How to Naturally Remove Pet Odours Before Moving Out

Moving house can be stressful, especially when you're a renter trying to secure your full bond refund. But if you’ve got pets, there’s one challenge that can catch you off guard—lingering pet odours. Landlords and property managers are quick to notice any unusual smell during final inspections, and pet-related scents are often at the top of the list.

So, how do you eliminate those odors without spraying your entire house with harsh chemicals? The answer lies in eco-friendly, natural cleaning. These methods are safe for you, your pets, and the environment—plus, they’re surprisingly effective.

Let’s take a walk through a practical, pet-safe approach to deodorising your home before handing back the keys.

Why Natural Odour Removal Works Best

Many commercial deodorisers only mask odours with strong artificial fragrances. That might seem like a quick fix, but these synthetic sprays often raise red flags during inspections. Real estate agents know when a scent is being covered up, and that can lead to closer scrutiny.

Eco-friendly cleaning methods neutralise and eliminate odours at the source. They're also:

• Free from harsh chemicals
• Non-toxic for pets and children
• Better for your home’s air quality
• Environmentally responsible

If you're living in a pet-friendly rental, these methods are not just practical—they're the wise choice.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Naturally Removing Pet Odours

Now that we understand why natural cleaning is most effective, it’s time to put it into practice. Below is a simple, step-by-step process using safe, eco-friendly methods that target pet odours at the source, without leaving behind any harsh chemical residue.

Step 1: Locate the Source (Don’t Just Mask the Smell)

Before you start scrubbing or spraying anything, take time to identify where the smell is strongest. Odours often settle into unexpected places, not just the lounge or the dog bed, like:

• Carpets and rugs
• Curtains and cushions
• Corners of rooms or behind furniture
• Soft toys or throw blankets
• Entry mats and pet feeding zones

In many homes across Sydney, especially those with floorboards and rugs, smells can get trapped in the fibres. Hence, walk room by room and take note of any lingering scents. A good sniff test is often more effective than any air freshener.

Step 2: Air It Out First

Opening up the house is the most overlooked yet effective way to clear stale odours. Cross-ventilation does wonders for indoor spaces.

Here’s how:

• Open windows in every room for several hours
• Leave doors ajar to create airflow
• Use a fan to push out trapped air
  
  

If you’re in a high-rise unit or an apartment with poor ventilation, try placing bowls of baking soda near windows or doorways to help absorb odors from the air.

Step 3: Sprinkle Baking Soda Generously

Baking soda is a renter’s best friend when it comes to natural deodorising. It absorbs odours from almost any surface and doesn’t leave behind any scent.

Try this:

• Sprinkle it across carpets, rugs, lounges, and pet beds
• Let it sit for at least two hours (overnight is better)
• Vacuum slowly and thoroughly using a strong suction head

In heavily used areas, like around litter trays or near food bowls, repeat the process twice. For mattresses or lounges, add a light mist of water and let the baking soda paste draw out deeper smells before vacuuming.

Step 4: Tackle Hard Surfaces with Vinegar Spray

White vinegar might smell sharp at first, but it quickly fades while neutralising foul odours at the source.

Make your spray:

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle
• Optional: add 10 drops of eucalyptus, lemon, or lavender oil for a subtle fragrance

Use this spray on:

• Floorboards and tiles
• Skirting boards and walls (test on paint first)
• Door frames, pet zones, or crate areas
• Bathroom tiles or laundry floors where pets may have accidents

Allow the area to dry with windows open. Within 30 to 60 minutes, the vinegar scent should dissipate, and most of the pet odor should also disappear.

Step 5: Wash Anything That Can Be Washed

Fabrics hold onto smells. Wash everything that can go into the machine before your inspection.

Here’s your checklist:

• Pet bedding and blankets
• Sofa covers and cushion covers
• Curtains (especially if your pet slept nearby)
• Towels or throws used for your pet
• Removable floor mats or door mats

Use a fragrance-free detergent and add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to boost deodorising. Dry items in the sun if possible for extra freshness.

Step 6: Consider Steam Cleaning Carpets or Lounges

If smells have seeped deep into carpets or upholstery, steam cleaning might be necessary. Many leases across Sydney, including those in newer apartments, require carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, especially if pets have lived in the home.

If DIY:

• Hire a steam cleaner from Bunnings or a local store
• Use hot water and an eco-friendly carpet detergent
• Focus on areas where your pet spends the most time

Alternatively, book an end-of-lease cleaning services Sydney that uses eco-friendly, pet-safe products.

Step 7: Don't Forget the Air

Once all surfaces are clean, turn your attention to the air.

You can:

• Use bowls of vinegar or baking soda to absorb odours
• Run a HEPA air purifier for a few hours (if available)
• Simmer lemon slices and cloves on the stovetop before inspection day

Avoid heavy sprays, scented candles, or plug-ins—they can create a chemical smell and give the impression you're covering something up.

Final Thoughts

Removing pet odours before moving out doesn’t have to involve strong chemicals or artificial scents. By using everyday natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and fresh air, you can restore your home to a neutral, inspection-ready state, without risking your health or that of your pet.

If you’ve tried these steps and the smell still lingers, it might be time to call in the pros. Look for eco-friendly end-of-lease cleaning services in Sydney that specialise in pet odour removal. These providers often use plant-based cleaners and advanced equipment that can tackle even the toughest smells.