Pets may leave behind unpleasant odors if your former tenant had pets. It can be difficult to manage a smelly rental property, particularly if your new tenants are allergic to pet odors or don’t own pets. Pet odors can be difficult to eliminate from a rental property, especially if the tenant has occupied it for an extended period of time or if the pets have caused significant damage. This professional advice may be helpful in cleaning up and to restore your property and get the pet odors out.
The Quick Science Behind Pet Odors
In rental homes where pets are permitted, pet odors are a frequent issue. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are produced when bacteria in pet feces and urine break down, can cause health issues and offensive odors. Regularly cleaning carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces with enzymatic cleaners will eliminate pet odors. Regular cleaning and establishing clear expectations for tenants are also crucial in preventing pet odors.
Methods for Removing Pet Odors from Your Rental Property
It’s critical to use pet-friendly cleaning supplies when cleaning various surfaces, such as carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces, to protect both people and their animals. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance can safeguard against the development of pet odors.
- Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes that degrade the bacteria causing the odor, making them the most efficient way to get rid of pet odors. Enzymatic cleaners are safe to use on hard surfaces, carpets, and upholstery. The stains and discolorations left by pet feces and urine can also be effectively removed by them. But compared to other cleaning supplies, they might be more costly.
- Baking soda and vinegar are organic cleaning products that can aid in getting rid of pet odors. One way to absorb smells is to use baking soda, which is a known natural deodorizer. After scattering baking soda over upholstery and carpets, vacuum the area after a few hours. Use a spray bottle to combine vinegar and water to clean hard surfaces. It is possible to eliminate bacteria and viruses with vinegar, a natural disinfectant.
- Activated charcoal can assist in getting rid of pet odors since it is a natural odor absorber. To get rid of smells, scatter a few bowls of activated charcoal throughout the rental property. It can, nevertheless, be messy and difficult to clean up.
- Air purifiers capable of eliminating pet odors from the air. This functions by removing allergens and pet dander. They do need frequent maintenance though, and they can be costly.
Keeping Your Rental Property Odor-Free
Rental properties must be kept odor-free by preventing pet odors from developing in the first place. Prevent pet odors from becoming a problem by performing routine maintenance and cleaning. To prevent future pet odors, consider the following:
- Set clear expectations for tenants with pets. To ensure that tenants with pets are cognizant of their obligations to maintain a clean and odor-free rental property, it is important to establish clear expectations. This may entail making them consistently clean up after their pets go outside or use odor-controlling techniques like pee pads.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance: It is possible to stop pet odors from becoming an issue with routine cleaning and maintenance. This involves routinely cleaning hard surfaces, upholstery, and carpets to avoid the accumulation of pet odor. Safe cleaning products for both humans and animals must be utilized.
- Air purifiers: Pet odors may be effectively eliminated by air purifiers. This involves removing allergens such as pet dander. To mitigate the potential issue of pet odors, it is advisable to install air purifiers in communal spaces of the rental unit.
- Limit the number and size of animals: In rental properties, odors and property damage can be better managed by restricting the quantity and size of animals. This may aid in the efficient elimination of pet odors between tenants.
Odors from pets can harm people’s health and lower the value of rental properties. Landlords and property managers should be aware of the unpleasant smells caused by pets and employ efficient ways to get rid of them, like air purifiers, baking soda and vinegar, enzymatic cleaners, and activated charcoal, to prevent these problems. It’s also critical to prevent pet odors by having clear guidelines for tenants who bring their pets, doing routine maintenance and cleaning, and putting a cap on the number and size of animals that can live in rental properties. Rental properties can continue to be odor-free and appealing to prospective tenants by taking these steps.
To begin enjoying the efficiency and peace of mind that come with working with a property management company that serves Thousand Oaks and the surrounding area, get in touch with Real Property Management Limitless right now. Contact us online or call us at 805-702-7800.
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