Struggling with pet odor in your home in Korea? Especially during the rainy season, it may feel hard to stay on top of the pet odors in small Korean homes. Here are some tips and tricks we use for cleaning up after pets in our Korean home.
Factors in Controlling Pet Odor in Korea
Before we talk about the solutions for managing pet odor, let’s talk about what factors we need to manage. We have divided the factors into to parts: Pet hygiene and Environmental.
Pet Hygiene
Controlling dog odor in the home starts with a regular dog hygiene schedule. If you come from a cooler or drier climate you may not realize how much more you need to care for your dog in a humid and hot climate. Three areas that you will need to step up your game may include:
- Regular Grooming: Brush and bathe your pets regularly, as this helps to remove dirt, loose fur, and dander that can contribute to odors.
- Paw Cleaning: Wipe your pets’ paws with a damp cloth or use pet-friendly wipes when they come indoors after being outside. This helps prevent tracking of outdoor odors.
- Ear Maintenance: Dogs tend to experience ear issues in damp climates. Make sure you keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy.
Coming from cool northern climates, I personally felt blindsided by how much more time I needed to invest in pet hygiene. Our dogs have all struggled with ear and skin issues related to various environmental factors that don’t exist in my hometown. Now it’s all quite easy to stay one top of since I have my systems.
Environmental
The air, humidity, and temps mean you need to take extra care regulating your home environment. If you have pets at home all day you need to make sure to stay on top of the following issues that impact both the smell of pet odors and your dog’s physical Health.
- Air Quality: Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove pet dander and other allergens that can contribute to odors.
- Air Temperature: Pets tend to sweat more in hot weather, which can lead to increased odors. Ensure they have access to fresh water and a cool, comfortable place to rest.
- Air Humidity: The humidity in your home will bring out pet for a variety of reasons and it’s the worst in the summer during monsoon season.
Now that we have addressed some of the key pet and environmental factors in controlling pet odors, let’s talk about how to address them in your home.
Buying Pet Safe Products
The first thing you want to do is make sure you use pet-safe cleaning supplies. Many heavy-duty cleaners and deodorizers are NOT safe for pets. When smells get bad, it’s important not to double down on unhealthy cleaning supplies that can negatively impact the health of your pet. Of course, this might feel hard for pet owners in a new country. Let’s talk about why it’s hard for new folks in Korea.
Finding Where to Shops
As of 2023, Korea is still commercially growing within the ‘pet-safe’ cleaning supplies market. This may mean that you can’t find many cleaning supply options explicitly labeled ‘pet-safe’. Additionally, such items may not be grouped together and sold in one spot or in one type of shop. Therefore, you may need to 1) source products from different locations, 2) read ingredient lists to ensure safety [don’t panic, we offer a solution to help with this] or 3) use natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda. However, Korea changes quickly and this could change at any time. Until then, here are some tips for pet-safe pet supplies online.
Search Terms for Pet Supplies
Currently, you can find some pet-friendly cleaning supplies online. Online shopping is easy, affordable, and often faster than running around town trying to find things yourself. However, shopping online may be challenging for those who don’t speak Korean, or for SOFA Visa holders who live on a US military base without a Korean shipping address.
If you struggle with Korean here are some terms to help you find pet-safe cleaning supplies. You can copy and paste either of the following terms into Coupang or Gmarket:
- 애견 청소용품
- 반려동물 청소용품
If you don’t have a Korean address, you can use a company like Parcel Beside U which can receive packages for you and even help you place orders if you don’t have a Korean bank account.
Changes in Search Terms
The Korean term for household pets changed over time. The term aegyon (애견) is the old-fashioned term for pets and some searches and stores still use it. However, balryodongbul (반려동불) is the new term for a pet and basically means ‘companion for life’ or ‘companion animal’. The term ‘balryodongbul‘ originated in “October 1983 to commemorate the 80th birthday of K. Lorenz, an animal behaviorist, and Nobel laureate.” Koreans began adapting the term into common use after around 2015 and it quickly took over online search. Keep in mind, both terms may still be used as keywords but the old term seems to be fading quickly.
Keep in mind, when searching for cleaning supplies, the above search terms may bring up a mix of pet-friendly shampoos and pet-friendly home cleaning products so be careful and read the labels carefully.
Reading Korean Labels
Use Papago to read the listings to see what commercial pet odor products may exist in Korea. Take a screenshot on your phone, upload it to the Papago app, and select and read what you are interested in. We know that you can search in English on Coupang, but you will usually see fewer options if you search in English. It’s much better to search using Korean terms and use Papago to read the results. You can look at the following images to see an example of how this works:
Yes, it does take focus and time to shop this way, but that’s part of the charm of living in another country. We learn new skills and ways of viewing the world that helps us build empathy for the experiences of others.
The Danger of Bleach and Pets
Avoid using bleach-based cleaners due to the fact they can create chloramine gas. Pet urine often contains ammonia, and when ammonia mixes with bleach (sodium hypochlorite), it can create a toxic gas called chloramine. Inhaling chloramine fumes can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and even damage to the lungs. This can cause harm or even kill, pets and people. (We mention this because we have known people who made this mistake. Thankfully things turned out ok.)
Since many people in Korea live in small apartments and pets often have indoor bathroom areas, there is an increased risk of chloramine gas accidents. The risk of mixing bleach and pet urine is higher indoors, where urine odor can linger and accumulate. If you’ve used bleach or bleach-containing products to clean the area, it’s essential to ensure there is proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of toxic fumes.
Prevention is obviously the best policy. To avoid the potential danger of creating chloramine gas, it’s important to clean up pet urine promptly and thoroughly. Use pet-safe cleaners specifically formulated for urine stains and odors, as these products are designed to break down and neutralize the components in urine without producing harmful reactions. Don’t use bleach, especially on enclosed cat litter boxes.
Safe cleaning alternatives:
If you want to use a disinfectant to clean the area where your pet has urinated, it’s recommended to choose pet-safe products or natural alternatives like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Always make sure to follow the usage instructions and take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation.
WARNING: If you do use vinegar to help with cleaning pet odor, it’s critically important you do not use it where you have used bleach recently. Mixing vinegar and bleach will also create deadly gas faster than you can realize you are about to send everyone to the hospital. (We mention this because we have known people who made this mistake. Thankfully things turned out ok.)
Seek veterinary advice:
If your pet has ingested bleach or has been exposed to toxic fumes from mixing bleach and pet urine, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance based on your pet’s specific situation and advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
The Power of Baking Soda
Either get a Costco card or a friend with a Costco card and purchase the giant bag of baking soda. Since both my pet and myself are violently allergic to many things, we have to do most of our house cleaning with simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, lemon, and vinegar. Thankfully, these ingredients also do the best job of controlling odors. Here are some of the ways I use baking soda instead of bleach-based products:
Sprinkle it On Floors:
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on your floors before you go out for the day. Focusing on areas where your pet spends a lot of time or where odors are concentrated. Leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes, or overnight for stronger odors, and then vacuum and wet mop, swiffer, or steam clean thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the trapped odors.
Use it on pet bedding:
Sprinkle pet bedding with baking soda and let sit for 15-30 minutes or overnight and then wash it as usual. Baking soda can help neutralize the odors and freshen up the bedding. We often take our bedding to the laundromat so we can use the hot water setting as well.
Deodorize pet crates or carriers:
Plastic can really get smelly so you can also use baking soda there. If your pet’s crate or carrier has a lingering smell, you can sprinkle baking soda inside and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Then, use a vacuum or wipe it clean to remove the baking soda and the odor.
Freshen litter boxes:
Baking soda can help control the smell of litter boxes. Before adding fresh litter, sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the box. The baking soda will absorb odors and keep the area smelling fresher.
Create a deodorizing spray:
To keep things smelling fresh between big cleans make a spray. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the baking soda. You can lightly mist this solution over pet beds, furniture, or other areas where odors are present.
Remember, while baking soda can be effective in reducing pet odors, it’s essential to address the source of the odor as well. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your pet’s environment, including their bedding, toys, and litter boxes, can help prevent odors from becoming overwhelming.
Let the Light Shine In
Throw open the curtains and windows and let the sunshine into the house. Sunshine is one of the best tools we have found for keeping our Korean home smelling delightful. This is also what all of our Korean elders yell at us to do constantly. Obviously, you need to take into consideration air quality, temperature, and precipitation when choosing to keep your blinds and windows open. However, try to let the light into your house often for the following reasons:
Natural Deodorizer:
Sunlight acts as a natural deodorizer by breaking down and neutralizing odorous compounds. This isn’t hippy-dippy nonsense. When sunlight interacts with organic matter, such as pet dander, urine, or saliva, it can initiate a chemical process called photolysis. This process involves the breaking down of complex odor molecules into simpler, less smelly compounds, thereby reducing or eliminating the odor.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light:
Sunlight contains UV light, which has germicidal properties. UV light can kill or deactivate bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that contribute to unpleasant pet odors. By exposing areas where pets frequently reside to sunlight, you can help reduce the microbial populations responsible for producing odors.
Drying Effect:
Much of what we battle in Korea is moisture and sunlight aids in drying out moisture, which can help eliminate the source of certain pet odors. Damp or wet surfaces, such as pet bedding, carpets, or upholstery, can harbor bacteria and fungi that produce unpleasant smells. By exposing these areas to sunlight, the moisture content is reduced, inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
Fresh Air and Ventilation:
When you open windows or doors to let sunlight in, you also promote ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Proper air circulation helps remove stagnant odors and replace them with fresh, outdoor air.
Using a Dehumidifier:
Dehumidifiers can help with pet odor by reducing the moisture in the air, which can contribute to the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold. Here’s how dehumidifiers work and how they can help:
- Moisture control: Dehumidifiers are designed to extract excess moisture from the air, lowering the humidity levels in a room or space. This is important because moisture provides an environment for odor-causing bacteria, fungi, and mold to thrive. By reducing humidity, dehumidifiers help prevent the growth and proliferation of these odor sources.
- Odor elimination: Many pet odors are caused by urine, feces, or other bodily fluids. These substances contain organic compounds that can emit unpleasant odors. When moisture is present, these compounds can break down and release volatile molecules into the air, intensifying the smell. By reducing humidity, dehumidifiers help limit the breakdown and release of these compounds, thereby reducing pet odors.
- Mold and mildew prevention: Pets can sometimes cause moisture-related issues such as spills, accidents, or excessive drooling. If not addressed promptly, these moisture sources can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can contribute to musty odors. Dehumidifiers help by drying out the air and preventing the conditions that support mold and mildew development, ultimately reducing associated odors.
- Air purification: Some dehumidifiers come equipped with additional features like air filters or purifiers. These built-in filters can capture pet dander, hair, and other airborne particles that may carry odor molecules. By improving air quality, dehumidifiers with filtration systems can help reduce pet odors.
It’s important to note that while dehumidifiers can help control pet odors, they are not a complete solution for eliminating all pet-related odors. Regular cleaning, proper pet hygiene, and maintaining a clean living environment are also crucial for odor control. Additionally, if there are specific areas heavily affected by pet odors, targeted cleaning and deodorizing methods may be necessary in conjunction with using a dehumidifier.
Floor Steam Scrubber for Life
In addition to using baking soda, we also use a steam cleaner (스팁청소기) designed for Korean floors. It’s a fantastic appliance that buffs the floor with hot steam. Such steam cleaners start at about 150,000 KRW and go up from there. You don’t need anything too fancy and the investment is worth it. I use this almost weekly to keep my house smelling fresh and clean. I don’t know how to live without it at this point. The following image shows the one we own and love. It’s sold on Coupang.
Sliding Door Tracks
Cleaning the sliding-down tracks can be frustrating and difficult. However, Daiso has a wonderful triangle-shaped brush that takes away the hard work. We had tried just using regular cleaning brushes in the past, but nothing works as well to get the animal hair out of the smallest places than this odd little triangle brush. Best 1,000 KRW you can spend.
Daiso Locations in Pyeongtaek
If you would like help finding a Daiso in Pyeongtaek you can visit our post titled 5 Best Pyeongtaek Daisos.
Korean House Cleaning Tips
If you would like more deep cleaning tips for your Korean home read our blog post titled Spring Cleaning in Korea.
Join The Everything Paws Korea Facebook Group
Looking for a place where pet owners living in Korea can ask questions and share ideas? Everything Paws Korea has information on training, recipes, health tips and DIY. In addition, there are post links to articles and such relating to our pets. However, please keep in mind, information in this group should never replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
