How to Keep a Clean House with Dogs without Losing your Mind
There is no question we all love of our dogs. They are an important part of our family and enrich our lives in so many ways. However, there is a major downfall every dog owner knows too well- dogs. bring. the. mess! I can picture the dog hair “tumbleweeds” as I write this. Even though my pups are 100% worth it, it can be extremely difficult to keep a clean house with dogs.
As a dog mom of two furry Australian Shepherds (AKA shedding machines) I have tried many ways to keep a clean house (and my sanity). It is important to know most pet odor comes from their fur and dander. This post will discuss nine ways to keep a clean house with dogs.
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How to Keep a Clean House with Dogs without losing your mind
1. Regular Grooming
The best way to keep dog hair at bay is to prevent as much shedding as possible in the first place. This doesn’t mean you need to pay to take your dog to the professional groomer every month. Regular baths at home will help with loose hair/pet odors as well.
You can buy a dog brush and get in the habit of brushing your pup once a week to catch any loose fur before it winds up on your floors. You can read all about the best dog brushes here. This will help with pet odor as well.
My tip– An easy time to incorporate this habit is in the evenings while you watch your favorite show. Another tip is to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to avoid scratching any hardwood flooring.
2. Have a Robot Vacuum
A robot vacuum is a game changer. I am not being dramatic when I say that a robot vacuum is an absolute essential in my household. It is definitely a splurge item but it is worth it if you have furry dogs.
I (like many people) do not have the time to manually vacuum multiple times a day to keep up with my aussies’ constant shedding. An automatic vacuum can run for hours at a time, even when you are not home. Check out this amazing little cleaning machine here.
I avoided buying one for the longest time because I thought they were too expensive, but to my surprise there are some very affordable models on the market. Some models of robot vacuums use an app that can map out your house and achieve an even better clean.
3. Waterproof Dog Blanket
As the name suggests, these types of blankets are made with several waterproof layers and are machine washable. They are not only great to prevent bathroom accidents from soaking through to your couch or bed, but they also help to minimize the amount of fur on your couch or bed as well.
It’s a lot easier to throw one of these blankets in the wash, than your whole couch. This specific blanket works amazingly well and is indeed waterproof! SAVE your couch from your new puppy! No wonder it’s a best seller.
4. Keep a Toy Bin for your Dog
This one may seem basic but it is a must if you have toy-loving pup(s) like I do. It truly does make a huge difference with the clutter. If you’re anything like me, your dogs probably have a lot of toys. Those toys end up all over the floor if they do not have a designated spot in your home. This is where a bin or a cute basket comes in handy. It will become your best friend against clutter.
Spend a couple minutes each night putting the toys back in the basket to keep a tidy space. My dogs have a basket in a corner in my living room where all their toys live when they are not being played with. Bonus points goes to anyone who can teach their dogs to put their toys back themselves.
5. Portable Paw Washer and Hand Towel
Every dog owner knows that rainy days equal muddy paws. This can mean muddy paws all over your hardwood floors, tile, carpets, couch, etc. This became such a problem in my household that I wrote a dedicated post to solving the muddy paws problem. You can read it here.
A portable paw washer is a cup-like device that contains bristles that easily cleans your dog’s muddy paws when they come back in the house from outdoors. Just add clean water and dip your dog’s paw into the paw cleaner. Super easy!
It might seem like an extra step but the paw washer will save you so much time from having to mop and clean floors on rainy days. Keep a clean hand towel or damp cloth by the backdoor (or wherever you take out your dog) to wipe their paws once clean. Pet wipes are also a great way to clean dog’s paws.
6. Wash your Dog’s Bedding and Blankets Regularly
Without a doubt, your dog’s bed will get smelly. This is an area where your dog is likely to spend a lot of time. This means this area is prone to pet dander, bacteria, odor, and all kinds of things that smell.
Many dog beds can be cleaned in the washing machine. Make sure to see if your bedding has any special washing instructions. Try and wash your dog’s bedding and blankets on a regular basis. This will go a long way in the odor department.
7. Manage the Food and Water Station
If your dogs are anything like mine, their food and water bowls can get messy. My dog, Maverick was in the habit of spilling his water bowl every other week. This caused a mess all over the kitchen floor.
If you have a similar problem, there are spill-proof dogs bowls you can purchase. Another easy fix is to buy a no-slip mat to place under your pup’s bowls.
Also- make sure you are cleaning your dog’s bowls regularly as well.
8. A Powerful Vacuum designed for Pet Fur
This is an obvious one but this list would not be complete without mentioning it. A powerful vacuum designed for sucking up dog fur is vital. I’m going to go as far as saying it’s an absolute must for me. The amount of dog hair that can pile up if I don’t vacuum every other day or so is insane.
There are many great pet vacuums on the market with a range of prices depending on your budget. You might be thinking, what is the difference between a regular model vacuum vs. a pet vacuum?
Many pet vacuums are made with special bristles and filters that are specially designed for pet hair and dander. They are also designed to keep hair/fur from tangling unlike many regular models. Make sure you are vacuuming multiple times a week to keep the fur at bay.
It can be overwhelming trying to find the best vacuum. In my research, the Bissell Clean View Swivel Pet vacuum kept coming up again and again. It has so many great reviews and the best part? It’s very affordable! Also, I love Bissell’s mission in supporting homeless pets by donating a portion from every purchase to pet shelters.
9. Pet-friendly Upholstery and Carpet Cleaner
A fabric couch can be a source of dog odor. If you let your dogs on the couch, it is inevitable their smells will also live on the couch over time. Having a safe and effective cleaner to use on your couch is a must and a great way to get out any of those nasty dog smells.
I recommend the Bissel Pet Carpet and Upholstery cleaner. It is super affordable and comes with a brush head on the bottle. I keep these stocked up in case there are any accidents or muddy messes on the furniture.
So there you have it, these are my best ways to keep a clean house with dogs. You definitely do not have to compromise a clean home if you have dogs. By following these tips, you can keep a tidy home and enjoy life with your dogs. Just remember to keep your lint roller with you at all times!
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