How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh With Pets

Pets bring so much joy to a home—but they can also bring odors, fur, dander, and messes. The good news? You don’t have to choose between a clean‑smelling home and pet‑safe cleaning practices. With the right habits, products, and routines, you can keep your home fresh, healthy, and safe for your furry family members.

At ProClean Services of South Brevard, we clean homes with pets every day, and we know what works—especially in Florida’s warm, humid climate.

Why Pet Odors Happen (Even in Clean Homes)

Pet odors don’t mean your home is dirty. They usually come from:

  • Pet dander and fur trapped in carpets and upholstery

  • Oils from pet skin absorbed into fabrics

  • Accidents that seep into flooring or padding

  • Litter boxes, cages, or pet bedding

  • Humidity, which intensifies odors and bacteria

Understanding the source helps you eliminate odors at the root—not just cover them up.

Many homeowners enjoy using essential oils to keep their homes smelling fresh, but it’s important to use them with caution when pets are present. Pets—especially cats and small dogs—are much more sensitive to concentrated oils than humans.

Essential oils have become a popular way for homeowners to naturally freshen their space, reduce odors, and create a calming environment. While many people enjoy the benefits of essential oils, it’s important to understand that pets experience essential oils very differently than humans do. What smells pleasant to us may be overwhelming—or even harmful—to our furry family members.

Before using essential oils in a home with pets, research and education are key. Not all essential oils are safe, and improper use can put your pet’s health at risk.

Essential Oils That Are NOT Recommended Around Pets

Some essential oils should be avoided entirely or used only with extreme caution in homes with pets. These include:

  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

  • Eucalyptus

  • Peppermint

  • Cinnamon

  • Clove

  • Wintergreen

  • Pine

  • Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit)

  • Ylang Ylang

These oils can cause respiratory irritation, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or skin sensitivity in pets—particularly when diffused or used frequently indoors.

Using Essential Oils Safely in Homes with Pets

Pet-Safe Alternatives for a Fresh-Smelling Home

If you’re concerned about essential oil safety, there are effective pet-friendly alternatives to keep your home smelling fresh, including:

  • Regular deep cleaning to remove pet odors at the source

  • HEPA air purifiers to reduce pet dander and odors

  • Proper ventilation, especially in humid Florida homes

Professional cleaning can eliminate odors without introducing unnecessary risks to your pets.

This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about essential oils and your pets.

Request A Quote