When a house you’re trying to sell smells like a pet, some tactics can improve the odor situation. Don Aslett, owner of Varsity Contractors, one of the country’s largest cleaning companies, offers these tips for identifying the source and eliminating it:
 
• Use a fluorescent black light to expose odor-producing spots on the carpet, couch, floorboards and even drapes.
• Never use ammonia, which takes on the smell of what it’s supposed to be cleaning.
• Choose a product designed to remove the specific problem. On water-safe surfaces, try Simple Solution stain and odor remover. The problem area must be thoroughly soaked and left to dry.
• Bramton’s Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor Destroyer can remove odors and stains from surfaces that won’t withstand soaking, but test first in an out-of-the way place.
• One of the most effective and safest disinfectants for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex by veterinarians and medical-supply outlets. Use these for problems that demand deep cleaning.
• When all else fails, temporarily neutralize odors using a product such as Fresh Wave.