Do you have a dog that seems to make your house dirtier? Are you at your wit’s end trying to keep your house clean with a pet? Do not worry; you are not alone.
Many pet parents find it difficult to clean their homes with furry friends running around. Dogs track in mud, dirt, and other messes from outside. They shed their hair, which can be a nightmare to vacuum up. And they have accidents indoors (even if potty trained).
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make it easier to keep your house clean with dogs.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your house clean with dogs:
Keep Your Pets Clean
Set up a pet grooming program if every stroll leaves your dog looking like he’s competed in a Tough Mudder. It may seem self-evident, but the dirt eliminated throughout the grooming process is not sitting around the house. While frequent usage of pet shampoo isn’t recommended, even a fast rinse with water can work wonders.
Keep wet dogs in one room, preferably one with a tile or vinyl floor, so cleanup is simple. Even better, dry them completely afterward to prevent any lingering dog odor. It’s important to give them a full pet shampoo bath every once in a while.
For a thorough job, take your dog to a professional dog groomer for trim or de-shedding, which may be necessary depending on the breed.
Vacuum Regularly
As any pet owner knows, regular vacuuming is essential for keeping the house clean and fur-free. Vacuuming not only removes shedding hair, but it also helps to prevent matting and tangled fur. In addition, vacuuming can help to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens from home.
For best results, vacuum at least once a week to ensure that fur doesn’t have a chance to build up. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister regularly to prevent the machine from becoming clogged. With a little effort, vacuuming can help keep your home clean and comfortable for you and your pets.
Keep Their Food and Water Dishes Clean
Another way to clean your house with dogs is to regularly clean their food and water dishes. Just like humans, dogs can get sick from eating food that has gone bad. Bacteria can grow on their bowls and contaminate their food. To prevent this, wash their dishes with hot, soapy water daily.
It’s also a good idea to disinfect their bowls with a diluted vinegar solution once a week. In addition, it’s important to keep their water fresh by changing it daily. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your pet healthy and your house clean.
Use Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products
When cleaning your home, be sure to use pet-friendly cleaning products. Many traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. These chemicals can build up in your pet’s system and cause health problems if used frequently.
To avoid this, look for cleaning products that are specifically designed for use around pets. These products are safe to use around animals and will not put your pet at risk.
Pick up After Your Dogs When They Make Messes
Dogs are man’s best friend, but they also have the potential to be a big mess. Whether they’re tracked mud inside the house or leaving behind surprise “gifts” in the backyard, cleaning up after a dog can be a hassle. However, it’s important to pick up after your pet for both hygiene and courtesy reasons.
Not only will you keep your own home clean, but you’ll also prevent your neighbor’s yard from becoming a minefield. Plus, picking up after your dog shows that you’re responsible and considerate of others. So next time Fido makes a mess, take a minute to grab a litter box and clean it up. It’s the tidy thing to do.
Upgrade Your Sofa
If you have pets, chances are your sofa has seen better days. Pets are notorious for shedding, scratching, and generally wreaking havoc on furniture. If your sofa looks a bit worse for wear, it might be time to upgrade to a pet-friendly version. There are now many companies that offer sofas and other upholstered furniture that is specifically designed to withstand the rigors of pet ownership.
These products are often made from durable fabrics resistant to stains, wear, and tear. In addition, many pet-friendly sofas feature removable covers that can be easily washed or replaced. If you’re looking for a way to keep your sofa looking its best, consider investing in a pet-friendly version.
Invest in a Quality Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a furry friend, investing in a quality vacuum cleaner is important. Pets can shed a lot of furs, quickly leading to a build-up of dust and dirt in your home. A good vacuum cleaner will help to remove this debris and keep your house clean.
When choosing a vacuum, look for one specifically designed for homes with pets. These vacuums often have powerful suction and special filters that trap pet hair, dander, and other allergens. Investing in a quality vacuum can help keep your home clean and your family healthy.
Train Your Dogs
One of the best ways to keep your house clean with dogs is to train them. Dogs are smart and can be trained to do many things, including keeping the house clean. Start by teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Once they have mastered these commands, you can teach them specific tasks.
For example, you can train them to fetch their own toys and put them away when they’re done playing. You can also train them to stay off the furniture or to not go into certain rooms of the house. With a little patience and perseverance, you can teach your dog to help keep your house clean.
Place Mats Outside Your Home
Every time your dog walks outside, dirt follows. Unfortunately, teaching a dog to wipe its muddy paws before coming back inside is next to impossible. However, you can place mats outside your doors to help reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home.
Look for mats that are made from absorbent materials like microfiber or bamboo. These materials will help to trap dirt and moisture, making it easy to clean up before your pet comes inside. You can also find rugs specifically designed to remove pet hair, which can be a big help if you have a shedding dog.
Get Your Dog Regular Pedicures
Does your entire house have a hardwood floor or laminate flooring? If so, you know that dog nails can wreak havoc on your wood floors. Not only do they scratch the surface, but they can also leave behind dents and gouges.
To avoid this damage, keeping your dogs nails trimmed regularly is important. You can do this at home with a nail clipper or file or take your dog to a professional groomer. In addition to preventing damage to your floors, keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can also help to keep them healthy.
Overgrown nails can be painful and uncomfortable for your pet, so it’s important to maintain them on a regular basis.
Buy a Sensible Dog Bed
A dog bed is a must-have for any dog owner who wants to keep their home clean. Not only does it provide a comfortable place for your dog to sleep, but it also helps to protect your furniture and flooring from dirt and dog hair. When choosing a dog bed, it’s important to find the right size for your dog.
A bed that is too small will be uncomfortable, and one that is too big will take up too much space. It’s also important to choose a bed that is easy to clean. Some beds come with removable covers that can be machine-washed, while others have waterproof liners that help to protect the mattress from accidents.
Use the Right Air Filter
If you have allergies or asthma, you know how important it is to clean the air in your home. Unfortunately, pet dander and hair can be a trigger for many people. In order to help reduce the amount of pet dander in your home, it’s important to use the right air filter.
Look for an air filter with a high CADR rating for pet dander. This will help trap more particles in the air, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, be sure to change your air filter regularly. A clogged air filter won’t do much good, so keeping it clean and fresh is important.
A Lint Roller Is Your Best Friend
No matter how often you vacuum, removing all dog hair from your home is impossible. However, one tool can help reduce the amount of hair in your home: a lint roller. Lint rollers are designed to pick up pet hair, dust, and other particles from surfaces. They’re easy to use and can be a big help in keeping your home clean.
Be sure to keep a lint roller in your house and use it regularly to help remove pet hair from your furniture, clothing, and flooring.
Be Patient and Consistent With Your Cleaning Routine
Cleaning can be a thankless and never-ending task, but there are benefits to being consistent with your routine. First of all, it will help to cut down on the amount of time you spend cleaning overall. If you tidy up on a daily basis, there will be less dog mess to deal with on a weekly basis.
Additionally, consistent cleaning will help to extend the lifespan of your belongings. For example, if you vacuum regularly, your carpets will stay in better condition and won’t need to be replaced as often. The same goes for furniture; dusting and polishing regularly will prevent wear and tear.
Finally, keeping a clean house can improve your mental health and peace of mind. A cluttered and messy environment can be stressful, but a tidy home can provide a sense of calmness. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by cleaning, just remember that consistency is key. A little bit of effort every day can go a long way in the long run.
Hire a House Cleaning Service
If you just can’t keep your home clean with a dog, it may be time to hire some help. Many professional cleaning services offer pet-friendly options. These companies will use special techniques and products to remove pet hair, dander, and other contaminants from your home.
In addition, they can also help to keep your floors and furniture free from damage. If you’re struggling to keep your home clean, hiring a professional cleaning service may be the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need carpet cleaning products?
A: Not necessarily. You can remove most pet stains and odors with a simple solution of vinegar and water. If the stain is more stubborn, you can use a carpet cleaning product designed for pet stains.
Q: How can dogs’ paw pads help keep my house clean?
A: Dogs’ paw pads can actually help to keep your floors clean. When your dog walks on your floor, its paw pads will pick up dirt and debris. This can then be transferred to your carpets or furniture, making them cleaner. Additionally, dogs’ paw pads can help to remove pet hair from your floors.
Q: Does a robot vacuum help?
A: A robot vacuum can be a great way to help keep your home clean. These devices are designed to vacuum your floors automatically, and they can greatly help reduce the amount of pet hair in your home. However, it’s important to note that robot vacuums do not replace regular vacuuming. It would be best if you used them in addition to your regular vacuuming routine.
Q: How can a clean home help my pet?
A: Keeping your home clean can help to improve your pet’s health. Pet dander and hair can trigger allergies and asthma, so it’s important to keep them under control. Additionally, a clean home will reduce the chances of your pet tracking in dirt and other outdoor contaminants.
Q: How often should I clean my house if I have a dog?
A: The frequency of your cleaning will depend on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of pets you have, and how often they’re in the house. Generally, it’s a good idea to vacuum at least once per week and wash your floors and furniture regularly. Additionally, it would help if you always cleaned up any pet messes as soon as possible.
Q: Does having a clean house make my pet happier?
A: Not necessarily. However, a clean home can help reduce stress levels for you and your pet. Additionally, some pets may be more comfortable in a cleaner environment. If your pet is having trouble adjusting to a new home, or if they seem stressed out, then keeping your home clean may help improve their mood.
Final Words
Having a dog doesn’t mean that you have to live in a messy house. There are many ways to keep your home clean, even with a pet. By using a lint roller, hiring a professional cleaning service, and vacuuming regularly, you can help to reduce the amount of pet hair in your home. Additionally, keeping your floors and furniture clean can help to improve your pet’s health. So, don’t hesitate to start taking steps to keep your home clean with a dog. After all, a clean home is a happy home.
