Plant Based Odor Remover: DIY
Living with a pet means unconditional love, loyal companionship and occasionally asking:
“What is that smell?”
My toy Pomeranian, Polly Pocket, is tiny, adorable and completely incapable of wrongdoing—according to Polly Pocket. Unfortunately, the carpet occasionally presents conflicting evidence.
Whether you have a new puppy, a senior dog or one furry family member with questionable bathroom decisions, it helps to have an easy pet stain and odor remover ready to go.
This DIY recipe uses simple household ingredients and Young Living essential oils to help freshen carpet after a pet accident.
Plant Based Odor Remover: DIY
DIY Pet Stain and Odor Remover Recipe
This recipe is adapted from the official Young Living DIY Pet Stain and Odor Remover.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 15 drops Lemon essential oil
- 5 drops Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil
- 5 drops Purification essential oil blend
- A clean spray bottle
- An old towel or absorbent cloth
- 2 cups baking soda for older, dried stains
How to Clean a Fresh Pet Stain
- Combine the essential oils and salt in a small container.
- Pour the mixture into your spray bottle.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and water.
- Close the bottle and mix thoroughly until the salt dissolves.
- Blot the accident with an old towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Do not scrub—it can push the mess deeper into the carpet.
- Shake the bottle and spray the stained area until it is wet.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Blot the area again until you have removed as much moisture as possible.
Let the carpet air-dry completely. Young Living advises against using heat because heat may set the stain and odor.
What About an Older Pet Stain?
Plant Based Odor Remover: DIY
That mysterious spot Polly insists has “always been there” may need additional help.
Follow the same directions, but after spraying the area:
- Cover the damp spot with baking soda.
- Leave it for approximately 24 hours or until completely dry.
- Scoop up and discard as much baking soda as possible.
- Vacuum the remaining powder thoroughly.
Keep children and pets away from the area while the mixture is wet and while the baking soda is sitting on the carpet.
Why Use Purification Essential Oil Blend?
Purification has a fresh, clean aroma that makes it popular for household freshening. The blend contains Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Myrtle and Tea Tree essential oils.
I love using products that make a room smell fresh without giving it the unmistakable fragrance of:
“A pet had an incident and I dumped half a bottle of artificial flower perfume on it.”
You know that smell. Now the room smells like dog pee attended a garden party.
Important Pet-Safety Tips
Although this recipe is made for cleaning up after pets, it is not a spray for your pet’s body.
- Never spray it directly on your dog or cat.
- Keep pets away from the treated area until it is completely dry.
- Do not allow pets to lick the wet carpet or cleaning solution.
- Test the mixture on a hidden part of the carpet first.
- Do not use it on a surface when the manufacturer warns against vinegar, water or essential oils.
- Provide good ventilation while cleaning.
- Store the bottle and essential oils where children and pets cannot reach them.
- Ask your veterinarian before using essential-oil products in a home with cats, birds, very young animals or pets with breathing problems or other medical conditions.
If your pet develops coughing, drooling, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing or unusual behavior after possible exposure, move the animal away from the product and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
For repeated urine stains, you may need a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner. Enzymes are designed to break down components of urine that an ordinary surface cleaner may leave behind. (I left a link in an enzyme cleaner I have used and loved for the worst stains).
And if accidents suddenly become frequent, schedule a veterinary appointment. A change in bathroom habits can sometimes signal a health or behavioral problem—not a sudden decision to redecorate your carpet.
A Fresher Home Can Still Be a Pet-Friendly Home
Our pets live real life with us. I hope this plant based odor remover recipe helps.
They track in mud. They shed. They find the one clean rug in the house and make a questionable choice. Then they look at us as though we should be grateful for the opportunity to clean.
Fortunately, a little preparation can make pet messes much less stressful. Keep your DIY plant based pet stain remover ready, clean accidents promptly and enjoy the four-legged family members who make life messier—and much more fun.
Even when Polly Pocket pleads not guilty.
Call to Action
Would you like to try Purification, Lemon or other Young Living products in your home?
I made a cart just for you: HERE!
Follow me for more simple ways to create a fresh, comfortable home for the people—and pets—you love.
For more about raising pets naturally, check out my post about Calm Pets Over the 4th of July.
Polly Pocket, seen below thanks you for reading today and urges you to come back soon!
