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One of the most asked questions from readers is what is the most effective way to eliminate pet odor in the home? A close second, is how do I eliminate any odor in my home?
Since chemistry helps us do everything in the home, I am excited to share some great chemistry facts with you today!
It’s true, there are many ways to eliminate odors through chemistry which we cover thoroughly in our science based DIY cleaning guide, but there is one substance we haven’t touched on.
This is something I have been researching for awhile to make sure I bring you the best information!
So, let’s talk about the most effective way to eliminate pet odor in the home along with bathroom, trash, smoke, or any lingering odor in your home. Note the zeolite rocks in this post are the large rocks which are constantly out of stock, so I have been using these smaller ones and they work fine.
The Most Effective Way to Eliminate Pet Odor in the Home
The one item that works best for this which is naturally occurring is zeolite!
You might be wondering what in the WORLD is zeolite??
Zeolites are three dimensional structures made up of hydrated aluminum silicates. They are minerals first discovered back in the 18th century. Originally, they were found around volcanic rock and ash. Natural zeolites are fairly rare, but they have been synthetically replicated for years.
I first learned about zeolites in college when I studied inorganic chemistry. Inorganic chemistry was a graduate level course that was incredibly challenging due to all the structures and formations of different compounds. We had to understand the structures, draw them, know how they exchanged ions, and more.
The really cool thing about this chapter we studied was I circled the information on zeolites when it talked about commercial uses for pet odors. I had NO idea I would have a website someday where I got to share this neat information with readers, but it really fascinated me even back then.
How Do Zeolites Work?
These minerals contain cavities large enough for other molecules to enter. Synthetic zeolites can be created for different purposes with specific cavities too.
According to my college textbook, they also exhibit ion exchange properties meaning they have the ability to absorb numerous things, even odors.
I could go on and on about the awesome chemistry behind these structures, but this is the basic idea of how they work. Now, let’s check out how you can use them too!
Eliminating Pet Odor with Zeolites
Pet odors can be very difficult to deal with because they soak into fabrics, carpets, and even paints.
Before using zeolites for pet odors, make sure surfaces are clean. If you have rugs or carpets with bad odor, be sure to use this carpet cleaner first. Follow up with this carpet powder to get everything nice and clean.
If you don’t have carpets, make sure to clean floors.
Next, simply place zeolite rocks in a bowl and place in areas of odor saturation. This works really good in small rooms that just have a strong pet odor. Leave it in there for a few days to let those rocks soak up odors from walls, floors, and fabrics.
Using Zeolites for Other Odors
These minerals don’t just work for pet odors, but so many other things in your house.
Other smells it can combat include:
- smoke
- garbage
- musty/mildew scents
- bad food
Wherever the odor is strongest, try adding a bowl of zeolites to the area. You can even add a bowl to a refrigerator that has a bad scent. I recently tried this when I left some cooked chicken for too long in my fridge, even after removing it, there was still a bad odor each time I opened the door. After adding some zeolites to a bowl, it soaked up the bad scent in about a day!
Other Uses for Zeolites
You might not even know this, but zeolites are used in many commercial applications already. You will typically find them in powder form mixed with other substances, but they are widely used. Here are some ways you might already be using them!
- cat litter
- aquarium rocks
- oil clean up powder
- powdered laundry detergent
Recharging Zeolite Rocks
Large zeolite rocks can be “recharged” after use. The easiest way to do this is place rocks on a metal baking sheet in an even layer. Put outside in direct sunlight all day, then allow to stay outside overnight. The combination of fresh air and sunlight will remove odors the zeolites have trapped and allow them to work again.
You can do this every 6-8 months to keep the rocks charged. If you notice the rocks don’t seem to be absorbing odors as well after doing this, it is time to replace them.
If your zeolites are truly from volcanic ash and rocks, they will last a long time. Those synthetically derived are cheaper, but won’t last as long. They are so affordable though, it’s easy to replace. I always try to find NATURALLY mined zeolites like below. (the one below is out of stock, so this is another good option)
What type to buy?
These large ones have been my favorite. They work well and last a long time. The larger the rock, the easier they can be recharged in the sun. Tiny zeolite rocks work good in small spaces, but you might not get as much recharging ability. It has been harder to find these large zeolite rocks after I posted this, so I have been purchasing the smaller ones the last few years and it works too!.
I hope you enjoy using these awesome tools from nature and based on chemistry!!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Happy Monday! totally fascinating post – zeolites… never heard of them – but I’m sure I’ve used them in some form before. great for around the house and not too obtrusive… and I love that you can “recharge” them in the sunshine! thanks for this info!
They are fascinating and work so well for odors! I have them all around my house 🙂
AN awesome and interesting post
Thank you!
Wow good to know! Never heard of Zeolites before but sounds like the rocks work wonders! Thanks for sharing! Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
They are fantastic! So easy to help your house smell good
How fancy! I had never heard of this before, but I’ll definitely be checking it out!
#TheSway
It is so great to keep around the house!
Where do you buy these…. I need a truck load.
thanks for the info
It is linked in the post a few times. You can find it near the bottom where it says what type to buy, the first link leads you to it 🙂 I buy them online
Got it. Duh. Only one cup of coffee in me when I read this. Thanks
No problem 🙂
would these work to get odors and perfume smells out of second hand clothing from thrift stores? I have trouble getting odors out even when I soak things in baking soda and/or vinegar baths. I can’t use one smell to cover another because I have chemical sensitivities and fragrance of any king makes me ill.
Thank you so much!
It does help with many fabrics, I haven’t tried it on clothes though. If you put your clothes in a small drawer and fill with the rocks, it should help absorb odors. It is definitely worth a try!
thanks I’ll give it a try
Greetings! Reading your blog regarding Zeolites. I have a bag of food grade powdered Zeolite. Dr. wanted me to take it to reduce internal heavy metals. After suffering from extreme crazy thirst and breaking out in large blisters, this probably wasn’t the treatment for me. LOL! So… what can I use Powdered Zeolite for?
You can sprinkle powdered zeolite on pet stains or anything that is liquid with an odor. They won’t do as well absorbing odors like these rocks, but you can also place bowls of it out around areas that have a smell or in a small enclosed area that needs to be deodorized. It just won’t be as potent as this form 🙂
This stuff is the bomb. I’m using it on every foul odor I find.
I love using it!
Would a plastic tray or a glass dish cause any issues with recharging?
I store mine in a glass dish. You can store in either one and it shouldn’t cause issues
When my denim blue jeans are hanging in my closet they get like white mildew on them. I have rewashed them. I put them outside to dry on the railing of the deck. Then I fold or hang from hangers in the closet. In a short time, the white comes back. Last time I washed them I used vinegar, hoping this will kill whatever it is growing on the material. What can I do? This has only happened in the last year.
Thank you sincerely.
I would spray a light solution of hydrogen peroxide to kill the mold. Vinegar doesn’t kill mold or mildew. You can also use this homemade mold solution we have which is can even be used on fabric.
I’ve used charcoal to eliminate odors, but this stuff is new for me. We have a new puppy and the old dogs have forgotten about the doggie door. I’ll try it. Thanks
I have had great success with zeolite rocks and pet odors!
Be very careful before buying .. Please read the link first
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/zeolite#:~:text=Zeolite%20controls%20bleeding%20by%20absorbing,causing%20clot%20formation%20(12)ul
This is not to be eaten by people or animals, this is used around the home to absorb odor. Anyone using it for a dietary supplement or to treat certain conditions should definitely speak to their medical professional.