How to Keep Your Home Clean with Dogs: Don’t Obsess!
Some people are perfectionists when it comes to cleanliness, but if you have a dog, you know that it can feel impossible to maintain a spotless home. With dogs that shed a lot, even after you clean, there's always more hair appearing!
The first piece of advice: Don’t obsess. While it’s possible to keep your house clean, your dog is still part of the family, and it’s normal for things to get a little dirtier. Relax, and use these tricks to make cleaning easier without stressing out.
1. The Vacuum Cleaner: Your Best Ally
Let’s start with the basics—floors, carpets, and furniture. It’s recommended to use a brush with hard bristles for your furniture to avoid hair getting stuck. But honestly, your vacuum cleaner is your best friend. Use it to clean floors, carpets, and sofas where your dog spends time.
The frequency depends on how much hair your dog sheds, but it's generally best to vacuum every two days. A damp cloth works well for cleaning furniture, but avoid using a feather duster, which can just scatter the hair around.
Tip: Brush your dog’s hair before going for a walk. This will help get rid of loose hair before it ends up inside the house.
2. Keep Your Dog’s Belongings Clean
To keep your home smelling fresh, wash your dog’s bedding regularly—once a week is ideal. The easiest way is to use washable covers, as they are simpler to clean than the mattress itself. Don’t forget about toys! Fabric toys can go straight into the washing machine with your dog’s bedding. Just avoid using fabric softener.
For harder toys, consider washing them in the dishwasher (if you don’t mind separating them from your dishes) or cleaning them by hand with hot water and mild soap.
3. Clean Your Dog’s Paws
One of the simplest ways to keep your home clean is by wiping your dog’s paws after walks. This helps prevent dirt from being tracked indoors, especially if your dog tends to jump on furniture or your bed.
Use special dog wipes to clean their paws and underbelly before they enter the house. It’ll save you from worrying about muddy paw prints all over your clean floors!
4. Dealing with Pee Mishaps
If your dog is well-trained, accidents may be rare. However, if your pup is still learning or has an off day, urine accidents can happen.
Here’s the best way to clean up: First, blot up the pee with absorbent paper towels or newspaper. Then mop the area with your usual floor cleaner and a solution that contains enzymes, which will help eliminate the scent and prevent your dog from marking the same spot.
Note: Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners! The smell is similar to urine and might encourage your dog to re-mark the area. Check out our article: Why You Shouldn't Use Bleach to Clean Dog Urine (and What to Do Instead).
5. Don’t Forget About Air Filters
Air conditioning filters can trap a lot of dog hair and dander, so don’t forget to clean them regularly. If you use your AC or heater frequently, it’s best to clean the filters about once a month. This will help improve air quality and reduce the buildup of dog hair in your home.
6. Consistency is Key
The key to maintaining a clean home with dogs is consistency. Things won’t clean themselves, so make cleaning a regular habit. If your dog sheds a lot, you might need to vacuum or sweep every day. If you miss one day, it’s fine—but don’t let it go for too long, or you might be swimming in hairballs!
Also, don’t rely on air fresheners to mask odors. While it's okay to use them sparingly, excessive air fresheners can mix poorly with the natural scent of your dog. It’s better to focus on regular baths, washing your dog’s items, and airing out your home.
Read Also: Dogs That Don't Shed Hair
These are our tips on how to keep your home clean with dogs. What tricks do you use to keep your house looking great with your furry friend? Share your tips in the comments!