Pets bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives, but they also come with a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping our homes clean and tidy. From shedding fur to tracking in dirt, pet-related messes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you own a home in a wetter climate like Seattle, WA or an apartment in sunny Scottsdale, AZ, with the right strategies and a little extra effort, you can maintain a clean and pet-friendly place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective cleaning techniques, practical tips, and useful products to help you keep your home spotless while enjoying the company of your furry friends.
1. Establish a regular cleaning routine
Maintaining a clean home starts with establishing a consistent cleaning routine. Create a schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Daily tasks may include sweeping or vacuuming pet hair, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning litter boxes or pet bedding. Weekly tasks can involve mopping floors, washing pet toys, and sanitizing food and water bowls. Monthly tasks should cover more extensive cleaning, such as deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery or washing curtains and pet bedding.
Coach Jackson Poling of NW Noble Woof Dog Training recommends habit stacking. Habit stacking is when we are able to make it easy to follow “guidelines” for ourselves to stay on top of important daily tasks. Some examples include pairing a certain training exercise with a day of the week, or a specific daily event. For example, always following feeding time with wiping the counter down, or always mopping the floor after the dogs have been bathed so it stays cleaner longer.
2. Invest in pet-friendly flooring and furniture
Choosing the right flooring and furniture can make keeping your home clean much easier. Opt for pet-friendly flooring options like laminate, tile, or vinyl, as they are durable and easy to clean. Avoid carpets, which tend to trap pet hair and odors. When it comes to furniture, select materials that are resistant to stains and can be easily wiped clean, such as leather or microfiber.
According to lead trainer Natalie of Axel’s K9 Training, “for people who have pets, we recommend having the least amount of fabric in the house as possible. Animal hair and dander tends to stick to any curtain, rug, or textured surface. Having a house with hardwood floors, or linoleum, tile etc. and using area rugs makes it easier to keep your house clean. When mopping, be sure to use a microfiber mop, so that you have an efficient way to gather up the dog dander.”
Additionally, “not all pets shed equally.,” shares Risa Meynarez of George & Friends Dog Training. “Certain breeds of cats or dogs may shed only a few times a year or hardly at all. If you have a pet that sheds heavily, consider fabrics in your home that don’t let fur cling. Avoid velvet and suede. Microfiber, leather/pleather, denim, and outdoor fabrics hold up well and are easier to clean when you have pets.”
3. Tackle pet hair with the right tools
Pet hair can quickly accumulate and cling to surfaces, making it a constant challenge for pet owners. Combat this issue by using the right tools. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. “Invest in a great vacuum,” states Mike Ezzo, Executive Director at Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary. “For the floofy pooches, you will want to keep a good brush on hand and use it regularly, and always make sure you have a great enzyme cleaner in stock.”
According to Jomarie Booth & Melanie Deromedi of K9 Feline Master Cutz, “cleaning up the floors can be quick and easy with a Hair Removal Rubber Broom. It works great on any type of flooring and our floors have never been so clean.”
I would recommend using an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle to clean up accidents,” shares professional dog trainer Dawn Gilkison of Positive Solutions Dog Training. “You’ll also want to invest in a vacuum cleaner with removable dirt container and features adapted for pet hair such as the Animal models by Dyson.”
4. Implement paw cleaning stations
Prevent dirt and outdoor debris from entering your home by creating paw cleaning stations near entryways. “We utilize large door mats both before and after entering doorways to get extra moisture and dirt off those paws,” shares professional dog trainers Karin & David Wright of Blackwood Canine. “We really like the Waterhog rugs. They hose off and dry nicely, which is an extra plus. Keeping a chamois type towel hanging by the door can be another helpful trick to quickly wipe away on extra muddy days.”
Teach your pets to wait patiently while you clean their paws, ensuring that they are clean and dry before entering the house. This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and mud your pets bring indoors.
5. Take potty training seriously
Taking potty training seriously is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic home with pets. Consistent and diligent potty training efforts can help prevent accidents indoors, minimizing the risk of unpleasant odors and stains. “Establishing a consistent potty routine is a must – especially with puppies. While it requires time, effort, and consistency to yield results, the benefits are well worth it, and your home will thank you,” says Heather Peterson from Bark Busters Dog Training.
According to Zoe Heilman, head trainer at Rascal Training & boarding, “the quickest way to potty train a new puppy is to limit their freedom in the house and get them outside often (I’m talking once every other hour). By limiting freedom that can look like having them in a puppy pen, crate, or leashed to you. The puppy should go outside to go potty within 20 minutes of drinking any water or eating food.”
6. Groom your pets regularly
Maintaining your dog’s hygiene routine isn’t just crucial for their well-being, it also plays a major role in keeping a clean home,” says Tim Vogel, CEO of Scenthound. “Regular bathing and brushing are essential to keeping your pup clean, minimizing odor, and eliminating loose hair before it gets on your furniture and clothes. Blow-drying and haircuts can really cut down on loose hair and dander while keeping your puppy’s coat shiny and healthy. Plus, if shedding is a persistent problem, Shedding Treatments can work wonders, reducing loose hair by up to 90%.
According to Luke Johnson, Founder of Luke & Company, “the easiest way to keep your house clean from pets is to regularly groom your pets. This can include grooming them yourself at home, at a self-serve wash facility, or professional grooming. Dogs (and indoor/outdoor cats) will naturally bring in debris and dander from the outdoors, so keeping your dog trimmed properly will significantly reduce the cleanup in your house. You can even use a deshedding shampoo/conditioner during the grooming process to help loosely attached hair release in the tub instead of your house.”
You’ll also want to trim your pets’ nails regularly to minimize scratches on furniture and floors,” shares professional groomer Juan Abreu of Kontota. Bathing your pets as needed also helps keep them clean and fresh, reducing odors and dirt they bring inside.”
7. Create a pet-friendly spaces
According to professional dog trainer James from Midas Touch K9 Academy, you should create a pet-friendly space. Designate a specific area in your home where your pets can relax and play without making a mess.
“An important part of our training is to teach “invite-only” on couches or sitting areas in your home,” shares professional dog trainer Anna Rencz of Boss K9 Cleveland. “Many of our clients spread out a special blanket on the couch before giving the “OK” for their dog to hop up, which helps to protect the couch and keep it clean. This practice also gives your dog clarity around your boundaries for the couch. You’re using it as a privilege, which from a training standpoint is helpful when they’re learning about the hierarchy in your home.”
Jen Sotolongo, owner of Long Haul Trekkers, says “If you allow your dog on the furniture, designate a specific spot they’re allowed to be and cover it with a blanket, I use a Big Sky Dog Blanket from West Paw, that way, I can minimize the amount of fur on the furniture and toss the blanket in the wash.”
8. Maintain good air circulation
Maintaining good air circulation is vital for creating a healthy and inviting home environment with pets. Proper ventilation helps reduce pet-related odors and prevents the buildup of airborne allergens, promoting better indoor air quality. According to Seattle Canine Club, “maintaining good air circulation in your home can help reduce pet odors and promote a fresher living environment. Use fans, open windows, and ideally an air purifier to circulate air and filter out pet odors and dander. Adding indoor plants can also help naturally freshen the air while adding a touch of greenery to your living space.”
9. Address and prevent pet odors
Pets can occasionally leave behind unpleasant odors that linger in your home. To tackle pet odors effectively, start by regularly cleaning your pet’s living area, including litter boxes, cages, or bedding. Use odor-neutralizing sprays or air fresheners specifically formulated for pet odors. ”If you know you’re going to be away for longer than anticipated, put down absorbent pads to prevent accidents on your carpets or floors,” states pet groomer Danielle Simms of HushPuppies Spa. Additionally, you can maintain proper ventilation in your home by opening windows or using air purifiers to keep the air fresh and circulating.
Keeping a clean and pet-friendly home requires dedication, consistency, and the implementation of practical strategies. By establishing a regular cleaning routine, investing in pet-friendly materials, using the right cleaning tools, and prioritizing pet grooming, you can effectively manage pet-related messes and enjoy a clean living environment. Remember, a clean home not only benefits you but also contributes to the health and well-being of your beloved pets. Embrace these tips, adapt them to your specific needs, and create a harmonious living space where you and your pets can thrive together.
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