DIY vs. Professional Pet Odor Removal: Which Is Better?

Written by extremesteam1 on July 15, 2024. Posted in Pet Odor Treatment.

TL;DR: Pets bring joy but also persistent odors like urine, dander, and wet fur. While DIY solutions such as baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils can help with minor smells, professional odor removal is more effective for stubborn or severe issues. Professionals use advanced techniques like steam cleaning, ozone treatment, and enzymatic solutions to thoroughly eliminate odors. Combining DIY methods with professional services can keep your home smelling fresh. For expert odor removal in Florida, contact Extreme Steam Cleaning in Palmetto.

Pets give us unconditional love and bring happiness to our days just by existing. They enrich our lives in so many ways we can’t even begin to count. However, as many of the 12.5 million Floridians with a pet in their home can attest, they also bring some not-so-pleasant odors and questionable smells.

While we love our pets unconditionally and don’t blame them for these bad aromas, we still want an effective way to eliminate these persistent smells. Most pet owners have experimented with various solutions, from over-the-counter odor neutralizers to homemade remedies. But which method truly works the best?

Is that essential oil mixture doing anything, or is a deep clean by the experts the only way to get rid of unwanted pet smells? Let’s roll up our sleeves and compare DIY vs. professional pet odor removal. Which is better? Keep reading to uncover the best strategies for maintaining a fresh-smelling home.

Common Sources of Pet Odors

Pets bring endless joy and entertainment to our lives, but they also have some less pleasant aspects—weird odors. While you adore your pet, you probably don’t love the various smells they can leave behind. Some pet odors, like accidents on the carpet and unmistakable wet dog aroma, just won’t go away. The most common sources of bad smells include:

Urine and feces: Accidents happen, especially with younger or untrained pets. When those accidents occur on carpets or furniture, the smell can linger even after thorough cleaning.
Pet dander and shedding: Pets naturally shed fur and produce dander, which can accumulate in your home. If you don’t vacuum and clean the excess fur regularly, it can contribute to unpleasant odors over time.
Saliva: Whether your pet is an enthusiastic licker or tends to drool a bit too much, dried saliva can become a source of odor. If not wiped away promptly, it can leave a distinct smell on surfaces throughout your home.
Wet fur: Most pet owners know the infamous “wet dog” smell. This powerful odor can quickly permeate your entire home after a bath or rainy walk and can be particularly challenging to eliminate.
Litter boxes and pet bedding: These areas can become significant odor sources if not cleaned regularly. The combination of waste and bacteria creates an environment where strong smells can develop and spread.

DIY Pet Odor Removal

Pet owners are always on the lookout for effective ways to eliminate pet odors, and many turn to DIY solutions using everyday household items. These homemade remedies are cost-effective and convenient, allowing you to address odor issues quickly without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive products. Some DIY solutions that work wonders include:

Baking soda: This versatile powder absorbs odors and neutralizes acidic smells. Sprinkle it on carpets, upholstery, or pet bedding, and let it sit for at least an hour before vacuuming. It’s handy for general odor control and mild urine smells.
Vinegar and water solutions: A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water can eliminate odors and clean surfaces. The vinegar’s acidity breaks down odor-causing compounds. Use this solution for cleaning hard surfaces or as a carpet cleaner for tougher smells.
Hydrogen peroxide: This mild bleaching agent can remove stains and odors, especially from urine. For extra cleaning, mix in a small amount of dish soap. However, before you apply it, do a little test on a small patch to avoid discoloration.
Essential oils and other natural remedies: Lavender, tea tree, and other essential oils are natural deodorizers. Mix a few drops into your DIY solution or use it in a diffuser for scent. Other natural options include citrus peels or coffee grounds, which can absorb odors in small spaces.

Advantages of DIY Pet Odor Removal

DIY solutions are typically very cost-effective. Most ingredients you need are affordable, and most households already have them. DIY methods also allow for an immediate response to accidents or odor issues. You can quickly mix up a solution and address the problem as soon as it occurs, preventing odors from setting in and becoming more challenging to remove.

Using homemade solutions gives you complete control over what ingredients go into your cleaning and deodorizing solutions. If you’re concerned about exposing your pets or family to harsh chemicals often found in commercial products, you can use these DIY mixtures.

Disadvantages of DIY Pet Odor Removal

One major drawback is the variable effectiveness of homemade solutions. While these methods can work well for minor odor issues, they may need to be more potent to tackle severe or long-standing odor problems.

Another potential issue is the risk of improper application. Without proper knowledge or experience, you might use the wrong solution for a particular surface or type of odor, potentially causing damage or achieving less-than-optimal results.

Some DIY methods are also quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. Mixing solutions, applying them correctly, and repeating the process as needed can require significant time and effort, especially for larger areas or persistent odors.

Professional Pet Odor Removal

When DIY methods fall short, expert pet odor removal can provide a more thorough solution. These experts use advanced equipment and specialized cleaning solutions to eliminate stubborn odors at their source.

Their expertise allows them to identify and treat odor sources effectively, even those not immediately apparent to homeowners. Professional pet odor removal services typically use several expert cleaning methods:

Steam Cleaning: This method uses hot water extraction to deep clean fabric and similar materials. The high temperature kills bacteria and removes all odor-causing particles. It’s particularly effective for large areas and heavily soiled surfaces.
Ozone Treatment: Ozone generators produce a gas that oxidizes odor-causing molecules, effectively neutralizing them. This method can treat entire rooms or enclosed spaces where odors have permeated multiple surfaces.
Enzymatic Treatments: These solutions contain special enzymes that break down organic matter that causes odors, such as urine or feces. They’re highly effective for spot treatments and can penetrate porous surfaces to eliminate deep-set odors.

Advantages of Professional Pet Odor Removal

Professional services are highly effective at eliminating even the most persistent odors. Combining professional-grade equipment and industrial-strength cleaning solutions can tackle odors that DIY methods often can’t fully address. This effectiveness extends to removing odors from hard-to-reach areas or deeply embedded smells that homeowners might struggle to eliminate.

Calling the pros saves you significant time and effort. Instead of spending hours scrubbing and searching where that smell is coming from, you can rely on experts to quickly identify and treat problem areas. This efficiency is particularly valuable for busy households or those dealing with extensive odor issues. These typically provide longer-lasting results compared to DIY methods. The thorough cleaning and specialized treatments remove and prevent the odors from recurring.

Disadvantages of Professional Pet Odor Removal

The most obvious drawback is the cost, which is generally higher than DIY methods. While the expense can be significant, it is a worthwhile investment in your home’s hygiene and comfort. Another consideration is scheduling services according to the provider’s availability. It can sometimes be inconvenient, but most companies try to help you as fast as possible.

Relying on professional services means you might not develop the skills to handle odor issues yourself. While this isn’t necessarily a problem, some homeowners prefer to be able to address minor odor problems quickly and independently without always needing to call in professionals.

Bust Those Foul Smells

DIY methods are a fast way to fight odors caused by our beloved pets, while professional methods tackle the root of the bad smells and eliminate them. Combining DIY methods with professional services offers the best of both worlds and helps keep your home smelling fresh for longer.

If you want to keep your Florida home fresh, Extreme Steam Cleaning in Palmetto provides top-notch odor removal services. Whether you have one pet or many, our experienced technicians are ready to assist you with advanced cleaning solutions that get the job done right. Keep your home fresh and odor-free—contact us today!