couch. Instead of banning him (and dealing with the chaos), they drape a waterproof blanket over the couch and toss it in the washing machine when it gets gross. Each week, they have the ability to wash the couch blanket when it gets dirty after Oscar has been playing in dirt or whatever he plays in that gets him so dirty.

Weekly Washing of Furniture Items and Dog Beds

Dog beds, blankets, and toys gather odors quickly and can spread unpleasant smells, so washing dog items at least once a week is important.

Washing instructions:

• Wash in hot water with a mild detergent.
• Make bedding more odor-free by adding a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle.
• Dry completely. Moisture can create a mildew smell.

Clean any detachable blankets and pillows

Dog Grooming

The more fur and dander your dog sheds, the more dog fur ends up on your furniture.

Instructions:

• Bathe your dog with pet-safe shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks, and in between, comb your dog at least 2 to 3 times a week (for heavy shedders, do it daily).
• Use a pet-safe sanitizer and wipe their paws after walks to remove dirt and bacteria.

Bonus tip: For dogs that are not fond of baths, dry shampoo or cleansing grooming wipes may be used.

Use a Couch Cover for Extra Protection

If your dog is a couch potato, a washable cover is a game changer. Look for one that's:

• Machine washable
• Waterproof for accidents
• Breathable so your dog doesn't overheat

Real-life example: My cousin's dog, a Labrador named Luna, loved lounging on the couch. However, she also drooled a lot. Rather than fighting it, they got a waterproof couch cover. Now, when she drools on it, they just toss it in the wash.

Keep Enzyme Cleaner on Hand for Accidents

Even the best dogs sometimes have accidents. Enzyme cleaners are handy and specifically formulated to treat accidents as they happen.

What to do:

• Store the cleaner under the sink or in a closet, and keep it in a spray bottle.
• For quick cleanups, keep a roll of paper towels and a microfiber cloth handy.

What If the Smell Won't Go Away?

If you've followed every step on how to get dog smell out of couch and still detect odors, don't panic. Sometimes stubborn smells require additional troubleshooting - here's what to do next.

Search for Unnoticed Mishaps

Occasionally, the odor penetrates very deeply into the stuffing of the cushions. Here's how to detect it: when pressing the cushions, if you detect the aroma of urine or a stale odor, then an old mishap is probably lurking beneath.

Urine stains are easy to spot with a blacklight (UV flashlight). They shine under the light.

Treat old stains with an enzyme cleaner as soon as you find them.

Steam Clean the Couch

If you're still wondering how to get the dog smell out of couch after trying baking soda and vinegar, a steam cleaner could do the trick.

How to do it:

• Buy a steam cleaner or rent one.
• Make a solution by combining vinegar and water, or use a cleaning solution that is safe for pets.
• Smell your couch to find the smelly spots that need the most attention and go over those areas.
• This process might take a few hours, so make sure you’re not going to need the couch during that time.

Caution: Don’t steam clean any couch parts that are leather or made of delicate fabric—it can cause damage.

Use strong solutions, such as steam cleaning, for strong odors

Call a Professional

Sometimes the way to get the dog smell out of couch requires professional help. The pros would be your last option, and they might be pricey, but they can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Upholstery cleaners have top-of-the-line, industrial tools to deep clean.

When to call them:

• The bad smells are deep in the couch and are coming from the padding.
• You have tried everything and the odor still exists.
• You have an expensive or delicate couch, like a vintage couch set.

Final Thoughts: A Fresh-Smelling Couch Is Possible!

Learning how to get dog smell out of couch can seem overwhelming at first, but with these proven methods, it really doesn't have to be.

The most important part is that you:

• Use a proper vacuum, baking soda, vinegar, or enzyme cleaner to deep clean the couch.
• Don’t just mask odors—neutralize them.
• Reduce and prevent dog smells by using blankets, frequent washing, and grooming.

And most importantly, it is totally fine for your couch to not smell fully fresh all the time. Your dog’s love is much more important, and the slightly doggy scent and fur are small prices to pay for all the love you get from your dog.

With that said, go tackle that couch-cleaning project so you can relax and snuggle with your pup on a fresh, clean surface!