Pretty much any dog owner will know that they can be messy creatures, but that’s part of why we love them! Of course, this doesn’t align too well with the idea of having a clean home.
So, is it possible to have a clean house with dogs? The short answer is probably not, but below you’ll find some tips for keeping your house as clean as possible.
Keeping a House Clean with Dogs
1. Own a Good Vacuum Cleaner
This might be a bit of a no-brainer, but start with a good vacuum cleaner. Ideally, you’ll want a corded one, as they’re far more powerful than even the best cordless hoovers. Better yet, find one with a pet hair setting, as this boosts the suction power, especially on carpet and upholstery.
2. Have a Paw Cleaning Zone
Muddy paws can be a big issue when it comes to keeping your home clean. The easiest way to avoid paw tracks is to have a cleaning zone with a towel and a mat. Ideally, it won’t be in your main house. For example, a front or back porch is ideal.
There are various gadgets you can buy to clean paws, but a towel and some dog-safe wet wipes will get the job done fine. Get as much dirt and mud off your dog before letting them into the house and you’ll drastically reduce the mess they make.
3. Keep on Top of their Grooming
Shedding is a major cause of dog-related mess. So, tackle it at the source and keep on top of your dog’s grooming. At the very least, you should brush them once a week or so to deal with any loose hair. Razorblade combs are ideal for this.
It can also help to bathe your dog (no more than once a month) to deal with hair and dander. But longer-haired breeds would be best taken to a groomer, as they’ll have all the right tools to keep your dog clean and free from excess hair.
4. Lay Down Washable Rugs
Hard floors are much easier to keep clean than carpets. However, you can reduce the mess that ends up on the floor by decorating with washable rugs. Set them down in higher traffic areas, especially by doors, to cut down on muddy paw prints.
5. Get Placemats for their Bowls
Dogs don’t know (or at least don’t care) if they make a mess when eating or drinking. The easiest way to avoid any food or water spills is to put a placemat under their bowls. Make sure it’s something easy to wash, so you can deal with any mess quickly. Wash the placemat thoroughly every few days when you wash their bowls to keep everything sanitary.
6. Dealing with Doggy Smells
For better or worse, dogs smell. It’s not always unpleasant, but you’ll definitely notice a doggy aroma on carpets and upholstery if you leave your house for a while. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to deal with this:
· Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on carpets, leave overnight, and then vacuum up in the morning.
· Normal Febreeze is pet-safe, so use this to eliminate odours from sofas and beds.
· Wash things like cushion covers and dog beds regularly.
· If possible, wash the cushions themselves. If not, replace them every year or two.
· For in-depth cleaning, hire a carpet cleaner and use odour-eliminating shampoo.
· Line their bed with a blanket, as it’s much easier to remove and clean.
7. Consider an Air Filter
Air filters are good for containing odour and removing dog hair. Ideally, look for a model with a HEPA filter, as this’ll trap all kinds of problem particles. Set it up in your living room and it’ll work away, purifying the air while also dealing with airborne smells and hair.
Final Thoughts
Unless you’re willing to clean several times a day, you’ll never have a truly spotless home if you have a dog. However, the tips above will at least help you to keep things clean. The most important thing is to be proactive with tips like cleaning your dog and laying down rugs. Dealing with the mess before it’s made will make cleaning much easier.
If you think you don’t have time to clean, then you can consider getting yourself some cleaners North London.
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