How to Keep a Clean House with Dogs and Other Pets

Pet ownership is a wonderful thing. Having an animal (or animals) in your home can be an absolute joy. In fact, studies suggest families who have animals are happier and healthier. However, as any pet owner knows, keeping a house clean with pets is a struggle. If you're finding it difficult to keep your house clean with pets, regular cleaning services may be just what you need to keep your home looking and feeling its best.

13 Ways How to Keep House Clean with Pets

So how do you have a clean house with pets? Let’s dig into some tried and true ways to clean pet hair from your house, keep your house smelling clean, and more. Here's what our team at EuroMaids recommends.

1. Keep Your Pets Clean

The first tip we have is a bit of a curveball. Rather than only focusing on cleaning your house, keep your pets clean! If your pup looks like he’s been rolling around in the mud, he’s inevitably going to spread it all over the house. And while shampooing your pet too often is a no-no, a quick rinse down with water can go a long way to keeping your home looking a heck of a lot cleaner. However, remember to keep that wet dog relegated to one room in the house and wipe your dog's paws after they've been outside! A laundry room or kitchen is probably your best bet to wipe muddy paw prints. If you have a breed that requires regular cleaning or trimming, make sure you’re keeping that up as well.Let’s face it. Pet owners know it’s tough to say no to having your dog on your couch. But the problem is, your couch may be the most powerful fur-attracting magnet in your house if it’s made from certain materials. So if you want to let your poochy stay on the sofa, it may be time to swap out your furniture. Ideal materials for a dog-friendly couch include leather or very tightly-woven materials in a color somewhat similar to your dog's. If you don’t want to pony up for a new sectional, you can always purchase a pet-friendly cover or throw that you can frequently wash.

2. Upgrade Your Sofa

Let’s face it. It’s really tough to say no to having your dog on your couch. But the problem is, your couch may be the most powerful fur-attracting magnet in your house if it’s made from certain materials. So if you want to let poochy stay on the sofa, it may be time to swap out your furniture. Ideal materials for a dog-friendly couch include leather or very tightly-woven materials in a color somewhat similar to your dog. If you don’t want to pony up for a new sectional, you can always purchase a pet-friendly cover or throw that you can frequently wash.

3. Buy a Quality Vacuum Cleaner

One of the most important tools for keeping a clean house with pets is investing in a quality vacuum cleaner that’s suited for cleaning up pet hair and helping remove odors. Make sure the vacuum you get has powerful suction along with a good brush and filter, as you need it to pull the hair out of areas rather than simply move over the surface. If you’ve got a pup that sheds quite a bit, it's crucial to maintain a daily cleaning routine to care for your dog's coat. Using an automatic vacuum cleaner can be a convenient and effective way to stay on top of the constant shedding. By incorporating this tool into your cleaning routine, you can help minimize the amount of dog hair and pet dander that accumulates in your home.

4. Set Up a Pet Cleaning Station

The last thing you want is your dog running inside and creating havoc and a dirt tornado immediately after playing in the yard. So it’s advisable to set up a pet cleaning station in the entranceway to your home, or in your laundry room if you have one.

To create a useful cleaning station to clean your muddy dog, here's a quick checklist of essential items for dog owners:

• Hooks – Hang hooks near the doorway(s) to keep leashes, waste bags, and other walking accessories organized and within reach;
• Rug – Place a doormat at each entrance to your home to wipe your feet and your furry friend's muddy paws before entering. To make clean-up easier, consider adding a towel or washable rug on top of a bulky entryway rug;
• Basket of towels – Keep a decorative basket filled with towels close to the door to quickly dry off your pup after a walk. If space is limited, packs of paw wipes or paper towels can also do the trick;‍
• Washing tub – For a more comprehensive dog cleaning station, consider installing a washing tub in your mudroom. A bathing station with plumbing for a sprayer and drain can make cleaning your furry friend's fur a breeze, especially after a muddy adventure.

5. Regularly Clean Your Pet's Things

In addition to regularly grooming your pet and cleaning up after them, it's important to keep their toys, beds, leads, collars, and other belongings clean to maintain a fresh and clean living space with pets. These items can accumulate dirt and dog fur over time, contributing to unpleasant odors and a less-than-tidy home.

To combat this, it's important to regularly clean your pet's possessions. If an item is machine washable, make sure to toss it in the laundry regularly to remove any dirt or fur. For items that aren't machine washable, wash them in the sink and leave them outside to dry, ideally on a sunny day.

6. Buy a Sensible Dog Bed

You know you want to get your dog something special for him to relax in. But resist the temptation to buy something with a lush fabric or lots of fluff. It'll be nearly impossible to fully clean. Instead, opt for pet beds that are easy to wipe down and water-resistant. It won’t absorb odors, and if you wipe it down weekly and let it dry outside, it’ll make a huge difference.

7. Accidents Inevitably Happen, so Deal with Them Quickly

Even the most well-behaved pets can have accidents on occasion, leaving behind stains and unpleasant odors on your floors and furniture. It's essential to act fast and clean up the mess using an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize the odors. However, if the stain is particularly stubborn or has been set into your furniture or carpets, it may be best to hire a professional upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning service to ensure the stain and odor are fully removed.

8. Use That Lint Roller

We’ve never met a pet owner who doesn’t have a lint roller somewhere in their house. So since you’ve got one, add it to your cleaning caddy and use it wherever pet hairs seem to congregate, such as lampshades, throw pillows, and more.

9. Let Some Fresh Air In

If you're suffocating from the smell of pets, open up the windows! Of course, it’s easy to do on a nice day, but even on a cold winter day, just opening the windows for 10 minutes can make a significant difference when it comes to keeping your house smelling clean.

10. Make All of Your Rugs Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

Shockingly, there are many nice options for indoor/outdoor rugs, and implementing them in a home with pets can make a huge difference when it comes to the ease of cleaning. These rugs, of course, work wonders, especially in areas where your pet likes to lounge around.

11. Coat Low Surfaces With Dark Paint

This is more of an appearance hack than a cleaning trick, but darker and glossier paint works wonders at hiding animal nose prints and dirty tail smears. You can even find durable indoor-outdoor paint to coat your cabinets, which will make a difference in having your home look less like a kennel.

12. Try Trays

Incorporating trays into your cleaning routine can be a great way to keep your home clean and tidy, especially if you have pets. To protect your wood floors from spills and stains, consider placing a tray beneath your pet's food and water bowls. This can catch any slobber, water spills, or stray pet food that misses your pet's mouth, making cleanup a breeze. Instead of sweeping and mopping the floor every time your pet eats or drinks, simply clean the tray at the end of the day.

13. Give At-Home Pedicures

Keeping a house clean with dogs can be a challenge, but regularly trimming their nails can help minimize the amount of dirt they track in while also preventing scratches and punctures on your furnishings and floors. It's recommended to trim your dog's nails every three to four weeks, although this can vary depending on the breed and individual dog.

Safe Household Cleaners for Pets

It's important to be mindful of the cleaning products you use around your pets, as some ingredients can be toxic to them. Bleach, alcohols, phenols, ammonia, and essential oils are all ingredients to avoid or use with caution around your furry friend. Make sure to store these and other cleaning products safely out of reach of your pets. While cleaning, keep your furry friends in a safe place until the products have fully dried.

Here are some pet-safe cleaning ingredients to consider for wiping paws and eliminating pet odors:

• Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) – This ingredient is more stable than hydrogen peroxide and is generally safe for pets. It can disinfect surfaces more effectively and safely than hydrogen peroxide, although it may be difficult to find outside of industry settings such as animal hospitals;
• Vinegar – Vinegar is a versatile household cleaner that can kill some bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It's especially useful when you clean dirty paws and neutralize dog smell;
• Dish soap – While not safe for washing pets, dish soap can be used for pet-friendly household cleaning;
• Baking soda – Baking soda is great for neutralizing odors and can be mixed with water to create a cleaning paste or with vinegar for an all-purpose cleaner;
• Lemon juice – Like vinegar, lemon juice is a potent cleaner that can help lift stains while leaving a fresh, clean scent.

Conclusion

Keeping a clean home with pets requires regular deep cleaning to avoid the accumulation of pet hair, dander, and odors. While this can seem like a daunting task, there are many pet-friendly deep cleaning services available that can help make the process easier and more effective. These services use safe and effective cleaning methods to ensure that your home is not only clean but also safe for your fur babies. If you're unsure how to maintain a clean house with pets, consider reaching out to Euro Maids – a Naperville professional pet-friendly cleaning company for guidance and support. By working with us, you can create a clean and healthy living space for you and your pets to enjoy. Contact us today to get started.

Contact Us