Owning a dog brings joy, companionship, and a lot of tail-wagging moments. However, keeping your home clean with a furry friend around can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. From shedding fur to unexpected messes, it takes the right strategies to maintain a fresh and tidy space.
In this guide, we’ll share tips to keep your home clean and welcoming so you can enjoy your space without sacrificing time with your Fido.
Keep Your Pets Clean
The first step to a clean home is a clean dog. With regular grooming, you can reduce fur, dirt, and odors in your living space.
Here are some grooming tips to keep your dog and home tidy:
- Brush Regularly: Use a high-quality brush to capture loose hair and reduce shedding before it spreads.
- Bathe Regularly: Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks using pet-safe shampoo to maintain freshness and minimize odors. Adjust the bathing frequency as needed for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin conditions.
- Trim Nails: Trim your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks to prevent scratches on floors and furniture. Regular trims also reduce the risk of painful overgrowth or splitting.
- Clean Paws After Walks: Use pet-safe wipes or a damp towel to remove dirt and mud from your dog’s paws after outdoor activities.
- Check Ears and Teeth: Clean your dog’s ears and brush their teeth to keep them healthy and prevent additional odors.
Choose Pet-Friendly Upholstery
Leather is a pet-friendly upholstery material for homes with pets as it resists scratches and stains, making it both durable and stylish. Similarly, tightly woven fabrics are less likely to trap fur, making them easier to maintain.
When selecting materials, prioritize those that can be easily wiped or cleaned without losing quality. Additionally, choosing upholstery colors that closely match your pet’s fur can help make shedding less visible, creating a more polished appearance in your living spaces.
Protect Furniture with Pet Covers
Furniture covers are an excellent investment for pet owners who want to maintain a clean and tidy home. These covers create a protective barrier, shielding your furniture from fur, dirt, and occasional stains that are inevitable with dogs around.
The best part is that most furniture covers are easily removed and machine washable, so you can wash them as needed. However, choose durable materials for the covers, as they can handle the wear and tear caused by energetic pups jumping or lounging. Make sure to place washable covers on frequently used furniture, like sofas and beds, to simplify cleanup and protect surfaces from dirt and fur.
Use Entrance Mats to Control Dirt
Place entryway mats at every door to prevent dirt and mud from entering your home.
Choose mats with non-slip backing to ensure they stay securely in place, even with heavy foot traffic or playful dogs. Also, opt for durable, easy-to-clean materials like rubber or machine-washable fabric that can handle frequent use.
Vacuum and Mop Regularly
Vacuuming and mopping regularly help maintain clean and hygienic floors when you have a dog.
Start by using a high-quality vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fur, allergens, and tiny debris. This is particularly helpful in reducing allergens that your pet’s movements may stir up. Follow up with mopping to tackle any dirt or paw prints that vacuuming alone can’t remove. Always use a pet-safe cleaning solution to ensure your dog’s safety while thoroughly cleaning your floors.
Make this a regular habit, ideally vacuuming multiple times a week and mopping at least once weekly, or more often if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.
Organize Pet Supplies in One Spot
Designate a spot for leashes, collars, toys, grooming tools, and other pet essentials.
Use storage solutions like labeled baskets, bins, or wall hooks to keep everything neatly arranged and accessible. This saves time when you need items quickly and prevents stray pet supplies from making your home look messy.
Eliminate Odors Before They Spread
Pet odors can quickly become noticeable if not addressed promptly. Take proactive steps to neutralize and eliminate odors before they spread:
- Use Odor-Neutralizing Sprays: Invest in pet-safe sprays to freshen up fabrics and surfaces. These sprays can neutralize lingering smells rather than just masking them.
- Wash Bedding Regularly: Clean your pet’s bedding weekly to remove dirt, fur, and odors. Use a mild, pet-safe detergent for the best results.
- Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap allergens and reduce pet odors. This also helps maintain better indoor air quality.
- Clean Accidents Immediately: Quickly clean any accidents to prevent stains and odors from setting in. Use enzymatic cleaners designed specifically for pet messes to break down odor-causing bacteria effectively.
Tackle Shedding Before It Becomes a Problem
Shedding is inevitable for most dog breeds. However, you can manage them by taking a few simple steps:
- Use Furniture-Friendly Throws: Place washable throws or blankets over furniture to catch fur. These can be easily removed and cleaned as needed, protecting your upholstery.
- Invest in a Pet Hair Remover: Keep tools like lint rollers, rubber gloves, or a pet hair remover brush handy for quick cleanups of fur on clothes, furniture, and other surfaces.
- Brush Often: Frequent brushing is key to reducing shedding. Use brushes or combs designed for your dog’s coat type to capture loose hair effectively. If your dog is a heavy shredder, consider grooming gloves that work well during bath or dry grooming.
- Vacuum Regularly: Invest in a vacuum designed for pet owners, featuring strong suction and attachments for upholstery and corners.
- Seasonal Grooming: During heavy shedding seasons, like spring and fall, schedule professional grooming sessions to help control shedding and keep your dog comfortable.
Maintain a Clean Outdoor Space with Regular Pet Waste Removal
Your home’s cleanliness should extend to the outdoors, where your pet and family spend time. Regularly cleaning up pet waste can prevent unpleasant odors and maintain a visually appealing yard.
Start by using a sturdy pooper scooper or biodegradable bags for daily waste removal. Installing a pet waste disposal station in your yard can make this process more convenient while keeping things eco-friendly.
Hose down the areas where your dog urinates to prevent brown spots.
If you cannot maintain your yard due to busy personal and professional life, consider using a professional pet waste removal service like DootyDog. We specialize in pet waste removal near you and offer dependable, thorough services to keep my yard spotless. Our white-glove service ensures consistent cleanliness and creates a safe, odor-free environment for your family and pets.
With our pooper scooper service, you can enjoy a pristine yard without the hassle and spend more quality time outdoors.
Find the Perfect Balance: A Clean Home and a Happy Pup
Maintaining a clean home with dogs is about adopting practical habits and pet-friendly solutions. From indoor spaces to outdoor areas, small efforts can create a harmonious environment for both you and your furry friend.
Follow these tips to enjoy the joys of pet ownership while keeping your home fresh and inviting.
