How to Keep Your Home Clean When Living with Pets?
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Living with pets means trading spotless floors for furry cuddles and wagging tails. It’s a deal most of us take gladly, but let’s be honest—between the tufts of fur collecting under the couch and the mysterious stains appearing overnight, keeping a home fresh can feel like a never-ending battle.
The good news? A clean house and happy pets can absolutely go hand in hand with a few smart habits and the right tools.
Managing Pet Hair & Dander
Fur. It clings to your clothes, weaves its way into furniture, and somehow ends up in places your pet hasn’t even been. Short of giving up and wearing nothing but the colour of your pet’s coat, here’s how to keep the fluff under control:
Invest in a Vacuum That Can Handle Fur
Your standard vacuum might wave the white flag after a few rounds with a shedding Labrador, so go for one designed to handle pet hair. Look for one with strong suction, a tangle-resistant brush roll, and a HEPA filter to trap dander and allergens.
Cover What You Can Wash
Your dog’s favourite nap spot on the couch? That’s prime real estate for fur and dander. Slip a washable throw or cover over furniture and pet beds—something you can toss in the wash every week to keep things fresh.
Brush Your Pet Before the Hair Hits the Floor
A quick brush every day works wonders in reducing the amount of loose fur floating around. Find a grooming tool suited to your pet’s coat—a deshedding brush for thick double coats or a rubber curry brush for short-haired dogs. Bonus? Most pets love the extra attention.
Clean the Air
If dander triggers allergies or leaves the air feeling stuffy, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can make a difference. It won’t replace vacuuming and dusting, but it helps clear airborne fur, dust, and pet-related odours.
Keeping Floors & Furniture Clean
Furry housemates bring all sorts of surprises—muddy paw prints, drool trails, and mystery stains that require detective work. Stay one step ahead with these tips:
Keep Mats by Every Entryway
Mud-caked paws and freshly mopped floors are sworn enemies. Place absorbent mats inside and outside doors to catch the worst of the dirt before your pet trots through the house.
Use Pet-Safe Home Cleaning Solutions
Many household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets, so check labels before you spray. Vinegar, baking soda, and enzymatic cleaners work wonders for neutralizing odours and breaking down stains without harsh fumes.
Tackle Stains Before They Set
A puddle on the carpet? Act fast. Blot up liquid immediately (don’t rub—it just spreads the mess), then use an enzymatic cleaner to break down any lingering odours. For tougher stains, let the cleaner sit before blotting again.
Sweep and Mop Often
Pet hair has an uncanny ability to form tumbleweeds that roll across the floor at the worst times. Regular sweeping and mopping (with pet-friendly cleaning products) keep things under control.
Odour Control Strategies
That “doggy smell” can creep up on you—especially if you’ve become nose-blind to it. Keep things fresh with these simple tricks:
Wash Bedding, Toys, and Blankets Weekly
Pet beds, plush toys, and blankets collect fur, dirt, and odours over time. Toss them in the wash weekly using a mild, fragrance-free detergent to keep things smelling clean.
Stay on Top of Litter Boxes and Doggy Toilets
Cats and small dogs that use indoor pads or litter trays need clean spaces too. Scoop daily, change litter regularly, and use odour-absorbing materials like baking soda or activated charcoal to keep smells at bay.
Neutralize, Don’t Mask
Avoid heavily scented sprays that just cover up smells. Instead, use an enzymatic cleaner for pet messes and baking soda in carpets to absorb lingering odours before vacuuming.
Managing Muddy Paws & Outdoor Dirt
A romp in the backyard is all fun and games until your dog barrels inside with dirt-covered paws. Rather than banning outdoor fun, set up an easy clean-up routine:
Keep Pet Wipes or a Damp Towel by the Door
A quick wipe-down before your dog comes inside stops mud from making its way onto floors and furniture. If you’ve got a dog who bolts through the house before you can catch them, keep them leashed outside until their paws are clean.
Set Up a Paw-Washing Station
For bigger messes, fill a shallow tray with water near the door and dip paws before drying them off. A rubber mat can help trap dirt and stop it from spreading.
Train Pets to Wait Before Entering
If your dog has a habit of bursting inside at full speed, train them to pause on a mat or wait for a wipe-down before getting free rein of the house.
Dealing with Accidents & Stains
Even the best-trained pets have the occasional oops moment. Whether it’s a nervous pee or a sudden upset stomach, knowing how to handle messes quickly makes life easier.
Use Enzymatic Cleaners
Regular cleaning products might remove the stain, but they won’t get rid of the scent completely—and if your pet can still smell it, they’ll think it’s fair game to go there again. Enzymatic cleaners break down the mess at a molecular level, eliminating odours completely.
Blot, Don’t Scrub
If your pet has an accident, resist the urge to scrub. Rubbing just pushes stains deeper into carpet fibres. Instead, blot with paper towels or a clean cloth, then treat the area with cleaner.
Keep a Cleaning Kit Handy
Accidents always seem to happen when you’re in a rush. Have a kit ready with paper towels, stain remover, and gloves so you can tackle messes without hunting for supplies.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a home clean with pets isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance. A little fur on your clothes, a nose print on the window, or a toy hidden under the couch? That’s just part of life with a pet.
By staying on top of small daily habits, you can keep your home feeling fresh without sacrificing cuddle time. So, embrace the mess, laugh at the chaos, and know that a home filled with pets (and the occasional tumbleweed of fur) is a home filled with love.