An at-home test of three ways to remove dog odor from an upholstered couch found that a mixture of white vinegar, warm water and dish soap worked best. The solution received a rating of 4 out of 5 and was reported to neutralize the smell both after cleaning and 24 hours later, though a faint vinegar scent remained.
The tester tried each method on a separate cushion or pillow on the same sectional couch. Before testing, the cushions were vacuumed, and a family member described as particularly sensitive to smells assessed the odor before and after each treatment.
For the winning method, the tester combined 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. The mixture was sprayed onto the cushion and scrubbed with a microfiber cloth. The surface was then misted with plain water, wiped again and left to dry. The tester said the smell was strong at first but had improved once the cushion dried.
A Bissell Pet Stain Eraser cordless upholstery cleaner earned 3 out of 5. It removed the dog odor, according to the tester’s son, but the cushion remained damp for longer than desired and a light scent from the cleaning product lingered the following day.
Steaming was rated 2 out of 5. It initially muted the odor, but the smell returned by the next day, as strong as on an untreated cushion. The tester said steaming might be more useful after another cleaning method, rather than on its own.
The vinegar mixture was also the simplest approach in the test and used ingredients the tester already had at home. The tester planned to steam the couch after using it, but described the mixture as the most effective of the three methods for tackling the dog smell.
Sources: Apartment Therapy.