Car journeys with your four-legged friend can be great fun – particularly if they love having the window down with their face hitting the breeze! While your dog may enjoy a good car journey, we all know this can often cause unpleasant smells to linger in the vehicle.
Pet fur carries bacteria which can embed into your car’s fabrics and upholstery. Your dog may also have little accidents on board, which can also leave behind particularly strong odours!
Keep reading to discover top tips for getting rid of dog smells in your car and the best products for eliminating pet odours.
Remove dog hair
Before getting any scrubbing and spraying, the first step to removing dog smells in your car is to clear any dog hair. The best way to thoroughly remove dog hair from your car is by using a vacuum. The Karcher WD 3 Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a great all-rounder that can handle both wet and dry debris. It features a handy blower function that can blast in-between car seats and other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring your interior is fur-free.
You can also try the SpotClean Pet Pro which is designed for pet owners. It contains powerful suction for removing dog hair but also lifts away stains from car interiors and dog beds. It’s perfect for getting rid of muddy paw prints and other little accidents!
Remove dog odours from upholstery
The next stage is to neutralise odours that may be deeply embedded into your car upholstery. Strong odours like dog smells can cling to fabrics, so it’s important to use high-quality products with formulas substantial enough to tackle unpleasant scents.
The Halfords Advanced Upholstery Cleaner is a great option that will refresh your car interior, eliminating dog smells and stains. It can also be used on carpets, fabric trims and roof linings to lift stains and unpleasant smells. Simply spray it on, leave for 30 seconds and wipe clean to help restore your car’s freshness.
The Turtle Wax Interior Multipurpose Cleaner and Stain Remover is also effective at lifting a variety of odours and stains, including from pets, coffee and smoke. It consists of a dry foaming formula with a detachable cleaning brush which can be used to target problem areas. Simply spray the foam cleanser onto the desired area, then use the brush to massage in the product. Finish by wiping with a cloth until the area is dry.
Air out your car
In addition to using the right products to get rid of dog smells, it’s also a good idea to give your car some fresh air. Taking a little journey with the windows down will help air out your car, leaving it feeling much fresher.
It’s also a good idea to keep an air freshener handy. We stock a range of options that absorb odours rather than masking the smell. The California Scents Charcoal Bag Air Freshener will help eliminate the smell of wet dog! It naturally absorbs moisture from the air, purifying those hard to get rid of smells.
The Febreze Fabric Spray is also great for combating lingering dog odours, leaving your car interior smelling fresh and clean.
Tips for keeping your car clean with a dog
While the above steps will help clean dog smells in your car, there are also a few things you can do to help prevent pet smells and stains.
Keep your dog in one area of the car
The more your dog moves around, the more likely dog hair, smells and stains will spread across your car interior. Investing in a crate or pet carrier will help your dog settle and rest in one area of the vehicle, helping prevent the spread of dog hair.
The 3-in 1 Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System is a fantastic option if you regularly travel with your pet. It includes a luxury carrier, ISOFIX base and an optional stroller frame for additional travel needs outside your vehicle, making it a great all-in-one option for keeping your dog comfortable and secure while travelling.
With The Highway Code stating that drivers who fail to suitably restrain an animal in a vehicle can be considered as ‘driving without due care and attention’, the Maeve Pet Protection System gives you ultimate peace of mind that you are adhering to the Code, and that your dog is comfortable, protected and safely restrained every time you travel with them.
Developed by Nuna, a world leader in premium baby gear, the 3-in-1 Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System has been subject to the same rigorous safety testing as child car seats at dynamic testing facilities. The carrier is quickly and easily secured into the car using the ISOFIX base which prevents it from moving or rotating in the event of a crash.
Clean as soon as possible
To get rid of dog smells in the car quickly, it’s best to clean up as soon as possible. Leaving the odours will encourage the scent or stains to linger around and will be tougher to clean further down the line.
Keep cleaning products handy
It’s a good idea to keep the relevant pet cleaning products in your car so you can quickly take action if you’re away from home.
Invest in seat covers
Covering up your car seats or simply placing an old sheet on your backseat will help capture any dog hair and means you can easily wash it, making things much more efficient. The Halfords Rear Hammock Car Seat Cover is perfect for protecting your seats from fur, dirt and claw marks. It’s very easy to remove and wash, so can be used regularly.
And that concludes our guide on how to remove dog smells from your car. Follow these simple steps and tips to keep your car smelling fresh even with your furry friends on board!
Visit halfords.com for more pet travel and car cleaning essentials.