Taking care of a dog is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. The affection and experience these animals return are truly magical.
It can also be a housekeeping nightmare, though—dirty floors, scratched up carpets, and stains everywhere. Dogs can quickly turn any house upside down, but not if you know what you’re doing.
A little preparation and foresight go a long way. You can maintain the cleanliness of your home and keep it organized–even when you add a dog to the family.
Here are 11 tips to ensure a clean, tidy, and organized home for you and your dog.
11 Tips to Keep House Clean With Dogs
1. Use a lint roller
A lint roller should be in every dog owner’s arsenal of cleaning tools. The fur is the main residue that dogs leave inside your house, even if your pet is not that hairy. The hair will stick to your clothes, upholstery, and carpets, and be challenging to remove.
Lint rollers are an easy way to remove fur residue. Roll it over the surface and watch as the hair and fur magically stick to it. We recommend keeping multiple rollers available for your home, car, and handbag.
2. For really stubborn hair, use a vacuum cleaner
A lint roller should be in every dog owner’s arsenal of cleaning tools. The fur is the main residue that dogs leave inside your house, even if your pet is not that hairy. The hair will stick to your clothes, upholstery, and carpets, and be challenging to remove.
Lint rollers are an easy way to remove fur residue. Roll it over the surface and watch as the hair and fur magically stick to it. We recommend keeping multiple rollers available for your home, car, and handbag.
If you have especially hairy pets, using a lint roller to clean your entire house isn’t practical. Can you imagine covering such a large area with a small handheld device?
It’s best to use a vacuum cleaner to clean your home of hair and fur routinely. Not just any cleaner will do–an automatic vacuum cleaner works best.
Dogs shedding hair and fur is a continuous phenomenon, and you might find yourself cleaning around the clock. Automatic vacuum cleaners are easier. Set it and forget about it, and still achieve a fur-free home.
3. Cover his favorite spots (and other vital areas of your home)
If you want to keep stray hairs and fur away from critical areas of your home like the sofa, cover it with bedsheets. This barrier will protect these areas from hair, fur, and other nasty stains. It will also keep the doggie odors away.
It’s an excellent idea to place mats or sheets around their dishes or bowls, too. It makes it easier to clean up the inevitable mess dogs make while they’re eating.
You can also place these sheets on your dog’s favorite nap spots. Just remember to wash them as needed.
4. Put in a doormat right outside your door
It’s a brilliant idea to walk your dogs outside. When they come back home, though, they will have accumulated a nasty collection of dirt, dust, and grime.
Make cleaning easier for you and place doormats outside your entrance. You can also set a throw rug just inside the door for double protection. Both mats will catch the dirt your dogs might otherwise have brought in, even if they’re not trained to wipe their paws before they enter.
If not, you can always resort to manually wiping your dog’s paws to ensure cleanliness every time.
5. Keep a washbasin right outside your door
Alternatively, you can keep a wash area right outside your front door. You can use a small basin or a baking tray for this purpose.
Use the basin to wash your dog’s paws and remove any dirt they picked up while running outside. You can then use a towel or washcloth to dry their paws before entering the house.
A wash area is especially useful if the weather outside is unusually rainy or wet, making your dog’s paws prone to picking up mud.
6. Keep dog’s nails trimmed
Dogs are notorious for leaving scratches everywhere in your house. They can scratch furniture and upholstery, leaving marks that are almost impossible to remove. The simplest way to avoid this is by regularly trimming their nails. (Check out our guide about the best dog nail clippers)
Trimming is a preventive measure that you can do with little effort to minimize the scratch damage in your home. Different dogs have varying rates of nail growth, so find a routine that works best for the breed. It’s also helpful to consult with your veterinarian.
7. Have a stain remover ready
No matter how careful you are with your dog, a mess is unavoidable. They will inevitably find something to spill or get into something they shouldn’t. They are pets and tend to have a mind of their own.
So, any pet owner should always be ready with a powerful stain remover on hand. Select a brand that works particularly well, and keep multiple bottles stashed around your home. Stains are harder to remove over time, so take care of the spills as soon as possible.
8. Groom your dog regularly
The best way to minimize all the stray fur in your house is to wash and groom your dog regularly. Brushing them will remove stray hairs, keeping it away from your furniture and floors.
You should also bath your dog more regularly. Not only will this prevent fleas and mites, but it also reduces any unpleasant odors. Also, the right dog shampoo will definitely help.
9. Choose the right furniture
Some furniture is more resistant to pets than others. If you know you’ll be welcoming a dog into the house soon (or you already have one), consider investing in stain or fur-resistant upholstery. Leather or microfiber material on your sofa, for example, are easier to wipe and clean than other fabrics.
You can also opt for stain-resistant fabrics, outdoor rugs, or other durable materials for the interior of your home. These materials are easier to clean and can stand up to incessant scratching from your dog.
10. Keep clutter to a minimum
Like curious toddlers, dogs are attracted to the items cluttered inside your home. It will lead to even more mess, so it’s a wise idea not to leave stuff lying around the house, especially on the floor.
If your dog has toys, make sure they’re stored safely when your pet is not using them. Keep toys to a minimum–if there is something your dog is barely using, give it away. Fewer items mean less clutter and a neater house.
11. Get some outside help
Sometimes, there isn’t enough time to clean up after your dog. Maybe you’re busy with work or not around enough. If this is your situation, it might be worth hiring a cleaning service.
The advantage of this service is that the professionals scrub down and clean every inch of your house. If you do this regularly enough, you’ll have a spotless home in no time—without much effort.