If you own a dog, you’ll agree with me on how difficult it is to keep your house clean. Thankfully, most dog lovers understand the constant struggle of keeping your home clean with dogs. We try our best and do what we can, but the dog hair, dirt and debris just seems to keep piling up.
Dog footprints, pet hair everywhere, drool, scattered kibble….the list goes on!
However, it doesn’t lessen the amount of work that needs to be done. So, I’m here with a few handy tips that will help you keep your house clean with dogs and other pets.
10 Tips on Keeping Your Home Clean with Dogs and Other Pets
1. Thoroughly Vacuum
I know this sounds clichéd, but trust me, using a good vacuum will cut down your work by half. A vacuum has the ability to clean up dirt, pet hair and fur, even from hard to reach places. Some
models are specifically designed to clean carpets and upholsteries and can drastically speed up your cleaning time.
However, if you truly want to stay worry-free, then my suggestion would be to invest in a good robot vacuum or automatic vacuum. These round disc-shaped cleaning machines use proximity sensors to locate and clean the area. Just make sure you charge the device and clean the trash space regularly.
2. Use Lint Rollers
You’ll be surprised to hear how many pet owners have their own “lint roller collection”. And why not? They are an absolute lifesaver when it comes to keeping your home clean with dogs! If you want to quickly get rid of any pet hair or fur from you’re your clothes, there’s no better option.
Besides the obvious, they’re also great for cleaning furniture, pillows, lamp shades or any flat surface you can think of. Lint rollers are available in many different sizes too. Win-Win!
3. Give Pedicures to Your Dog
If you have hardwood floors, then keeping your dog’s nail trimmed should be high on your to-do list. Long nails can do irreparable damage to your furniture and floors.
One of the best ways to prevent scratchy floors is to properly
trim your dog’s nails. Be careful as cutting too deep can damage their soft nails. The other alternative is to use a durable carpet that will protect your precious floor.
4. Use a Strong Stain Remover
No matter how trained your dog is, they’re bound to have accidents. And not the cute kind. Pet accidents are smelly, hard to remove and a nightmare! So, keep a strong stain remover which can be used to tackle the nastiest excrements. Remember, you have to factor in the level of freshness the remover can provide.
The best way to keep your house stain free is clean as soon as you see it. Also, try to keep them away from areas you want to keep stain and odor free.
5. Wipe Paws before Letting Your Dog In
Get a doormat, not just for you, but also for your dog. Always rub your feet before getting inside the house and do the same for your dog. With time, your dog will learn that without clean paws, he won’t be allowed in.
Also, get a washable rug inside so that walking over it will soak up the wet paws. Trust me, you’ll protect your home from a ton of dirt and mud this way. This minimal expense will help tremendously when keeping your home clean with dogs.
6. Use Covers Whenever Possible
If you’re a cuddler like me, you know that your dog will rarely leave your side
for some love and warmth. In these cases, you should cover up wherever your dog frequently visits. A cover will catch pet hair, bits, and pieces of kibble, the drool and a whole lot of dirt. There are many types of covers available; I personally use a sofa cover as my dog loves to cuddle with me while I watch TV.
This way you can just throw the cover in the washer and be done with it. If you don’t want to spend money on covers, then my advice would be to use a sheet just for your dog.
7. Contain the Mess
To keep your house clean, you have to limit areas which are accessible to your dog. I know that sounds a little harsh, but you have to see the bigger picture! A small space is easy to clean and maintain.
Furthermore, you can use high-rimmed trays to hold your dog’s kibble and water. This way you’ll not only save money, but you'll also save your precious time spent on cleaning.
8. Bathe Your Dog
This is probably the safest way to keep you, your house and your dog clean. If you get into a
grooming routine then the chances of your home getting dirty drops drastically. Depending on your dog breed, you can build up a routine on brushing, clipping, and bathing your dog.
I bathe my dog once a week and do daily brushing (he’s a shedder). I clip his nails accordingly too. I would also recommend using a dog-friendly, shampoo and toothpaste. Grooming is half the battle when it comes to keeping your home clean with dogs.
9. Invest In Durable Materials
No matter what you get, keep in mind that you have at a dog at home. So, you need to purchase sturdy materials that can survive your dog. Whether it is a couch, floor mat or rugs, it needs to have tear-proof fabric, be stain-resistant and of course, machine washable.
It’s not necessary to retrofit your entire house, but make sure to cover the areas your dog frequently visits.
10. Stay On Track
Finally, the last tip I have to share is to be consistent. Don’t give up hope and let things become even dirtier. Grab a calendar and make a routine, just like you do for grooming your dog. Divide up the rooms by date and nothing will seem too hard to clean.
The other important thing to consider is the presence of fleas. That’s a huge no-no. Spray, comb, bomb and do whatever you have to do to get them out. Because, once they infest, it’s game over.
Final thoughts
I know some of the “tips” for keeping your home clean with dogs might seem overwhelming, but trust me, they are very much manageable. We love dogs. We also love a clean house. So, you need to find that balance so that you stay comfortable with both.
Good Luck!
About the Author
Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. He’s a doting father not only to his two children, but also to his two Golden Retrievers. Check out more of his articles at FeedFond.com.
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