How to keep your car looking and smelling good after chauffeuring your dog around? Many people like to drive their pets around, and cars get furry and smelly. So what’s a pet parent to do?
Prevention is the Best Medicine
If you can avoid getting furry seats that smell like wet dog, this will be the best solution. Regular grooming will prevent hair from shedding while in the car and everywhere else (clothes, carpets, and bed linens).
Another trick to keep car seats fur free is to spread a towel or blanket over your car’s seats. You can add a cushion underneath for added comfort for your pet. Keep some old towels in your car for drying your dog off before getting back in the car should he get wet. Wet dog smell is worse, so wiping your dog down when he gets wet will help prevent smells.
A Breath of Fresh Air
If this prevention advice is too late, and you are already riding around with the odor of doggie as your constant companion, or no one will ride with you, here is some advice to make your nose happy again:
- Air freshener – if you have a slight doggie smell, air freshener can help. Febreeze makes a product especially for the car, which is better, but regular air freshener will work if the odor is not too bad. A strong smell will overpower regular air freshener and come right back.
- Baking soda is good for lots of odors. You may already know baking soda absorbs odors in the fridge and freezer, but it works for the car as well. It’s the same premise as using it in the fridge. Pour baking soda in a small bowl and leave in your car overnight. If the smell persists after one night, put some fresh baking soda in the dish and let it go another night.
- Charcoal is a natural deodorizer. Crush some charcoal briquettes and place in a bowl inside the car. Try to do this when you can leave the charcoal for 24 hours without moving the car.
- An excellent all natural urine odor remover (works for cat pee also) uses orange scent to completely remove the odor. This should work the first time. Combine 5 oz of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp vinegar, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp orange hand cleaner (like GoJo) in a spray bottle. Shake up the mixture, and spray generously on the affected area. When it dries, vacuum up the powder left behind.
A Hairy Problem
Some dogs shed more than others. If yours leaves behind lots of hair even with regular grooming, here are some solutions to easily pick up what’s left behind:
- Dryer sheets rubbed on your seats or floor mats will pick up what Fido left behind. You can also spray with fabric softener, and rub on the fabric before using one of the other hair removal techniques. It works to prep the area.
- Wet your hands and rub the fabric. The hair will ball up and can be easily removed.
- Pull on a pair of latex gloves, and run your hand along the fabric. The static electricity helps the hair adhere to the glove for easy removal.
These are just a few ways to get rid of what your fur baby leaves in your car so you don’t have to leave him at home. The two of you can ride the roads without wrecking your ride. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
