How to Keep Your House Clean With Dogs, Including Floors | Pupford

One of the hardest parts of being a pup parent is trying to keep your house clean with dogs, including floors. Between the slobber, hair, muddy paws, and doggo smell (it's a love-hate relationship), there's lots to keep up with!

But really, keeping your home free of dog hair, mud, dirt, and drool is completely worth it when you come home to their wagging tail.

Here are some tips for keeping up with the messes your dog can create.

In this article, we'll cover the following 👇

• Dealing with dog hair and shedding
• Cleaning drool, dirt, etc.
• Preventing dirt, mud, snow, etc. getting tracked through the house
• Cleaning up water/food bowls and toys

Let's dive right in!

DOG SHEDDING: DEALING WITH DOG HAIR AROUND THE HOUSE

For many of us, the toughest part of keeping our house clean with dogs is their hair.

I have two Labs and a Puggle. It's raining hair all day, every day.

So here are some tips to deal with dog hair that help my home tremendously.

HOW YOU CAN HELP REDUCE SHEDDING

Remember, you can't stop shedding... But you can do things to help reduce shedding in your home!

• Brush your dog every day to get rid of loose fur. It’s a good idea to talk to your groomer about the best kind of brush for your dog’s fur type!
• Regular baths will keep shedding down. Make sure to consult your groomer or vet on how often you should bathe your pup based on their breed. Too many trips to the groomer/bath can be harmful to their skin! And be sure to use a shampoo that actually releases your dog's undercoat, meaning that after you brush them out after their bath they will shed much less! You can also try a dry shampoo for dogs for in-between baths.
• A high-quality diet is helpful to prevent shedding. Food and treats that are rich in Omega's can be very helpful in preventing shedding. PS- Learn about the benefits of Salmon for dogs here (hint- OMEGA's!)

Related Reading: How to Clean a Puppy Without Bathing

HOW TO CLEAN DOG HAIR AROUND THE HOUSE

There are many breeds of dogs that take shedding to a new level.

Even shorter hair dogs will leave some hair around the house as they naturally shed. Keeping your home free of dog hair is important for overall cleanliness as well as critical to those with allergies. (Speaking of allergies, learn about dogs getting allergies here.)

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Here are some quick tips to help you clean up after your shedding pup!

1. Cover furniture with blankets and washable covers. These covers are great for keeping on during times when you don’t have company and throwing quickly into the wash to get the drool and hair off of furniture.
2. Use these great hair-removing tools to clean floors, carpets, furniture, and more!
1. Dryer Sheets
2. Roll of Tape
3. Window Squeegee
4. Rubber Broom
3. Make sure to sweep up and vacuum regularly. After sweeping, dampen your floors (both carpet and hardwood) with a cloth before vacuuming. This will help get more of the hair and dirt up from the floor. (Totally unpaid promotion... getting a Roomba changed my life. Worth every penny.)

HOW TO GET DROOL STAINS OUT OF COUCH, AND OTHER PLACES IN THE HOME

There’s nothing better than watching your pup enjoy their favorite chew, rubber toy or treat.

But the aftermath is sometimes not as wonderful. Some dog chews leave residue on the floor or furniture.

Here are some tips on cleaning drool and residue stains. (PS- When using any type of cleaning product on a new surface, test in an inconspicuous area first.)

1. Don’t let the stain set! The oils and proteins in your dog’s drool can create a lasting spot on furniture that will be hard to remove. Try to clean as soon as you can!
2. Make one part vinegar and two parts hot water then add in a couple of drops of mild dish soap. This mixture will help loosen the spot and cut into the buildup. Wipe with the wet rag (make sure to not oversaturate the area, just wipe gently) and then wipe with a dry rag until dry and clean. You can also get an Enzymatic Cleaner that works deep below the surface to get to work on the deepest smells and stains.
3. For walls, floors, and baseboards, try a Magic Eraser and the Magic Eraser Mop. You can also use this on the stainless steel appliances including your refrigerator and even your garbage can! If you don’t have an eraser on hand, Windex can also work.
4. To clean microfiber couches and chairs, use rubbing alcohol mixed with water in a spray bottle and a non-colored sponge. Dry with a dry towel or rag after.
5. Using a soft-bristle brush on fabrics will help fluff them up and get out dried water stains and dirt. You can let it air dry or use a blow dryer if you’re in a hurry. 

HOW TO KEEP DOGS FROM TRACKING IN DIRT

During all seasons (and especially the winter’s wetter & colder months), your dog will track mud, dirt, and snow in from outside. And that makes keeping your house clean with dogs nearly impossible...

Well, let's make the impossible, possible (or at least close to it)!

Here are a few things you can do that will help keep your dogs from tracking in dirt:

• Carpet-free entrance for your dog. Area rugs are great for comfort and style but when it comes to keeping dirt and mud out of your home, stick to a carpet free area where your pup will enter the home (if possible).
• Trim leg hair, hair between their toes, and longer fur. Don’t fully remove hair since it’s necessary to provide protection but trimming will help keep your dog clean. Here are some tips on how to cut your dog’s hair with scissors.
• Keep an absorbent, dry towel by the door. Wipe your dog’s paws off when they come in from outside. 
• Disposable paw wipes are a pet parent’s best friend! Great for quick cleanups and mud removal. 
• Use booties on your dog’s paws when they go outside in the colder, muddier times of the year. Dog booties are designed to keep your pup’s paws protected from dirt, ice, and other elements that can get within their pads. Booties can also be an easy way to keep their paws neat and clean! Just pop them off when they return from outside, no wiping is required!

Related Reading: How to Clean Dog Paws

HOW TO CLEAN DOG TOYS & BOWLS

Is your fur baby a messy eater? Do they love bringing their favorite toys outside and back in?

While you love to see them happy, you also want to be sure that you steer clear of germs and bacteria that a dirty toy or a messy food area can bring!

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TIPS FOR CLEANING UP AROUND WATER/FOOD BOWL AREA:

• Use mats that stick to the floor and have a grip for the bowls so they don’t move
• Place the bowl in an elevated stand to avoid your dog tipping the bowl over *speak to your vet because some dogs should not be fed out of these types of stands to avoid bloat*
• Use a heavier, weighted bowl
• Fill only halfway or use a self-filling water bowl  
• Wash/sanitize your dog's water and food bowl at least once a week

HOW TO CLEAN DOG TOYS

Don’t allow the grime, bacteria, and germs to thrive on your dog's chew toys.

The toys your dog loves may travel inside and out and carry a ton of germs into your household.

Here are some quick tips on how to clean their favorite toys!

RUBBER TOYS

• Use antibacterial dish soap to hand wash toys with warm water. 
• Many rubber toys are dishwasher safe, check the packaging or search the internet for the toy name to find out! If you can put them into the dishwasher, run it on hot without soap and make sure they are completely dry before returning to your pup!
• Rinse toys with clean, cold water. Make sure to get excess water out and then air dry on top of a dry towel. 

ROPE TOYS

• Use a wire toothbrush or wire comb
• Wash in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, without detergent. 
• Put in the microwave to sanitize. This can get rid of bacteria, mold, germs, and yeast that are living on the toys. Run it for 1 minute but keep a close eye. 

STUFFED & FLUFFY TOYS

• Toys that are not machine washable can be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda. It should make a paste and you can brush the stuffed toy with a toothbrush in a circular motion until it’s clean from dirt. 
• After you scrub, put it into a plastic bag with dry baking soda and coat the toy then shake. 
• Take out of the bag and let it dry for about 15 minutes then shake off the excess baking soda and let the toy dry. 
• It will usually take about one or two days for the toy to dry. You can then wipe it with a towel and return to your pup!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN WITH DOGS RECAP

Keeping your house clean with dogs can be a lot easier than you think! Here is a quick recap of things you can do:

• Use a dog shampoo that helps reduce shedding
• Use easily removable and washable covers for furniture
• Use Magic Erasers to clean dirt and residue off baseboards and even the floor
• Use a cleaner that works deep below the surface to remove stains and odors
• Keep a towel by the door to dry off your dog (especially their paws) during the winter months
• Clean your dog's bowls at least weekly
• Sanitize and clean toys frequently

Do you have any go-to tips of your own for a clean house with pets that I missed? Let me know in the comments and I'll add it to this article.

PS- Check out some extra tips for getting rid of dog smell here!

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