Keeping Your Home Clean and Pet-Friendly: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners
Pets bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives, but they also present a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping our homes clean and tidy. From hair loss to mud marks, pet-related messes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you own a home in a humid climate like Seattle, Washington, or an apartment in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, with the right strategies and a little extra effort, you can keep a clean and pet-friendly place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective cleaning techniques, practical tips, and helpful products to help you keep your home spotless while enjoying the company of your furry friend.
1.Establish a regular cleaning routine
Keeping your home clean starts with establishing a consistent cleaning routine. Create a plan with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Daily tasks might include sweeping or vacuuming pet hair, wiping surfaces, and cleaning litter boxes or pet bedding. Weekly tasks may include mopping floors, washing pet toys, and sanitizing food and water bowls. Monthly tasks should cover broader cleaning, such as deep cleaning carpets and upholstery or washing drapes and pet bedding.
Jackson Poling, an instructor at NW Noble Woof Dog Training, recommends making it a habit. Habit stacking refers to our ability to easily follow “guidelines” to master important daily tasks. Some examples include pairing a specific training exercise with a day of the week or a specific routine. For example, always wipe down counters after feeding time or always mop floors after bathing your dog to keep them cleaner for longer.
2.Invest in pet-friendly floors and furniture
Choosing the right flooring and furniture can make keeping your home clean much easier. Choose pet-friendly flooring options such as laminate, tile, or vinyl because they are durable and easy to clean. Avoid rugs, which tend to collect pet hair and odors. When it comes to furniture, choose materials that are stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean, like leather or microfiber.
Natalie, head trainer at Axel’s K9 Training, says, “For people with pets, we recommend keeping as little fabric as possible in the home. Animal hair and dander tend to stick to any drapes, rugs, or textured surfaces. Houses with hardwood floors, linoleum, tile, etc., and using a rug make it easier to keep your home clean. When mopping, be sure to use a microfiber mop, which effectively collects dog dander.”
Plus, “not all pets shed to the same degree,” says Risa Meynarez of George and Friends Dog Training. “Certain breeds of cats or dogs may shed only a few times a year or almost none at all. If you have a pet that sheds a lot, consider using fabrics in your home that won’t allow fur to cling. Avoid velvet and suede. Microfiber, leather/faux leather, denim, and outdoor fabrics hold up well and are easier to clean when you have pets.”
3.Use the right tools for pet hair
Pet hair can quickly build up and stick to surfaces, presenting a constant challenge for pet owners. Use the right tools to solve this problem. Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed specifically for pet hair removal. “Invest in a great vacuum,” says Mike Ezzo, executive director of Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary. “For those fluffy dogs, you need to keep a good brush handy and use it regularly, and always make sure you have a great stock of enzyme cleaners.”
Jomarie Booth and Melanie Deromedi, K9 Feline Master Cutz, say, “Using the depilatory rubber broom is quick and easy to clean floors. It works on any type of floor, and our floors have never been cleaner.”
I recommend using an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to clean up accidents,” shares Dawn Gilkison, a professional dog trainer with Positive Solutions Dog Training. “You’ll also want to invest in a vacuum that has a removable dirt container and features for pet hair vacuum cleaners, such as Dyson’s Animal model.”
4.Set up the paw cleaning station
Keep dust and outdoor debris out of your home by setting up paw cleaning stations near entryways. “We use gate mats before and after entering the gate to remove excess moisture and dirt from the paws,” share Karin and David Wright, professional dog trainers at Blackwood Canine. “We really like the Waterhog rugs. They rinse and dry really well, which is a bonus. Hanging a suede towel by the door might be another helpful trick for a quick wipe down on a muddy day.”
Teach your pets to be patient when cleaning their paws, making sure they are clean and dry before entering the house. This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and mud your pets bring into your home.
5.Take potty training seriously
Taking potty training seriously is essential to keeping your pet’s home clean and hygienic. Consistent and diligent toilet training helps prevent indoor accidents and minimizes the risk of bad odors and stains. “EstablishPets bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives, but they also present a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping our homes clean and tidy. From hair loss to mud marks, pet-related messes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you own a home in a humid climate like Seattle, Washington, or an apartment in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, with the right strategies and a little extra effort, you can keep a clean and pet-friendly place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective cleaning techniques, practical tips, and helpful products to help you keep your home spotless while enjoying the company of your furry friend.
6.Groom your pet regularly
Maintaining your dog’s hygiene habits is not only critical to their health, but it also plays an important role in keeping your home clean, says Tim Vogel, CEO of Scenthound. “Regular bathing and brushing are critical to keeping puppies clean, reducing odor, and removing loose hair before it gets on furniture and clothing. Blow drying and haircuts can really reduce loose hair and dander while keeping your puppy’s coat shiny and healthy. Plus, if hair loss is a persistent problem, hair loss treatments can work wonders, reducing hair loss by up to 90%.”
Luke Johnson, founder of Luke & Company, says, “The easiest way to keep your home clean and pet-free is to groom your pets regularly. This can include grooming them yourself at home, in a laundromat, or a professional grooming facility. Dogs (and indoor/outdoor cats) naturally bring debris and dander from the outdoors, so trimming your dog properly will greatly reduce house cleaning. You can even use depilatory shampoo/conditioner during grooming to help loosen hair that is released in the bathtub instead of at home.”
“You’ll also want to trim your pet’s nails regularly to minimize scratches on furniture and floors,” shares Juan Abreu, a professional groomer in Kontota. Bathing your pets as needed also helps keep them clean and fresh, reducing the amount of dirt and smell they can bring into your home.
7.Create a pet-friendly space
According to James, a professional dog trainer at Midas Touch K9 Academy, you should create a space that is comfortable for your pet. Designate a specific area in your home where your pet can relax and play without making a mess.
“A big part of our training is teaching ‘by invitation only’ from the couch or lounge area of your home,” says Anna Rencz, a professional dog trainer at Boss K9 Cleveland. Placing a special blanket before letting their dog jump on it helps protect the couch and keep it clean. This practice also gives your dog a clear idea of your boundaries on the couch. Use it as a privilege. From a training standpoint, it helps when they understand the hierarchy in your house.”
Jen Sotolongo, owner of Long Haul Trekkers, says, “If you allow your dog on the furniture, designate a specific spot where they are allowed to be and cover it with a blanket. I use the Big Sky Dog Blanket from West Paw. That way, you can minimize the amount of fur on your furniture and throw the blanket in the washing machine.”
8.Maintain good air circulation
Maintaining good air circulation is critical to creating a healthy, welcoming home environment for pets. Proper ventilation helps reduce pet-related odors and prevents the buildup of airborne allergens, improving indoor air quality. According to the Seattle Kennel Club, “Maintaining good air circulation in your home can help reduce pet odor and promote a cleaner living environment. Use fans, open windows, and preferably an air purifier to circulate the air and filter out pet odors and dander. Adding houseplants can also help to naturally freshen the air while adding a touch of green to your living space.”
9.Address and prevent pet odor
Pets can sometimes leave a bad smell in your home. An effective solution to pet odor starts with regular cleaning of your pet’s living areas, including litter boxes, cages, or bedding. Use a deodorant spray or air freshener specially formulated for pet odor. “If you know you’ll be away for longer than expected, put down absorbent pads to prevent accidents on the carpet or floor,” says Danielle Simms, a pet groomer at HushPuppies Spa. Additionally, you can maintain proper ventilation in your home by opening windows or using an air purifier to keep the air fresh and circulated.
Maintaining a clean and pet-friendly home takes 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 that a clean home is not only good for you, but it also contributes to the health and well-being of your beloved pets. Take these tips and adapt them to your specific needs to create a harmonious living space where you and your pet can grow together.
