The holiday season in Reno means more time indoors, more visitors, and, unfortunately, pet odors that suddenly feel a lot more noticeable. If you have dogs or cats, smells can build up in carpet fibers, padding, area rugs, and upholstered furniture, even in homes that look spotless.
This guide covers practical steps you can take now, plus why professional carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning with Evergreen Carpet Care in Reno, NV, is often the fastest way to get truly fresh results before guests arrive.
Why Pet Odors Get Worse During the Winter in Reno, NV
Cold weather keeps windows closed and airflow limited, which traps odors indoors. Add in holiday foot traffic, damp shoes, and pets spending more time inside, and smells can stick to soft surfaces quickly.
Pet Odors Live in Carpet, Padding, & Upholstery
Most pet smells are not just on the surface. Dander, oils, saliva, and accidents sink into carpet fibers and can reach the padding underneath. Upholstered couches and chairs absorb odors the same way, especially in the spots your pets love most.
Quick at Home Pet Odor Removal Steps
If you are prepping for company, these steps help reduce odors, but they work best as a “first pass,” not a full reset.
Vacuum the Right Way for Pet Hair & Dander
Use a vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter if possible. Vacuum slowly in multiple directions, and do two passes in high-pet areas. Pet hair holds odor and keeps smells lingering.
Wash Pet Bedding & Soft Items First
Pet beds, blankets, washable slipcovers, and throw pillows should be cleaned before you focus on the room. Otherwise, fresh carpets can still smell “off” because the odor source is still present.
Use Enzyme Cleaners on Pet Accident Areas
For urine or vomit spots, enzyme cleaners break down odor-causing residues. Follow the instructions exactly and allow enough dwell time. Avoid masking sprays that only cover smells temporarily.
Why Professional Carpet Cleaning in Reno, NV Works Best for Pet Odors
When odors are embedded, DIY solutions often cannot reach deep enough. Professional cleaning is designed to remove what is trapped in the fibers, not just make the room smell better for a day.
Deep Extraction Removes Odor Sources From Carpet Fibers
Professional hot water extraction and targeted treatments pull out residues that vacuums and surface cleaners leave behind. This matters most in traffic lanes, pet resting areas, and rooms with upholstery.
Pet Odor Treatments Target More Than Just Smell
A quality process focuses on what creates the odor, including dander, oils, and bacteria. When those are removed, the “pet smell” typically fades instead of returning a week later.
Carpet Odor Can Come From the Pad Underneath
If accidents have soaked through, the padding can hold odor even after surface cleaning. A professional can evaluate the severity and recommend the best path forward.
Professional Upholstery Cleaning in Reno, NV: The Step Most People Skip
If your couch still smells like dog after you clean the carpet, you are not imagining it. Upholstery is a major odor reservoir.
Upholstery Holds Pet Oils, Dander, & Everyday Odors
Pets rub, nap, and play on furniture, which transfers oils and dander into fabric. Over time, that builds a noticeable odor, especially when the heat turns on and the home stays closed up.
Cleaning Carpets Without Upholstery Can Leave Odors Behind
For the best “holiday-ready” reset, carpet and upholstery should be cleaned together. It creates a consistent, clean baseline across the surfaces that trap smells most.
Holiday Pet Odor Prevention Tips for Cleaner Carpets & Furniture
After cleaning, these habits help keep things fresh through the season.
Create a Pet Wipe Station by the Door
Keep pet-safe wipes or a towel near the entry to reduce wet-dog smell, dirt, and outdoor odors being tracked into carpeted rooms.
Use Washable Throws on Favorite Furniture Spots
A simple washable cover on the couch corner your pet loves can reduce how fast odors build up again.
Schedule Cleaning Before Guests Arrive
If you are hosting, aim to have carpet and upholstery cleaned about one to two weeks before your event. That gives time for full drying and keeps your home feeling fresh for the whole season.
Fresh Carpets & Upholstery for the Holidays With Evergreen Carpet Care in Reno, NV
If pet odors are lingering no matter what you try, it usually means the odor source is deeper than the surface. Evergreen Carpet Care in Reno, NV, can help refresh your home by focusing on the carpets and upholstery that hold odors the longest.
