You love having your dog curled up beside you on the sofa or bed. The smell they leave behind on your favourite blanket? Maybe not quite as much.

Fortunately, getting that familiar doggy smell out of blankets usually isn’t difficult.

The best way to get dog smell out of blankets is to remove as much loose hair and debris as possible first, wash the blanket according to its care label using a suitable laundry detergent, and then dry it completely before checking for any remaining odour.

For particularly stubborn smells, an additional deodorising treatment can help.

Here’s a simple seven-step process.

1. Check the Blanket’s Care Label First

Before putting anything into the washing machine, check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

This is especially important with wool, weighted blankets, waterproof materials, electric blankets and delicate fabrics.

Look for information about:

• whether the blanket is machine washable
• recommended water temperature
• whether it can be tumble dried
• whether bleach should be avoided
• special washing instructions

Don’t assume that a cleaning method that’s safe for one blanket will be suitable for another.

If your dog’s blanket has a removable cover, check whether the cover and filling have different washing instructions.

2. Remove Dog Hair Before Washing

This simple step can make a surprising difference.

Take the blanket outside and give it a good shake.

The American Kennel Club also recommends removing excess pet hair before washing bedding to help achieve a more thorough clean.

Then remove as much remaining dog hair as possible using a vacuum, lint roller or another fabric-safe pet-hair remover.

Why bother when the washing machine is going to clean it anyway?

Wet dog hair tends to clump together. Removing excess hair before washing reduces the amount ending up in your washing machine and gives the detergent better access to the actual fabric.

If you own a heavy-shedding dog, doing this regularly can also make washing dog bedding considerably easier.

3. Pretreat Any Obvious Stains

Everyday dog smell and a blanket contaminated with urine, vomit or another biological stain aren’t quite the same cleaning problem.

If there are visible stains, deal with those before washing.

Blot fresh liquid rather than aggressively rubbing it deeper into the fibres.

For biological pet stains, a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner designed for the particular material can be useful because these products are intended to deal with organic residues rather than simply cover the smell with fragrance.

Always follow the product directions and check that it’s suitable for the blanket you’re cleaning.

This is where a product such as Nature’s Miracle may make sense—but you don’t necessarily need a specialised pet cleaner for a blanket that simply has an everyday doggy smell.

4. Wash the Blanket According to Its Care Instructions

Now it’s time for the main wash.

If the care label allows machine washing, use an appropriate laundry detergent and the recommended cycle.

A fragrance-free detergent can be a particularly sensible choice for dog bedding. A heavily perfumed blanket might smell clean to us without actually addressing the source of the odour.

Avoid overloading the washing machine.

A bulky blanket needs enough room for water and detergent to move through the fabric properly.

If your blanket doesn’t fit comfortably, using a larger machine at a laundromat may produce better results than squeezing it into an undersized washer.

And don’t automatically choose the hottest possible setting.

Use the temperature recommended for the particular fabric.

5. Deal With Stubborn Dog Odor

If ordinary washing hasn’t been enough, you can consider an additional deodorising treatment—but again, check the fabric care instructions first.

Can You Use White Vinegar on Dog Blankets?

Diluted white vinegar is commonly used to help tackle household odours.

However, I wouldn’t soak every type of dog blanket overnight in a strong vinegar solution.

Instead, first check whether vinegar is appropriate for the particular fabric and your washing machine. If you use it, follow suitable dilution and rinsing instructions rather than assuming more vinegar will produce a better result.

Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals unless the product manufacturer specifically says the combination is safe.

Can You Use Baking Soda?

Baking soda is another common household deodoriser.

For a washable blanket, it may help with stubborn smells when used appropriately, but again, check the blanket and appliance instructions.

What I wouldn’t do is add essential oils simply to make the blanket smell stronger.

Our goal is to remove the source of the dog smell, not disguise it beneath another fragrance.

6. Dry the Blanket Completely

Don’t underestimate this step.

A blanket that still contains moisture can develop its own unpleasant musty smell.

Follow the care label and either tumble dry appropriately or air dry the blanket until it is completely dry.

Thick blankets may take considerably longer than they appear to.

Check seams, folds and padded areas before putting the blanket back onto your dog’s bed or your furniture.

If possible, allow plenty of airflow around the material while it dries.

7. Smell-Test Before Putting It Back

Once the blanket is completely dry, give it the ultimate test.

Smell it.

If it smells clean, you’re done.

If the dog odour is still noticeable, don’t immediately drown it in air freshener or fragrance.

Instead, ask why the smell remains.

Was the washing machine overloaded?

Was the blanket fully washed through?

Is there an old stain that needs specific treatment?

Does the underlying dog bed, sofa or mattress also smell?

Is your dog immediately transferring the smell back onto freshly washed bedding?

Sometimes the blanket isn’t the only thing that needs cleaning.

How to Get Dog Smell Out of Blankets Without Washing

What if you can’t wash the blanket immediately?

Start by taking it outside and shaking off loose hair and debris.

If appropriate for the material, vacuum it thoroughly and allow it to air in a dry, well-ventilated location.

This can help with mild everyday odours between washes.

However, airing a blanket isn’t a substitute for proper cleaning when it’s genuinely dirty.

If urine, vomit or another biological material is involved, clean the blanket properly rather than trying to disguise the smell.

How to Get Dog Urine Smell Out of a Blanket

Urine needs a slightly different approach from ordinary dog odour.

First, blot as much fresh urine as possible with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.

Avoid aggressively rubbing the stain into the material.

Check the blanket’s care label, and consider a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner that’s appropriate for the fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully, including any required contact time.

Then wash the blanket according to its care instructions and dry it thoroughly.

Don’t assume the smell is gone simply because a perfumed product has covered it.

Check again once the blanket is completely dry.

If urine has soaked through the blanket onto a dog bed, mattress or sofa underneath, that surface may need attention too.

Why Does My Blanket Still Smell Like Dog After Washing?

There are several possibilities.

Too Much Dog Hair Remained

Heavy accumulations of hair, skin oils and debris can make cleaning more difficult.

Remove as much hair as possible before the next wash.

The Blanket Wasn’t Washed Thoroughly

An overloaded machine may not allow enough water and detergent to circulate through bulky fabric.

The Odor Is Coming From Somewhere Else

Wash the blanket, put it onto a smelly dog bed and the problem can return very quickly.

Check the bed, cushion, sofa or other surface underneath.

The Blanket Wasn’t Completely Dry

A damp blanket can develop a musty smell that may be mistaken for lingering dog odour.

Your Dog May Need Attention Too

If your normally clean dog has developed an unusually strong or persistent smell, cleaning blankets repeatedly won’t solve the underlying problem.

Consider your dog’s grooming routine and, if their smell has changed noticeably or seems abnormal, speak with your veterinarian or professional groomer.

How Often Should You Wash Dog Blankets?

There isn’t one perfect schedule for every household.

A blanket used by a short-haired indoor dog that rarely gets dirty won’t necessarily need the same cleaning frequency as one belonging to a Labrador that swims, rolls in mud and sheds heavily.

Consider:

• how often your dog uses the blanket
• how much your dog sheds
• whether your dog sleeps outdoors or indoors
• how frequently your dog gets wet or muddy
• whether anyone in the household has allergies
• whether the blanket is used on your own bed or furniture
• whether your dog has had a toilet accident

For heavily used dog blankets, incorporating washing into your regular household cleaning routine is much easier than waiting until the smell becomes overwhelming.

How to Keep Blankets From Smelling Like Dog

The easiest dog smell to remove is the one that never becomes deeply embedded.

A few habits can help.

Dry Your Dog Before They Get Onto Furniture

Wet dogs can transfer moisture and odour directly onto blankets, sofas and bedding.

Keep a dog towel near the door after rainy walks or swimming.

Groom Regularly

Regular brushing removes loose hair and debris before it ends up in your blankets.

Use Washable Throws

If your dog has a favourite sofa or bed, put a washable blanket over the area.

Washing a lightweight throw is much easier than deep-cleaning an entire sofa.

Rotate Dog Blankets

Having two washable blankets means one can be in use while the other is being cleaned and thoroughly dried.

Keep the Dog Bed Clean Too

There’s little point putting a freshly washed blanket onto a dirty, smelly dog bed.

If you’re considering replacing an older bed, you may also want to explore some of the best anti-anxiety dog beds, particularly if your dog prefers a soft, secure sleeping space.

Treat the bedding as a complete system.

What About Nature’s Miracle?

If you’re dealing with ordinary everyday dog smell, you probably don’t need to reach immediately for a specialist stain remover.

Where a product such as Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator can become more useful is when you’re dealing with organic pet stains and associated odours.

Enzymatic pet cleaners are designed for a different job than ordinary laundry detergent.

If you use one on a blanket, check that the product is suitable for the material and follow the manufacturer’s directions rather than improvising concentrations or soaking times.

If you’re recommending the product through an affiliate link, clearly disclose that relationship to your readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get dog smell out of blankets?

Start by removing loose dog hair and debris, then wash the blanket according to its care label with an appropriate detergent. Dry it completely before checking for remaining odour. Stubborn smells may require an additional fabric-safe deodorising treatment.

Can I wash dog blankets in my washing machine?

Many dog blankets can be machine washed, but always check the manufacturer’s care label. Remove excess hair first and don’t overload the machine with a blanket that’s too bulky for it.

Can I use vinegar to get dog smell out of blankets?

Diluted white vinegar is commonly used for household odours, but check that it’s appropriate for the blanket material and your washing machine. Don’t assume a strong overnight vinegar soak is suitable for every fabric.

Can I use baking soda on a dog blanket?

Baking soda is commonly used as a deodoriser, but how you use it depends on the blanket material and cleaning method. Check care instructions before treating specialty fabrics.

Why does my dog’s blanket smell again so quickly?

The blanket may be picking up odour from your dog, their bed or another surface underneath it. Wet fur, skin oils, dirt and heavy shedding can also make smells return faster.

Should I use fabric softener on dog blankets?

Follow the blanket manufacturer’s laundering instructions and avoid adding unnecessary heavily fragranced products simply to mask odour. Proper washing and complete drying are more important than making the blanket strongly scented.

When should I replace a dog blanket?

If a blanket remains heavily stained or smelly despite appropriate cleaning, has damaged fabric your dog could swallow, or can no longer be properly cleaned and dried, replacement may be the better option.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to get dog smell out of blankets doesn’t require turning laundry day into a chemistry experiment.

Start with the basics.

Remove the hair. Check the care label. Treat genuine stains appropriately. Wash the blanket thoroughly. And, perhaps most importantly, make sure it’s completely dry before your dog uses it again.

For normal doggy odour, that may be all you need.

For urine and other organic stains, a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner can provide an additional option when used according to its instructions.

And if the smell keeps returning, look beyond the blanket.

Your dog’s bed, favourite sofa, damp fur or even the dog themselves may be contributing to the problem.

Keep the whole sleeping area clean and maintain a regular washing routine, and you can continue enjoying those dog-and-blanket cuddles—without having to hold your nose.