How to Keep a House Clean With Dogs (Easy and Effective!)

Dogs bring joy. They also bring mess. Fur, muddy paws, and drool can quickly take over your home.

Keeping your house clean with dogs isn't impossible. It just takes a little planning and consistency. From managing shedding to tackling dirt after walks, small habits make a big difference.

You don't have to choose between a clean home and a happy pup. With the right strategies, you can enjoy both. Let's dive into the simple steps to keep your space fresh and dog-friendly.

Materials And Tools You Will Need

Maintaining a clean home with dogs requires targeted cleaning and preventative tools. Equip yourself with essential materials to manage fur, dirt, and accidents effectively.

Cleaning Supplies

Stock durable, high-performance cleaning supplies to manage pet messes.

• Lint rollers: Quickly remove fur from furniture and clothing.

• Vacuum with HEPA filter: Minimizes allergens and cleans fur effectively (e.g., Dyson V15).

• Microfiber cloths: Capture dust and reduce streaks when wiping surfaces.

• Mop with washable pads: Tackle muddy paw prints and spilled water.

Invest in quality tools to save time and ensure deep cleaning.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

Select non-toxic products to keep your pets safe during and after cleaning.

• Enzyme cleaners: Break down pet urine and other organic stains (e.g., Rocco & Roxie).

• Natural surface sprays: Avoid harmful chemicals with plant-based solutions.

• Odor eliminators: Neutralize lingering smells in carpets and upholstery.

• Mild detergents: Clean pet bedding without irritating skin.

Ensure products are explicitly labeled as safe for pets.

Grooming Tools

Use grooming tools regularly to reduce shedding and dirt tracking.

• Deshedding brushes: Minimize loose fur (e.g., FURminator).

• Dog nail grinders: Prevent scratches on floors and furniture.

• Pet-friendly bath wipes: Clean paws quickly after outdoor activities.

• Shampoo for dogs: Use hypoallergenic or breed-specific products for safe cleaning.

Groom your dog weekly to reduce indoor mess creation.

Protective Covers And Mats

Prevent wear and tear with protective home accessories.

• Washable sofa covers: Shield furniture from fur and drool.

• Non-slip mats: Catch dirt at entryways and minimize slipping accidents.

• Car seat covers: Keep your vehicle spotless after transporting pets.

• Floor protection pads: Protect hardwood or tiled surfaces from scratches.

Place mats strategically near areas your dog frequents most.

Establishing A Cleaning Routine

A structured cleaning routine ensures your home stays fresh and dog-friendly. Break tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly actions for consistent upkeep.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

• 15-minute whip around: Tidy clutter, wipe surfaces, and clean small messes.

• Clean pet areas: Wash food and water bowls and wipe your dog’s paws after outdoor walks.

• Pick up toys and spills: Keep floors free of stray items and messes to prevent buildup.

Daily habits stop dirt and fur from accumulating and save you time long-term.

Weekly Deep Cleaning Tasks

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter: Target all floor surfaces, especially corners, carpets, and furniture.

• Wash pet bedding: Eliminate odors and dander from dog beds and blankets.

• Clean high-touch surfaces: Disinfect doorknobs, handles, and areas frequently touched by your dogs.

Studies show weekly deep cleaning reduces allergens, ensuring a healthier living space for you and your dog.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Steam clean floors: Remove embedded dirt, stains, and pet messes from hard surfaces.

• Check furniture covers: Launder or replace protective covers to maintain cleanliness.

• Inspect air filters: Clean or replace filters to trap fur and allergens effectively.

Monthly routines protect your home from odors, dander buildup, and hidden grime. Regular maintenance ensures lasting cleanliness.

Managing Dog Hair And Shedding

Keeping dog hair under control ensures a clean and allergen-free home. Focus on grooming, smart tools, nutrition, and strategic furniture choices to tackle shedding efficiently.

If you have a specific breed, check out our guide to caring for curly-haired dog breeds for specialized tips.

Regular Grooming At Home

• Brush your dog 2-3 times per week using tools like slicker brushes, pin brushes, or rakes for thick coats.

• Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks to remove loose hair and dander.

• Schedule professional de-shedding services for short-coated breeds monthly.

• Prevent shedding buildup by using rubber mitts during grooming sessions.

Consistent grooming reduces airborne fur and keeps floors cleaner.

Using Effective Tools For Hair Removal

• Choose pet-specific vacuums with attachments for carpets, furniture, and corners.

• Try reusable options like the ChomChom Pet Hair Remover for upholstery and clothing.

• Keep lint rollers or adhesive tape handy for quick cleanups on fabrics.

• Use static from balloons to lift stubborn fur from soft surfaces.

Investing in efficient tools saves time and keeps dust-free interiors.

Controlling Shedding With Proper Nutrition

• Introduce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid supplements to improve coat health.

• Feed high-protein, vet-approved dog food with a balanced nutrient profile.

• Ensure hydration since dehydration worsens coat dryness and shedding.

• Conduct health checkups for underlying issues like allergies affecting shedding.

Healthier diets reduce excessive fur loss and promote shinier coats.

Tips For Choosing Furniture That Hides Hair

• Opt for leather or tightly woven fabrics resistant to trapping fur.

• Select furniture in colors similar to your dog’s coat for a camouflaged look.

• Use removable, washable slipcovers to simplify cleaning.

• Avoid velvet or corduroy, which attract and hold dog hair stubbornly.

Smart furniture selections create a cleaner, low-maintenance living environment.

Preventing And Cleaning Pet Stains

Preventing and cleaning pet stains effectively ensures your home stays fresh and odor-free. With simple techniques and the right tools, it becomes easier to handle accidents quickly and maintain cleanliness.

How To Clean Muddy Paws

Set up a cleaning station near your door with towels and paw wipes. Wipe your dog’s paws immediately after walks to stop dirt from spreading. Use mats to reduce tracking, and consider waterproof dog leggings to prevent mud buildup entirely.

Enzyme-based cleaners remove any stubborn dirt left behind on floors. Acting fast keeps mud from becoming embedded.

Quick Solutions For Urine And Stain Accidents

Clean urine accidents quickly with enzyme-based sprays. These break down the odor-causing proteins, removing smells and preventing repeat accidents.

Use absorbent cloths to blot stains until dry before applying cleaners. Always test products on small areas to avoid damaging surfaces. Rugs with stain-resistant treatments make cleaning simpler.

Deep Cleaning Carpets And Upholstery

Use a steam cleaner monthly to remove hidden pet messes from carpets and furniture. HEPA-filter vacuums pick up fur, dirt, and allergens.

Treat specific stains with oxygen-based cleaners, letting them soak for set times. Professional services help with persistent stains or odors.

Using Stain-Resistant Furniture And Rugs

Choose furniture made with tightly woven fabrics or materials like leather. Add washable slipcovers to protect cushions and make cleaning easier.

Opt for rugs with stain-resistant finishes or low-pile designs that resist dirt. Match these choices with consistent cleaning routines to maintain long-term hygiene.

Controlling Odors In A Dog-Friendly Home

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home with dogs revolves around consistent care and strategic cleaning methods. Focus on grooming, cleaning essential items, and using effective odor-control solutions.

Bathing Your Dog Regularly

Regular grooming reduces odors at the source. Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently if they engage in messy outdoor activities during rainy or winter months. Learn how often you should bathe your dog based on their lifestyle and coat type.

Weekly brushing removes dander and loose hair, keeping your pet cleaner and your home smelling fresh.

Professional grooming appointments once a month ensure deep cleaning of your dog's coat and skin. Pair this routine with vet-approved shampoos for optimal results.

Cleaning Dog Beds And Toys

Dog beds and toys harbor unpleasant smells over time. Wash fabric items weekly or biweekly in hot water, adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the cycle to neutralize odors.

For plastic or rubber toys, scrub with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Replace worn or damaged items to maintain hygiene.

Using Air Purifiers And Deodorizers

Air purifiers with HEPA filters trap airborne dander and allergens while aiding in odor management. Position purifiers in high-traffic pet areas or spaces prone to strong smells.

Deodorizers, such as activated charcoal bags, absorb unpleasant odors naturally. Use them alongside air purifiers for enhanced indoor air quality.

Natural Alternatives For Eliminating Odors

Baking soda neutralizes odors effectively. Sprinkle it onto carpets or furniture, let it sit overnight, and vacuum thoroughly.

Apple cider vinegar in the wash cycle removes lingering smells from pet linens. Utilize white vinegar as a spray to freshen upholstery and curtains around your dog’s favorite spots.

Keeping Floors And Surfaces Clean

Maintain clean floors and surfaces by following structured routines and using pet-specific tools and cleaning supplies. Consistency ensures a fresh and dog-friendly home.

Best Floor Cleaning Methods For Homes With Dogs

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove fur and allergens. Vacuum at least once weekly, focusing on high-traffic areas.

• Incorporate an electrostatic broom for daily maintenance on hard floors. This is effective for capturing pet hair.

• Consider an automatic vacuum to handle constant shedding. Studies suggest robot vacuums reduce maintenance time by over 30%.

Utilize tools designed for pet messes to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.

Protecting Hardwood And Carpeted Floors

• Place washable rugs or mats in entryways to catch dirt and water from paws. Waterproof mats provide extra durability.

• Apply a pet-safe floor wax to protect hardwood from scratches. Look for products rated highly for durability like Bona Hardwood Floor Polish.

• For carpets, use stain-resistant treatments or invest in rugs with washable slipcovers to prolong their lifespan.

Protective measures prevent long-term damage and reduce cleaning efforts.

Cleaning Walls And Baseboards From Dog Dirt

• Use a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dirt effectively from walls. Pair it with a pet-safe cleaner for tougher stains.

• Wash baseboards weekly with a damp cloth, targeting areas near feeding zones and high-activity spots. Dog height areas accumulate grime quickly.

• Consider semi-gloss paint for walls to repel dirt, as it allows easier cleaning compared to matte finishes.

These methods keep walls and baseboards spotless, helping maintain an overall clean appearance.

Creating Dog Zones In The House

Structuring your home into specific dog zones makes maintaining cleanliness easier and reduces mess. Design these areas strategically with functionality and ease of cleaning in mind.

Setting Up A Designated Feeding Area

Create a feeding area with washable surfaces and waterproof mats under bowls. Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls, as they resist bacteria and odors better than plastic ones (NCBI studies confirm).

Store dog food in airtight containers nearby to prevent spills and maintain freshness. Wipe the area daily to avoid leftover crumbs attracting pests.

Using Gates And Barriers To Limit Access

Position gates or barriers to restrict dogs from certain parts of the house, keeping activities contained. Use pet-specific gates that fit doorways or stairs securely.

Limit access to spaces like kitchens and bedrooms where cleanliness or safety is critical. For open layouts, freestanding barriers provide flexible containment.

Organizing A Grooming And Toy Area

Dedicate a small corner for grooming tools like brushes, nail grinders, and wipes. Store these in labeled, waterproof bins for quick access.

Use baskets or shelves to organize toys, separating outdoor from indoor items. Inspect toys weekly, washing dirty ones to limit bacteria and odors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing common problems ensures a clean and dog-friendly home. Quick actions and suitable tools keep your space fresh and manageable.

Persistent Dog Odors

• Groom Regularly: Brush your dog 2-3 times a week and bathe them every 4-6 weeks to control dander and smells (PetMD).

• Wash Surfaces: Clean dog beds weekly in hot water with vinegar to neutralize odors.

• Eliminate Odors at Source: Use enzyme-based sprays to break down odor-causing bacteria.

• Improve Air Quality: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap odor particles (EPA).

A consistent cleaning schedule and pet-safe deodorizing products ensure a fresh-smelling home.

Excessive Shedding Despite Grooming

• Check Nutrition: Feed high-protein diets rich in Omega-3s to reduce shedding (AKC).

• Vacuum Effectively: Use vacuums with pet-specific attachments and HEPA filters for daily fur removal.

• Increase Grooming Frequency: Brush daily instead of 2-3 times weekly for heavy shedders like Labradors or Huskies.

Addressing internal (diet) and external (grooming) factors minimizes the constant fur buildup.

Dealing With Chewing Or Scratching Furniture

• Provide Alternatives: Offer durable chew toys and scratching posts suitable for your dog's chewing habits (ASPCA).

• Use Protective Covers: Install slipcovers or furniture protectors made from scratch-resistant fabrics.

• Apply Deterrents: Spray furniture with pet-safe deterrent sprays to discourage bad habits.

Redirecting behaviors to appropriate items protects your furniture from further damage.

Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Home Environment

Proper Ventilation

Improve indoor air quality by ensuring optimal ventilation. Open windows daily to let in fresh air and reduce stale pet odors. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap allergens like pet dander and fur effectively. According to the EPA, high-efficiency air filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, improving air quality significantly.

Place fans strategically for better air circulation, especially in areas where your dog spends most of the time. Combine this with regular cleaning of air vents to prevent buildup of dust and fur.

Regular Check-Ins With A Vet For Your Dog’s Hygiene

Prioritize veterinary visits to maintain overall cleanliness and your dog’s health. Schedule at least annual exams, or biannual for senior dogs or those with skin issues, to prevent unseen problems like infections or excessive shedding. Research by the AVMA highlights that regular check-ups help detect 88% of skin and coat issues early.

Ask your vet for grooming tips tailored to your dog’s breed. This includes advice on de-shedding, nail trims, and ensuring hormonal or nutritional balance for healthy skin and fur.

Balancing Cleanliness With A Happy Dog Life

Create harmony between cleanliness and your dog’s happiness. Dedicate play areas to contain mess while allowing freedom for fun. Use washable rugs, pet-safe sprays, and waterproof mats to simplify cleanup without restricting activities.

Engage your dog with routine exercise and mental stimulation to redirect energy away from destructive or messy behaviors. According to a study by the ASPCA, active dogs are 65% less likely to cause furniture damage or excessive mess. Enjoy a clean space while keeping your dog’s well-being a priority.

Conclusion

Keeping your home clean with dogs may seem challenging, but it’s entirely manageable with the right tools, routines, and strategies. By staying consistent and making thoughtful choices, you can create a space that’s both fresh and welcoming for you and your furry companions.

A clean home doesn’t mean sacrificing your dog’s happiness—it’s about finding a balance that works for everyone. With a little effort and planning, you can enjoy a tidy, stress-free environment while giving your dog the love and care they deserve.