How to Remove Outdoor Pet Odors

Determine where the odor is coming from so you can properly clean it.

Prior to treating and removing outdoor pet odors, you must try to determine where the odor is coming from and what caused the odor. The most common foul odors are caused by cat urine and skunk spray. When an animal urinates or sprays on wood surfaces, such as a deck or fence, the treatment will be different compared to treating urine in dirt or soil.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Bucket
• Spray Bottle
• Liquid dish soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Mop or Sponge
• Rake
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Liquid hand soap

Instructions

Pet Odor in Gravel or Rocks

1. Look for discolored, stained or wet rocks or just follow your nose to determine where the smell is coming from. If there are any feces, remove prior to starting treatment.

2. Wash the rocks or gravel by spraying them with a hose. Spray thoroughly to remove as much urine or animal byproduct as possible.

3. Mix equal parts warm water, liquid dish soap, vinegar and baking soda in a bucket. Stir. Dump the mixture over the smelly area. Allow the mixture to dry.

4. Spray the area with a hose to remove the mixture.

Pet Odor on Fences and Decks

1. Pressure wash the wood. If that is not possible, turn your hose onto the highest setting and spray the wood.

2. Mix equal parts water with white vinegar in a bucket. Clean the wood using a mop or sponge.

3. Hose off the deck or fence to remove the mixture.

Pet Odor in Dirt or Soils

1. Rake the dirt or soil to mix it up.

2. Spray the dirt or soil with a hose.

3. Mix 15 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 2 tbsp. baking soda and 1 tbsp. liquid hand soap in a squirt bottle. Swirl the ingredients together. Spray the dirt or soil with the mixture. Allow the dirt or soil to dry.

4. Spray the area with a hose to remove residue the mixture left behind.

5. Place pine cones or orange peels on top of the soil to prevent further odors.

Tips & Warnings

• For stronger odors, or odors you are unable to remove using the above treatments, purchase a enzyme-based pet cleaner. Enzymes break down the molecules responsible for animal stains and odors.

References

• Daily Puppy: How to Neutralize Dog Urine From Gravel
• Pioneer Thinking: How to Effectively Remove Dog Urine Odor
• Cat World: Cat Urine Odor & Smell Remover