Owning dogs brings joy, companionship, and a range of responsibilities. The unconditional love and loyalty of a dog can transform a house into a home, providing a sense of warmth and happiness. However, with the joy of having dogs also comes the challenge of maintaining a clean and hygienic home environment. Dogs, with their shedding, mud-tracking, and general messiness, can make housekeeping seem like a never-ending task. Their playful nature often leads to scattered toys, drool marks, and the occasional accident, all of which contribute to the household cleaning workload.
One of the most common issues dog owners face is shedding. Different breeds have varying shedding patterns, but all dogs shed to some extent. Loose fur can accumulate on furniture, carpets, and clothing, creating a constant battle against hair-covered surfaces. Additionally, dogs tend to bring the outside world inside, tracking in dirt, mud, and sometimes even small pests. This can quickly turn a spotless home into a mess, especially during rainy seasons or after outdoor adventures.
Moreover, dogs can contribute to household odours. Even with regular bathing and grooming, the natural scent of a dog, combined with any outdoor elements they bring in, can lead to lingering smells in the house. This makes it essential to have effective odour control measures in place.
Despite these challenges, it is entirely possible to keep a clean house when you own dogs. Let’s look at some practical tips and techniques to help you maintain a clean, fresh, and welcoming home, no matter how many paws are pitter-pattering around.
Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Vacuuming: Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair. Daily vacuuming of areas where your dog spends most of their time will help manage hair and dander. Look for a vacuum with strong suction, a HEPA filter, and tools designed for pet hair to make the task easier and more effective.
Wiping Paws: Keep a towel or paw wipes by the door to clean your dog’s paws after walks. This prevents dirt and mud from being tracked inside. Being mindful of wiping your dog’s paws not only keeps your floors cleaner but also helps to reduce allergens and bacteria in your home.
Quick Surface Wipe-downs: Use pet-safe cleaning wipes to quickly clean surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room. Keeping surfaces clean prevents the build-up of dirt and germs, contributing to a healthier home environment.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Wash Bedding and Toys: Launder your dog’s bedding, blankets, and soft toys at least once a week to eliminate odours and bacteria. Use a pet-safe detergent and ensure items are thoroughly dried before use to prevent mould and mildew.
Mop Floors: Use a pet-safe floor cleaner to mop hard floors, focusing on areas where your dog spends the most time. Regular mopping removes dust, hair, and allergens that accumulate on the floor, keeping it clean and safe for both you and your pet.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery: Use a carpet cleaner or hire professional cleaning services to deep clean carpets and upholstery. This helps remove embedded pet hair and stains, ensuring that your home remains fresh and inviting.
Check and Replace Air Filters: Clean or replace air filters in your home to reduce pet dander and improve air quality. This is especially important if anyone in the household has allergies or respiratory issues.
Manage Shedding and Grooming
Regular Grooming
Brush Your Dog: Depending on the breed, brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding. Long-haired breeds like Australian Shepherds and Shih Tzus may need daily brushing, while short-haired breeds can be brushed weekly. Regular brushing not only keeps your dog’s coat healthy but also minimises the amount of loose fur in your home.
Bathing: Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks using a gentle, pet-safe shampoo to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding. Regular bathing helps to remove dirt and dander from your dog’s skin and fur, contributing to a cleaner home environment.
Grooming Tools
Deshedding Tools: Use deshedding tools like a Furminator to remove loose fur before it falls off and spreads around the house. These tools are designed to reach the undercoat and remove hair that would otherwise end up on your floors and furniture.
Nail Trimming: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent scratches on floors and furniture. Regular nail trimming also reduces the risk of your dog getting injured or developing joint issues due to overgrown nails.
Control Odours
Air Purifiers: Invest in a good-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to help reduce pet odours and dander in the air. An air purifier can make a significant difference in the overall air quality in your home, making it more pleasant for both you and your dog.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to neutralise odours. Baking soda is a natural odour absorber and can help keep your home smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.
Washable Rugs and Covers: Use washable rugs and furniture covers that can be easily cleaned to manage and reduce odours. Regularly washing these items ensures that any lingering smells are removed, keeping your home fresh and clean.
Designate Dog-Free Zones
Create Boundaries: Establish certain areas of your home as dog-free zones, such as bedrooms or formal living areas, to keep some spaces clean and hair-free. This not only helps with cleanliness but also provides a quiet space for relaxation away from your pets.
Use Baby Gates: Install baby gates to keep dogs out of specific rooms or areas, especially those with delicate furniture or decorations. Baby gates are a simple and effective way to manage your dog’s access to different parts of your home.
Preventative Measures
Outdoor Cleaning Station: Set up an outdoor cleaning station with a hose, towels, and pet-friendly shampoo to clean your dog before they enter the house after playtime or walks. This helps to keep dirt and debris outside, reducing the amount of cleaning needed indoors.
Regular Vet Visits: Keep up with regular vet visits to ensure your dog is healthy and free from conditions that might cause excessive shedding or odours. A healthy dog is less likely to have skin issues or other problems that contribute to a messy home.
Diet and Nutrition: Feed your dog a high-quality diet to promote a healthy coat and skin, which can reduce shedding and dander. Good nutrition is essential for maintaining your dog’s overall health and can significantly impact their grooming needs.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean house when you have dogs may seem daunting, but with the right approach and mindset, it is entirely achievable. By integrating our tips into your daily routine, you can create a living space that is both welcoming and clean. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a comfortable home and the joy of having your beloved dog by your side.
