I am a neat freak! I love a clean home, and when guests walk in, I want them to smell overall freshness. Trust me; it was not easy to do while raising three boys, all of whom are in college now. The other day, however, I was reminded my tedious efforts continue to pay off. My youngest son came home for a quick visit, and as soon as he crossed the threshold from the garage into the kitchen, he said, “Ah…it smells like home…so clean and fresh! I love that smell!”
Well, believe it or not, we do have a dog. No cats. But a dog. And a dog that takes up to four walks per day in all types of weather. I am just fastidious about keeping him – and his surroundings – clean! However, I have friends and relatives with cats, and it appears it can be more of a challenge to keep one’s home smelling fresh and clean when feline friends dominate the space. (Not saying dogs don’t stink, too. They do!!!) Now, if you any of you have some amazing suggestions to eliminate cat smells in your home, please advise.
For those of you who need a few tips and suggestions, the folks at catster.com are happy to oblige:
First of all, do you know from where that “cat smell” originates? It can come from one single thing or a combination thereof. Bacteria are typically the cause of those things that are an assault on our senses. Therefore, it would make sense to get rid of the bacteria to get rid of the smell, but no amount of Lysol, candles or potpourri will get the job done. Sure, it may mask the odor, but it won’t tackle the source.
All is not lost, though. Just tackle a few of these places on a regular basis when trying to keep your home clean and odor-free:
- The obvious: The litter box. This could be the biggest source of cat smell in your home, so roll up your sleeves and begin here. Scoop litter boxes daily, if not more often. And get that waste out of your home. Use unscented litter, as the scented ones only serve to cover up the smell. Plus, many cats are repelled by the scent and may choose somewhere else to conduct their business. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the litter box. Lots of people swear this helps to reduce the odors. And be sure to change the litter frequently, at least a couple of times per month. When you do change it, wash out the box with some mild soap and water.
- Be a super sleuth! Check other areas in your home outside of the litter box where you cat might be marking his territory or using a certain space as a potty spot. Clean anything you find with an enzymatic cleaner.
- Break out the vacuum cleaner! By vacuuming regularly, you can make a huge difference in the overall smell in your home. Be sure to vacuum carpets, throw rugs, couches, chairs and even draperies at least once a week to capture hair and dander. Baking soda is a great carpet deodorizer, too. Just sprinkle a bit on the carpet, wait an hour and then vacuum it up.
- Check your cat’s breath. It should not smell offensive. If it does, it can contribute to an overall smelly environment but can also be a symptom of a mouth infection or some other medical condition. Speak with your vet.
- Groom your cat on a regular basis, as this will help to eliminate odors in the home. If you have a long-haired cat, be sure to trim around your cat’s “delicate” areas which can help prevent bits of smelly fecal matter from clinging to his fur. (Gross, right?)
- Get in the habit of washing your blankets and your cat’s bed frequently.
- Do not leave food and water out for extended periods of time and clean up the feeding area between meals. Water bowls are a breeding ground for bacteria, so change the cat’s water bowl at least daily and wash it with soap and water to keep smelly bacteria from growing in the water.
- Be sure to replace your furnace filters regularly, as filters can trap fur and dander. Plus, clogged filters can just add more smells throughout your home.
We hope this is some helpful information! After a while, this should all become habitual, and when you walk into your home every day, you should be embraced by that sunshine fresh aroma!
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
