Why Does My Vacuum Smell Like Dog and How to Remove It?

You have brought a vacuum cleaner as your aid in making cleaning easier for you but suddenly you are intrigued by the odor emanating from your cleaning tool itself. As you start analyzing the answers to the question “Why does my vacuum smells like dog?”, a sudden revelation stares at you. It’s your pet!  The vacuum cleaners which you had brought to keep your house spil and span has now become a cause of unhygienic conditions at your home. This is one of the common issues that pet owners find in home cleaning. A good and efficient vacuum cleaner is a must for picking up pet dander and hairs. But after each time you vacuum, there is a noticeable smell that lingers on. And it gets worse with each house vacuuming cleaning session. You tried emptying the vacuum canister and it is still there though there is a slight reduction in smell. 

 

We understand your concerns. After investing so much in a vacuum cleaner you can’t replace it just because it smells. We know that you need help and in this blog, we bring you foolproof methods to get rid of or at least minimize the unpleasant smell due to cat urine, dog hair, and much more from your vacuum cleaner.

1. Get into the habit of emptying the vacuum cleaner regularly.  

It is the accumulation of different smells that are allowed to stand together that makes the problem so bad. Don’t wait for a week to throw away the remnants. Practice due diligence in emptying the contents after each use to avoid aggravating the smell.

 

2. Change the Bag Regularly (Applicable for a vacuum cleaner with a bag)

If a smell is starting to be noticed from the vacuum cleaner, it is usually the result of the bag being filled with lots of smelly contaminants. The simplest way to get rid of the smell is to change the bag regularly. 

 

3. Clean the dirt canister bin (Applicable for a  Bagless vacuum cleaner)

After multiple vacuums, dirt gets caked and lines the container which begins to fester and be the main cause of the vacuum smells like dog.  After emptying the bin, wash it with some liquid detergent, give it a good scrub, and rinse!   

 

4. Wash and/ or Replace the filter

Filters in a vacuum cleaner work to keep dust, dirt, and allergens out of the air. They get dirty quickly especially when you are cleaning up after pets. If the filter is clogged, it can cause the vacuum to smell like a wet dog.

 

Pet dander can cause allergy problems too so be sure to wash your (sponge) filter or replace it frequently.  It is advisable to replace the filter at least every 3 to 6 months to maintain performance and to prevent foul smell.

5.  Check for Blockages

If you have changed the bag or emptied the canister and the smell is persistently obvious, you will need to find out more.  It is most likely there’s a blockage in the vacuum cleaner.  Pet dander and dust might be clogging intake valves, filters, and hoses.  Remove any blockage you find and if you are sure how to check for blockages, consult the manual or get help.

6. Practise Monthly Cleaning of the Rollers/ Brushes

Pet hair is very fine and gets caught around the rollers and embedded in the brushes. This will serve as a habitat for dust, germs and dirt to cling to.  Once a month follow the best practice of flipping your vacuum over and inspecting the brushes. You will be startled by the amount of grime and dirt hidden in the nooks and corners. Follow the simple habit of picking hair out of brushes and cutting tangles free from the roller, so that there is reduced possibility of smell emanating from the vacuum cleaner.

 7. Use the Correct Tools

How you use the vacuum cleaner can make all the difference. If you just brushed your pet, don’t try to mow over the tufts of fur with the vacuum. Instead, use the hose on the large tufts to prevent clogs and tangles on the roller. Make intelligent use of the tools and accessories on the vacuum cleaner for an odorless home.

8. Avoid Damp Dirt

Though you might be busy and want to get done with your morning cleaning routine. Win over your impulsiveness to vacuum on moisture-laden surfaces. Avoid vacuuming damp dust and dirt, as this can stick to any surface within the vacuum cleaner and can be a breeding ground for smelly bacteria and the growth of molds and fungi. Completely sun-dry the carpets before you vacuum them.

 

9. Introduce a Fresh Smell

Even after doing all the above steps if the unappealing smell is still there, try adding a fresh smell to mask it off.   Adding a fresh scent to your vacuum cleaner and all over your home every time you use your vacuum cleaner is another method to remove the persistent smell. Now you might be thinking, if you can you deodorize a vacuum cleaner? The answer is yes, but you have to follow some after-use procedures to remove that stink from the vacuum cleaner. In case you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, empty all the dirt, dust, and hair from the chamber.  Thoroughly wipe it with lukewarm, soapy water and keep it out to dry. Follow the steps below to understand how to deodorize your vacuum cleaner using multiple methods.

 

Add a bit of Vanilla extract for a pleasant smell:

Vanilla extract has uses beyond the kitchen. You can take a piece of paper towel and sprinkle a generous helping of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil onto it. Next, tear the towel up into small pieces and drop on onto the floor. You can then simply vacuum the paper towel up.

 

Use Natural orange peel for sustainability

 

Don’t throw the orange peels. Your leftover orange peel can have multiple benefits. Insert a dryer sheet or pieces of dry orange peel into the new vacuum bag through the hole that attaches the bag to the vacuum. If you have a canister model without bags, stash the sheet or orange peel in the filter cavity and you are good to go. The natural scent of orange peels will add that citric smell to the vacuum cleaner.

 

Baking Soda to the rescue

 

Baking soda is known to be a cleanser that has been used for decades. Using baking soda is one of the most used methods of cleaning. It is safe to use baking soda to solve the smelly vacuum cleaner issue. Vacuum the contents of a small box of baking soda. Baking soda is an odor neutralizer that will prevent bad smells from coming back out into your home.  However, you may have to do that a few times before it starts to work.

 

Add some scent beads to your vacuum cleaners

Scent beads have a strong fragrance that can remove even the most persistent smells. But you have to use it sparingly. You can also add some scent beads to your vacuum cleaner. Add a small amount of scented beads to the canister, close it, and start vacuuming. This will bring in an instant fresh smell. Replace the beads after use or continue to keep them in the canister till they lose their fragrance. As the beads have quite a strong fragrance, they help to release a fresh scent around your home. As already stated it is best to practice caution while using the scent beads. You need to ensure your vacuum doesn’t get overly warm, as this could melt the beads, meaning you will probably have to replace it. Don’t over-add the beads as it may cause clogging and choking. Exercising caution is the best way to ensure that your vacuum cleaner doesn’t develop other problems.

11. Use the Right Accessories in the Right way

If you have a vacuum cleaner that is designed specifically for pet hair removal, make it a point to use the additional specialized filters and brush rolls for better performance and lower smells. 

12. Disinfect/Sanitize the Vacuum Cleaner

One of the main reasons for the smelly vacuum at your home may be due to the presence of foul-smelling bacteria that breed on the hair and debris collected in the vacuum cleaner. Disinfection serves a dual purpose of removing any dust mites, bacteria, or germs from thriving in the vacuum cleaner and removing the stench. Start using a good cleaning agent that can disinfect the vacuum cleaner and its accessories thoroughly. Sanitization is an important process that kills bacteria and germs. You could easily disinfect your vacuum cleaner using easily available sanitizers available in the market. The key is to adopt a cleaning routine for your vacuum cleaner like the other areas of your house.

13. Choose Cleaning methods as per the Type of Vacuum cleaner

Vacuum cleaners have changed over the decade and so have their designs. Depending upon the design there are upright models and cordless ones, there are full-sized canister vacuum cleaners, and robotic ones. as well. Understanding the design and build of the vacuum cleaner is important to take good care of the vacuum cleaners. Additionally, a Dyson vacuum cleaner differs from a Shark vacuum cleaner, each brand of vacuum cleaner differs in its accessories and operation. Reading the user manual can help you avoid wrong practices of use that can increase odor. 

14. Deep clean your Vacuum Cleaner

Like any other appliance, the nooks and corners remain inaccessible and can collect a lot of debris, and dust. For such deep cleaning, it’s essential to get help from professionals once or twice a year to rule out the possibility of pet hair being stuck in the deep pockets of the vacuum cleaner. 

15. Use Downy Unstoppables for that Instant Fragrance

Who thought that Downy Unstoppable and could have a use case beyond laundry? This is a great hack if you are a little hesitant to add anything directly inside the vacuum cleaner. Sprinkle some downy unstoppable on the carpet and vacuum over it. It will get entrenched inside the vacuum cleaner, removing the smell from it. 

16. Deep Clean the Broom and Rolls

Have you ever cleaned your vacuum cleaner to the core? We know that the answer might be a big no. The brush roll is the least clean and the area with the most chance of getting full of pet hair. You can carefully clean the hidden hair and debris from the broom and roll using a fine tool like a brush or a scissor. 

17. Take care of the Hose

The structure of the hose and its edge can be a hotspot for the collection of pet skin debris. Remove the hose and use a mild detergent with soapy water to give a thorough clean to the insides of the hose. Dry it till the moisture goes away.

18. Use Natural Agents

If you want something organic to be used instead of harsh chemicals, you could try these natural things that have a natural fragrance to them. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon, ground coffee, or ground potpourri directly onto the floor and vacuum as usual.   Note: If you have a white or light-colored carpet, be careful about using dark-colored spices — you don’t want to stain the carpet.

19. Specialized Cleaning for Pet Grooming Vacuums 

Beyond your regular house cleaning vacuum, some pet grooming vacuums need double the care as they are used continuously on your pets for their needs. Here are some tips that you could use for your pet grooming vacuums. 

 

• Want a pro-tip? Start by cleaning the dustbin and the filters of the pet grooming vacuum thoroughly after each grooming session. This expert solution will help in keeping them unclogged and reduce the chances of smell.
• Like human hair entangled in hair combs, your pet hair is also stuck in the vacuum brushes. The dog hair vacuum brushes have to be thoroughly checked for any remaining hair. Immediate cleansing with the necessary cleaning agents can keep the smell at bay.
• We recommend you keep an eye on the pet nozzle vacuum for signs of any debris or pet hairs. Always detach it from the vacuum and give a thorough clean using a small brush to remove any stuck hair and debris. This must-do hack of ours can go a long way in maintaining hygiene for your pet as well as removing the odor that is usually associated with pet hair.
• Whoever believes that cleaning the inside of the vacuum cleaner is enough has got it wrong. Clean the body of the pet vacuum using a moist clean cloth and keep it in a dry place for improved longevity and odor-free use.

 

We have curated these expert tips that can help you gain control over the smell of your vacuum cleaner. You have to make a consistent choice of these tips and tricks to make your home hygienic, clean, and fresh. Employing these tips can help you create a space that is pet-friendly and hygienic in the long run. Keep allergies and infections at bay and enhance the longevity of your highly-invested vacuum cleaners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my vacuum smell like a dog when I turn on my vacuum?

If you have a pet that stays inside it might leave behind pet hair and skin debris on your carpet and floor. If you haven’t been taking necessary measures to ensure a thorough cleaning and maintenance of your vacuum cleaner the chances of it generating a smell similar to your dog is possible.

2. How do you get dog odor out of the carpet?

A thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing routine followed by adding fragrance-enhancing smells to the vacuum cleaner or the carpet can help you remove any traces of dog smell from your carpet. 

3. Can I use natural substances to remove the smell from the vacuum cleaner?

You can choose to use organic products that are harmless. Baking soda and cinnamon are some of the options that you could try to remove the stench from your vacuum cleaner. 

 

4. How can I make the awful smell go away from the Dyson vacuum cleaner

Depending on the type of Dyson vacuum cleaner you have to follow deep cleaning/sanitization/disinfection of each part including filter, hose, broom, roller, and bag, followed by adding fragrance to reduce the effect of the smell.