How to Get Rid of Dead Animal Smell: Quick & Effective Steps

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Locate & remove a dead mouse, rat, or other animal from your house
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If you smell a pungent, rotting smell in your home, it may be due to a dead animal that somehow made its way into your house. But how do you remove the unpleasant odor and get your home smelling fresh again? We’re here to help! We spoke with pest control specialists and professional cleaners to learn how to dispose of the dead animal and get rid of any lingering smells . Plus, we’ll explain how to protect your home and prevent any other animals from getting inside . Keep reading to learn more!

The Best Ways to Remove Dead Animal Odor

Pest control specialist Chris Parker recommends using odor-absorbing bags to remove the dead animal smell from the air. For instance, try these ones from Earth Care or Smelleze . Other ways to get rid of the odor include:

  • Placing bowls of baking soda or white vinegar around the room.
  • Leaving charcoal briquettes or bags around the room.
  • Placing bowls of fresh coffee grounds around the room.
  • Using an air purifier.
  • Ventilating the area by opening windows and doors.
Section 1 of 3:

Removing the Dead Animal

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  1. 1
    Follow the smell and other clues to locate the animal. Follow your nose to the source of the smell, narrowing it down to an area of your house (such as your basement or attic). From there, let your nose guide you to where the smell is strongest. You may have to do some investigating if the animal didn't perish in plain sight. For example, check in places like: [1]
    • Behind walls (you may have to cut a few holes)
    • Under floor boards
    • Under or behind insulation
    • Under piles of debris
    • Near warm air vents or heat sources
    • Close to plumbing or water sources

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Chris Parker is a pest control specialist and founder of Parker Eco Pest Control with over 8 years of experience.

    Raymond Chiu is a house cleaning professional and owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service.

    Bruna Coutinho is a cleaning expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services with over 10 years of experience.

    Susan Stocker is a professional cleaner and owner of Susan’s Green Cleaning with over 10 years of experience.

    Kadi Dulude is a house cleaning professional and owner of Wizard of Homes with over 10 years of experience.

  2. 2
    Safely dispose of the animal if you can easily get to it. Put on an N95 mask , wear disposable gloves (latex, vinyl, nitrile, etc.), and use a heavy-duty trash bag to pick up the animal’s remains. Or, use a shovel to place its remains in the bag. Then, check your local area's laws for disposing of dead animals. Visit your local government’s website for information, or call 311 (your area’s non-emergency line) to ask for help. [2]
    • Depending on your area’s laws, they may tell you to :
      • Seal the animal inside 2 heavy-duty trash bags and call your local sanitation service for pickup. They might tell you to put the bag in your bin or to leave it on the curb. [3]
      • Bury the animal. Just call 811 before you dig to ensure there are no wires or pipes in the ground. Then, place the animal remains in a compostable bag and seal it inside a small box. Dig a 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) hole, insert the box, and cover it back up. [4]
      • Burn the animal, such as on a bonfire.
    • Wash your gloved hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after disposing of the animal. Then, remove the gloves and wash your hands. [5]
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  3. If you’re having trouble reaching the dead animal, some animal control or pest control companies will remove it for you. Call a well-reviewed company in your area and schedule a time for them to visit your home and dispose of the animal’s remains.
    • If the animal is very hard to reach, the company may not be able to remove it either. If that’s the case, don’t worry—we’ll provide ways to help eliminate the odor in the section below.
  4. With a fresh pair of gloves and a mask on, use paper towels to pick up any leftover fur and other remains left behind by the animal. Then, spray the area with a commercial disinfectant product . Or, mix up your own bleach solution. Let the disinfectant sit for 5 minutes, or the time specified on the product, and then wipe it away with paper towels. [6]
    • To mix up your own bleach solution , combine 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (or, 1.5 cups (355 ml) of bleach per 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water).
    • As a plus, Parker says bleach can deodorize the space in addition to disinfecting the area. [7]
    • Work in a well-ventilated area, if possible. If there are any windows or doors, open them, and turn on any fans.
  5. 5
    Spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove lingering odors. House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu says enzyme cleaners help remove the smell of a dead animal, as these cleaners are specially made to break down organic materials (blood, urine, etc.). [8] Just follow the product’s application instructions, which typically involve spraying the cleaner and letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, wipe the area with paper towels. [9]

    Tip : You can also sprinkle powdered hydrated lime to neutralize the acids that produce these bad odors.

  6. 6
    Sanitize any affected fabrics. Any fabrics that were contaminated by the dead animal—such as curtains, clothes, and linens—need to be sanitized and cleaned as well. Either take the fabrics to the dry cleaner or sanitize them in your own washing machine. Simply use your machine’s sanitize cycle, if it has one, or select the hottest water option it has. Add in your regular laundry detergent and a product to disinfect the fabric, such as: [10] [11]
    • A commercial laundry sanitizer (follow the directions on the product).
    • ¾ to 1 cup (177-237 ml) of bleach (choose a color-safe bleach if washing colored fabrics).
    • 1 cup (237 ml) of hydrogen peroxide. [12]
    • ¼ cup (59 ml) of original-scent Pine-Sol. [13]
  7. 7
    Discard any materials that can't be cleaned. Sometimes, animals die in areas that are difficult to clean, such as on top of insulation. If this is the case, remove the material that cannot be properly cleaned and replace it using proper safety precautions, like wearing a mask and gloves. Or, call a house remediation company to help you with disposal.
    • Parker definitely recommends removing the insulation if the dead animal smell is overpowering. He says this does two things: “It gets rid of the dead [animal] smell” and “gets rid of the attractant for other rodents,” as the smell “that was left behind by the dead [animal] and the feces and urine does tell other [rodents] that this is a place to come and hang out.” [14]
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Section 2 of 3:

Ways to Remove the Dead Animal Smell

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  1. 1
    Open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Whether you were able to remove the animal or not, getting fresh air into your space is an easy way to help eliminate the bad odors. For instance, house cleaning professional Guy Peters recommends: [15]
    • Open as many windows and doors as possible to get fresh air inside your home.
    • Turn on overhead fans or set up a few standing fans to blow the air inside your home, outside.
  2. 2
    Neutralize the odor with products like baking soda or charcoal. There are many deodorizing products that help neutralize and eliminate any smells lingering in your home. Depending on what you have on hand, absorb and eliminate the dead animal odors with: [16]
    • Baking soda : Fill several bowls with baking soda and place them around your home, says cleaning expert Bruna Coutinho. [17] If your carpet or furniture absorbed the odor, professional cleaner Susan Stocker says to sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for at least 1 hour, and then vacuum it up. [18]
    • Vinegar: House cleaning professional Kadi Dulude recommends leaving several bowls of white vinegar around the room. While your home might smell strongly of vinegar for a bit, she says the smell will dissipate (and take all the bad odors with it). [19]
    • Charcoal : Cleaning expert Andrew Outman agrees that charcoal is a great odor eliminator. [20] Either leave several charcoal briquettes around the room, or use a pre-made odor absorber bag .
    • Coffee grounds : Place a few heaping spoonfuls of freshly ground coffee in bowls and leave them around your home. [21]
    • Deodorizer bags : Parker explains that there are special odor-absorbing bags that you can leave in the room to neutralize the smell. [22] Some effective products include Earth Care Odor Remover Bags and Smelleze .
    • Bleach : As Parker mentioned earlier, bleach can help remove dead animal odors. [23] Mix a diluted bleach solution with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. While wearing gloves, soak a few rags in the solution and squeeze out the liquid so they’re damp. Then, hang up the rags in the affected area. Simply replace them once they dry out.
      • Note : Keep the room well-ventilated (open windows, turn on fans), and keep children and pets away from the area.
    • Air purifier : Use an air purifier with a HEPA-certified air filter.
  3. 3
    Freshen the air with room sprays or candles. On top of neutralizing the dead animal smell, add a fresh, pleasant scent back into your home with air-freshening products. For instance, improve the smell of your home with:
  4. According to house cleaning specialist Laura Smith, “ozone is the big gun for odor.” She says these machines “kill all odor,” but you need to take proper safety precautions to use them: [24]
    • Remove all people, pets, and plants from the room or area you’re treating. Ozone can damage the lungs and cause coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and chest pain. [25]
    • Run the machine for 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the area you’re treating.
    • Ventilate the area and let it air out completely for 2 to 3 days.
  5. 5
    Wait for the odor to disappear on its own. If you can’t find or remove the animal, or the odor still lingers, sometimes the best option is to wait out the smell and let it go away on its own. The animal and any of its leftover remains will decompose over the next few weeks or months, eliminating the smell.
    • How long does it take the odor to disappear? Parker says this largely depends on how large the animal is and how hot it is outside. Larger animals take longer to decompose, which can take a few weeks to 1 month. If it’s cold outside, the odor typically lingers for longer (though the smell is usually less harsh). [26]
    • To speed up decomposition , Parker suggests turning up your thermostat. This can make the odor more pungent temporarily, so he says this is often a good idea if you plan to be out of the house for a while. [27]
    • If possible, drill a few holes to open up the area where the animal is (such as under floorboards or behind a wall) so you can treat the area with a disinfectant or odor eliminator.
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Section 3 of 3:

Preventing Animals from Getting Into Your Home

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  1. 1
    Cover up holes and entry points. Animals typically get into your house through holes, cracks, vents, and other openings. So, the best way to prevent them from getting inside and dying in your home is to cover these entry points, says Parker. Inspect the inside and outside of your home for any gaps and cracks larger than ½ inch (1.3 cm), and cover them. [28]
  2. 2
    Remove sources of food and water. Animals are more likely to come into your home if they are attracted to something outside it, like food and water. So, Parker definitely recommends removing these things from your yard. For instance: [32]
    • Remove standing water from around your home. Pour out water from any pet dishes, planting pots, and other containers.
    • Clean up birdseed and keep it inside a sealed container.
    • Bring pet food bowls inside when your pet is done eating and keep the food inside a sealed container.
    • Store garbage and compost in thick, metal or plastic containers.
    • Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables from your garden.
    • Pick up pet droppings.
  3. 3
    Remove debris from around your home. Piles of wood, yard debris, and trash make an attractive home for most rodents and other animals, says Parker. Additionally, animals can use tree branches or bushes that touch your home to get inside. So, he says to clean up debris around your home, trim back overhanging tree limbs, and prune overgrown bushes to keep animals away. [33]
    • For instance, a thicket of overgrown bushes might make a great place for a rodent to make a nest.
    • Branches hanging over your house might allow animals to access your home from the roof.
    • Similarly, debris, garbage, and organic matter piled up against your home could give animals access to higher entry points they wouldn't be able to reach.
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How Can You Get Rid Of Bad Smells From Dead Animals?


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  • Question
    How do I eliminate dead animal odor in a car?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Bring your car to a professional detailer and request that they assist in removing the odor.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about removing dead animal odor, check out our in-depth interview with Raymond Chiu .

      References

      1. ↑ https://bpca.org.uk/news-and-blog/dealing-with-dead-rodent-odours/275960
      2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/safety-guidelines-disposing-dead-animals-after-a-disaster.html
      3. ↑ https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SWMD/Special/Dead-Animal
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/safety-guidelines-disposing-dead-animals-after-a-disaster.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/rodent-control/clean-up.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/rodent-control/clean-up.html
      7. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/what-is-an-enzyme-cleaner-7971625
      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/tips-checklists/how-to-sanitize-laundry/
      2. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
      3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8746306/
      4. ↑ https://www.pinesol.com/products/original-pine-cleaner/
      5. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.popsci.com/remove-any-odor/
      8. ↑ Bruna Coutinho. Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Susan Stocker. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      11. ↑ Andrew Outman. Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview
      12. ↑ https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/news/carbonized-coffee-grounds-remove-foul-smells
      13. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      14. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      15. ↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
      16. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners
      17. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      18. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      19. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      20. ↑ https://ipm.uga.edu/2019/12/23/cold-weather-critters-getting-indoors/
      21. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      22. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      23. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
      24. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of the smell of a dead animal, start by removing the animal from your home. When you remove the body, make sure to wear gloves or use a shovel to avoid germs. If you're putting the body in the trash, make sure to wrap it in newspaper and double bag it in sealable plastic bags. Once the body is gone, use a rag or paper towels to pick up any remains, and spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner, which will kill diseases and odor. Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it clean. If you can’t find the body, freshen the air until it decomposes with a strong disinfectant or odor eliminator. Try to ventilate the area as much as possible by opening windows or setting up fans. Consider leaving out baking soda or charcoal to neutralize the smell. For more help, like how to keep animals out of your home, read on.

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