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Question
Hi,
We have a dog. The dog doesn't seem to smell but when we run the vacuum the smell of dog is really strong. It stays even when you empty the bag. It is bad. Can you tell me a way to clean the vacuum so it doesn't smell bad when we run it?
Hi Lauren;
)
I know what you mean, we have a chocolate lab and even a house dog can collect odors from the yard on their hair and paws.
Some of the odor that you are collecting is ground in the fibers of your carpet and other odors are coming from the loose dog hair that is lying around.
First of all, you have to have a clean filter in your vacuum, bacteria grabs hold and just doesn't go away.
Then, wash your carpeting with a solution of vinegar and water to help eliminate the odors that come from there and build up in the fiber. It is also helpful to wash out the inside of the plastic (if you have a dual filter container) with a vinegar and water solution. A half a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water is the mix that I use. It is strong, but it eliminates everything!
If you do this once a month, it will help a lot. Of course, seeing to it that your dog is clean also helps, but their paws grab hold of everything and it is hard to keep on top of that part of it.
I also use a few sprinkles of baking soda on my carpeting to help to keep the odor of pet dander to a minimum. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the carpeting the same way you would use a deodorizer (only this is a lot cheaper and does the same thing).
Hope this helps,
Jan Hayner
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Answers by Expert:
Jan Hayner
Expertise
If you have questions regarding home organizing, house cleaning shortcuts, office organizing, files, record keeping, organizing your children, teaching your kids how to help you clean and making it fun, I will give you the advice of a Professional Organizer, mom of four and grandma of 8. Working Smarter-Not Harder is a phrase I live by; taking the stress out of life so you have time for the fun things is my goal!
Experience
I have been a Professional Organizer for 9 years, the mom of 4 and grandma of 8,I do work for clients in the home and the work place, and am considered an expert in my field of Organization.
Organizations
Faithful Organizers, passed member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), WIM (Women in Management),
Publications
I have had work published all over the internet and various webzines and Newsletters. I am also a columnist on Mature Resources.org. and an Expert on all experts.com under Self Improvement/SelfHelp/Organizing Your Home and Workspace.
Education/Credentials
I have taken various /classes on organizing on the interent, been taught by the best (other collegues in the field), and when I need to learn something, I find an expert in the field and learn from them. I am a research fanatic and enjoy learning everything that I can on a subject.
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