HOW TO GET RID
OF PET SMELL
IN A HOUSE

Why Pet Smell Is So Hard to Remove

Pet odour is one of the most persistent and pervasive property smells. Unlike cooking or smoke, which are primarily surface deposits, pet odour has multiple sources — skin oils, dander, saliva, urine and general animal scent — each of which embeds differently into the property environment.

Dogs and cats shed dander and skin oils continuously. These settle on carpets, upholstery, bedding, curtains and soft furnishings and build up over months and years. The compounds responsible for the characteristic pet smell are not water-soluble and do not respond to standard cleaning products, which is why a property can smell strongly of pet even after a thorough clean.

Pet Urine: The Specific Challenge

Pet urine is the most problematic element. Fresh urine contains urea, urochrome and uric acid. As it dries, bacteria break down the urea and release ammonia — the sharp, pungent component of the smell. Over time, the uric acid crystals that remain continue to release odour indefinitely, particularly in humid conditions or when cleaning products are applied.

Critically, urine soaks through carpet fibres into the carpet backing, the underlay and the subfloor beneath. A single large urine deposit can contaminate an area several times larger than the visible stain on the carpet surface. Standard carpet cleaning only addresses the carpet surface — the underlying deposits remain and continue to off-gas.

UV inspection (black light) is essential for locating hidden urine deposits that are not visible under normal lighting. We include UV inspection as standard in our pet odour treatment.

What DIY Methods Can Achieve

• Enzyme cleaners: The most effective DIY option for pet urine. Enzyme-based products break down uric acid at a molecular level — unlike standard cleaners which simply dilute the odour. Must be applied to the full depth of the deposit, not just the surface. Pour generously, allow to soak, and leave to dry naturally. Do not use steam cleaning on urine deposits — heat sets the stain permanently.
• Bicarbonate of soda: Absorbs odour from carpet surfaces after enzyme treatment. Apply, leave for several hours and vacuum. Useful supplementary step.
• Ventilation and air purifiers with HEPA filters: Reduce airborne dander and odour concentration. No effect on embedded deposits.
• Washing soft furnishings: Helpful for removable items. Hot wash where fabric allows; use an enzyme-based detergent.

What Professional Pet Odour Treatment Involves

Professional pet odour removal addresses the problem at every level — surface, deep deposit and airborne:

1. UV inspection: We identify all urine deposits — including hidden ones — with UV light before treatment begins.
2. Enzyme treatment: Professional-grade enzyme solutions are applied to all identified deposits, penetrating through carpet to the backing and subfloor where standard products cannot reach.
3. ULV cold fogging: Specialist solution is fogged throughout the property, reaching soft furnishings, curtains and ceiling voids where dander and pet compounds have settled.
4. Monitored ozone treatment: Industrial ozone neutralises residual airborne pet compounds throughout every room. O₃ concentration is monitored in real time.
5. Ionisation and ventilation: Final air purification and safe re-entry confirmation.

Our Advanced package (from £695 + VAT) covers the full staged process for most pet odour situations. For severe or long-term contamination from multiple animals, the Complete package may be recommended.

Cost of Pet Smell Removal in London

• Advanced (UV inspection + enzyme + fogging + ozone): from £695 + VAT
• Complete (full surface treatment + fogging + ozone): from £1,350 + VAT

See full pricing by property size →