Keeping Your House Clean When You Have a Dog
Dogs can be great companions. They’re loyal, affectionate and can cheer us up on even the darkest of days.
One thing (most) dogs can’t do, however, is pick up after themselves. Dogs bring a lot of love, but they also bring hair, muddy paws, and snotty noses. For folks that enjoy a clean house, the idea of adding a dog to the household might seem like a daunting task.
However! If you’re a dog-lover, it is possible to have a dog and a clean home. Here are some different techniques you can use.
Groom your pet
Most dogs will shed on everything, including your furniture and floors. One way to prevent this is by regularly grooming your dog. Shampooing at least once a month will help get rid of any dirt and dander. Brushing regularly will help get rid of any excess hair. You can do this at home, though some people opt to get their dog professionally groomed. You can also trim excess hair off your dog, if needed.
Trimming your dog’s nails regularly also helps to prevent scratches to wooden floors and furniture. Most dogs do not enjoy getting a pedicure, but if you start trimming their nails regularly when they’re young, they will start to get used to it. If trimming their nails makes you uncomfortable, you can always have a vet or a groomer do it for you.
Invest in a good vacuum
As mentioned above, there’s going to be hair everywhere. While grooming can help cut down on hair, you’re never going to be able to fully eliminate dog hair. Even if you opt for a hypoallergenic breed, there is still going to be some hair. Plus, all dogs will drag dirt and other allergens in from the outside on their paws.
That’s where having a good vacuum comes in. The right vacuum can clean carpet, rugs, wooden and laminate floors, and your upholstery.
Use a review site to get a comparison of various vacuums. This will allow you to find one within your budget that meets your needs.
Use a lint roller
If regular vacuuming isn’t doing enough for your upholstery, you can use a lint roller to pick up any lingering hair.
Lint brushes are made of adhesive paper designed to remove lint and other particles from most materials. Though they’re most commonly associated with use on clothing, they can also be used on furniture and linen.
There are even lint rollers that are specifically designed for pet owners. These rollers come in all different sizes and have adjustable handles, making it possible to reach every angle of your furniture.
Wipe their paws
An easy way to prevent muddy footprints in your house is to wipe off your dog’s paws after their walk. One of the quickest ways to do this is to keep pet-friendly moist towelettes handy. Avoid wipes that contain harmful chemicals, such as perfume, which can irritate paws. If paws are especially muddy, you might need to wash them off in a sink or tub.
If paws are merely wet, not muddy, you’ll want to dry them off with a dry towel. This will help prevent water from being tracked into your house.
Not only does wiping paws keep your house clean, but it also improves the health of your dog. Some dogs have really sensitive feet. Leaving mud and dirt caked on their paws eventually causes inflammation and other wounds.
Be prepared for stains
No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Especially if you have a puppy or older dog, be prepared for the occasional potty accident. You’ll want to have pet odor neutralizer and carpet stain remover. Baking powder can also help absorb fluids and neutralize smells.
You may also want to rent or purchase a carpet cleaner. Carpet cleaners provide a deeper clean and help lift odors from the fibers of your carpets.
The better prepared you are, the more likely you’ll be able to lift the stain from your carpet or furniture.
Invest in durable furniture
The more durable your furniture, the less likely it will stain or tear. If your dog is making themselves at home on your furniture, you’ll want to invest in some pet-friendly fabrics that will keep your house looking great. Leather, microfiber, denim, and canvas are some of the best fabric choices to consider.
If you don’t have the funds for new furniture and you can’t keep your dog off your couch, consider covering your furniture with sheets. This adds an extra layer of protection between your furniture and your pet.
