How to Remove Pet Odour from Bedding (Even the Tough Smells)

Pet bedding can be one of the trickiest things to keep fresh. Even after a wash, smells from dog and cat urine (or just that classic "doggy odour") can linger. If your laundry comes out clean but still carries that unwanted scent, don’t worry — there’s a simple and effective way to deal with it.


Step 1: Pre-Treat Soiled Areas

If your pet has urinated on the bedding, first blot up as much of the liquid as possible. For heavily soiled fabrics you can pre-treat by applying undiluted Odorex Pet Cleanup Concentrate (PCC) directly to the affected area, making sure the solution soaks through to reach all of the urine. Odorex works on contact with the source of the odour, so thorough saturation is important.


Step 2: Add PCC to the Wash

When you’re ready to wash the bedding, add PCC into the rinse cycle:

  • For a standard load: Add about ¼ cup (60ml) of diluted PCC to the rinse compartment.

  • For heavily soiled loads: You can increase this slightly, but repeat washes are usually more effective than using an overly strong solution.

Both cold or warm water is fine. Avoid very hot water, as it may set urine stains and odours.


Step 3: Consider a Soak for Stubborn Smells

For strong, set-in odours, soak the bedding in a bucket or tub of diluted PCC solution (1 part PCC to 25 parts water) for a few hours before machine washing. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the fibres and neutralise the odour.


Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Dry the bedding outside in the sun if possible — UV light helps freshen fabrics naturally. Otherwise, use a dryer, but ensure the bedding is fully dry to prevent damp smells.


Extra Tip: General Deodorising

You can also keep things fresher between washes by lightly misting bedding with diluted PCC (in a spray bottle). This won’t replace a wash but can help control odours day-to-day. Or use our Odorex Dog Deodoriser spray which is designed for fabrics and for use on your dog.


Why Odorex Works

  • Non-toxic and biodegradable

  • Neutralises odour molecules on contact (not just masking them)

  • Trusted by kennels, catteries, and pet owners across NZ for over 30 years


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In Summary: Pet bedding doesn’t need to smell! By pre-treating accidents, using PCC in the wash, and soaking stubborn loads, you can finally eliminate pet odours from fabrics — not just cover them up.

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