Here's a laundry truth nobody prints on the box: fragrance doesn't remove odor. It sits on top of it. Wash a stinky dog blanket with a heavy scent and you get flowery dog blanket.

Quick answer: pet odors come from oils, proteins and bacteria. Remove them with a pre-soak, an enzyme wash, the right water temperature and full drying, and you won't need perfume at all.

Where pet smells come from

• Skin oils that build up on fabric.
• Proteins from saliva, drool and accidents.
• Bacteria that feed on both.

Fragrance masks those. Cleaning removes them.

Step 1: Pre-soak

Fill a tub or the washer with cool water, dissolve a sheet and soak the bedding for 30 minutes. This loosens built-up oils before the main wash.

Step 2: Use enzymes for protein smells

Saliva and accidents are protein-based. Protease enzymes break proteins down so they rinse away. That's exactly what Just 9 is for.^†

Step 3: Pick the right water

Cool water first keeps protein stains from setting.

Step 4: Don't overdo the detergent

More detergent isn't more clean. Extra detergent can leave residue that traps odor. One sheet for a normal load, two for a big, very soiled one.

Step 5: Dry completely

Damp fabric is a bacteria party. Dry fully on the setting the label allows, or hang it in direct sun, which helps freshen fabric too.

Still smells?

• Wash again before drying. Heat can lock odor in.
• Clean your washer. A smelly machine makes smelly laundry.
• Check the bed insert. Sometimes the cover is clean and the foam isn't.

FAQ

How do I get dog smell out of blankets? Pre-soak, wash with an enzyme formula, rinse well and dry completely.

Does vinegar remove pet odor? Some people use it in the rinse. Don't mix it with other cleaners, and check your washer's manual first.

Is scented detergent better for pet smells? It covers smells but doesn't remove them, and strong scents can bother pets. Fragrance-free is a better bet.

Which Just sheet should I use for pet odor? Just 9, because its enzymes target protein-based messes.