Getting Pet Odor Out of Blankets and Bedding

You may think it is one of the best feelings in the world when your pet decides that your blanket is their blanket. Maybe your dog curls up on it every evening. Maybe your cat has claimed the softest corner of the bed and somehow leaves a perfect little dent behind.

That's a fun part of having them around. The problem usually appears when you pick up that blanket a few days later and realize it smells unmistakably like your pet.

Fur, dander, drool, outdoor dirt, and the occasional accident can all work their way into fabric. 

The good news is that you don't have to choose between a clean-smelling home and letting your four-legged friend sleep wherever they please. Here is a complete guide about removing pet odor out of blankets.

Removing pet odor out of blankets… easy steps

Before tackling pet odor out of blankets, check what the blanket or bedding is made from. The care label matters even more with expensive bedding. A method that works beautifully on a cotton throw isn't automatically appropriate for wool or a delicate quilt. Once you know it’s safe to wash, proceed with the steps.

Step 1: Remove fur and loose dirt first

Shake the blankets outdoors and remove excess hair before washing. This is an easy step to skip. But don't. 

Washing a blanket covered in loose pet hair can cause the hair to clump together and potentially contribute to drainage or filter problems. 

You can also try:

• A lint roller

• A pet-hair brush

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment

Once the loose fur and dirt are gone, the detergent can reach the fabric. That's an important part of effective pet smell laundry removal.

Step 2: Treat urine differently

When removing pet urine smell, fabric needs a different treatment. For a fresh accident, blot up as much liquid as possible before washing. Don't rub aggressively, as it can push the odor deeper into the blanket. 

Then use an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down the uric acid crystals. Pour the cleaner on the affected area until it is soaked. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Lastly, wash in cold water.

Step 3: Wash pet blankets properly

For ordinary pet odors, use warm water to wash. Don't overload the washer. A blanket needs room to move through the water so detergent can reach the fibers properly.

Washing pet blankets separately from your everyday clothes is also a good idea.

What should you avoid?

When tackling pet odor, you should always avoid making these mistakes.

• Using excess detergent

• Stuffing a bulky blanket into a small washer

• Washing heavily soiled pet bedding with regular clothing

• Leaving the washed blanket damp in the machine

• Returning a blanket to your pet before it's completely dry

That last one matters most. A damp blanket can develop mold and mildew, creating an entirely new odor problem.

What helps with dog smell out of blanket

To get the dog smell out of blanket, start with the basics:

1. Remove loose fur.

2. Pretreat any visible stains.

3. Wash according to the care label.

4. Use an appropriate amount of detergent.

5. Rinse thoroughly.

6. Dry completely.

A cat odor bedding fix is pretty much the same. However, if the smell remains, don't repeat the same wash five times right away. Look for the source. 

Does the blanket smell strongest where your pet sleeps? Is it damp underneath? Does the pet itself smell unusually strong after getting wet?

Wet pets can develop a particularly noticeable odor. Always keep them and their belongings clean, and dry them thoroughly after they get wet. 

Pet dander laundry tips… the useful ones

Here are some useful pet dander laundry tips:

• Wash the pet blanket once a week

• Vacuum pet bedding between washes

• Wash removable covers more frequently than bulky inserts

• Keep heavily soiled pet bedding separate

• Clean the washer after particularly dirty loads

• Dry bedding completely before use

• Wash your pet's other washable soft items regularly too

Frequency depends on shedding, outdoor activity, allergies, and how often you use the bedding.

Can a good-smelling detergent help?

Absolutely, once you've addressed the source of the odor, that's where fragrance can make a noticeable difference.

Mozi Wash combines enzyme-based cleaning with perfume-inspired fragrances designed to leave fabrics smelling fresh beyond wash day. Its collection ranges from the warm sandalwood, cardamom, and leather of Golden Hour to the creamy vanilla, coffee bean, and white florals of Vanilla Moon. And many more perfume-inspired options.

The formula is also free from parabens and phthalates and designed to be gentle on clothes and sensitive skin, making it suitable for everyday household laundry.

Note: Fragrance should finish the cleaning process, not hide an odor that hasn't been removed.

A simple pet bedding routine

If your pet practically lives on your blankets, this routine can keep things manageable:

You can adjust the frequency depending on how much your pet sheds, whether they go outdoors, and how often they use the bedding.

The bottom line

Getting pet odor out of blankets isn't about making them smell aggressively perfumed. It's about removing what's actually causing the odor: fur, oils, dirt, moisture, and, when necessary, urine residue. 

Give the blanket a proper wash. Treat accidents separately. Remove loose hair before washing. And, most importantly, dry everything completely.

Then comes the nice part. You get to put that freshly washed blanket back where it belongs, only for your pet to curl up on it again five minutes later. Honestly, that's probably why you washed it in the first place.

FAQs about Getting Pet Odor Out of Blankets and Bedding

1. What is the best way to remove dog smell from a blanket?

Wash the blanket with a good detergent and dry it completely to remove trapped odors and moisture.

2. Should I use an enzyme cleaner for pet urine on blankets?

Yes. Enzyme cleaners can break down the uric acid crystals in pet urine and help remove the odor at its source.

3. Does regular laundry detergent remove pet odors?

Yes, a good detergent can remove everyday pet odors, but stronger urine smells may need extra treatment.

4. How often should pet bedding be washed?

Wash pet bedding about once a week, or more often if your pet spends a lot of time on it.

5. How do I remove pet hair before washing blankets?

Shake the blanket outside, then use a lint roller or vacuum to remove as much loose hair as possible before washing.