House Cleaning Tips for Living With a Dog

For most of us, our dogs are a member of the family – which means they also often have full run of the house. And during the summer months when dogs are more likely to be outside playing, picking up dirt on their paws and shedding more, keeping the house clean is a challenge. While you may have to make some adjustments to keep your home clean, for dog lovers, the benefit of having your pet far outweighs the extra time you will spend cleaning up after him.

Listen To Your Dog
First, and foremost, a well-trained dog will let you know when he needs to be let outside to “do his business.” Your dog wants to please you, so learn to read his cues. Some dogs will bark, others will quietly stand near you and not move. Is your dog a frequent barker? If so, watch where he’s barking. If he’s standing by a door, he’s most likely trying to tell you he needs to be let out. Anticipating when your dog is asking to be let out will spare you unnecessary messes.

Preventive Maintenance
Keeping your dog clean will help prevent dirt, dander and hair build-up in your home, particularly in your carpet. Bathe your dog once a month and spray and wash his feet before he enters the house. Brush him daily –if weather permits, do your brushing outdoors. During shedding season in the spring and fall, you can even use a hand-held vacuum! Brushing daily also removes flaky skin and distributes natural oils through your dog’s coat, making your dog look and smell great.

Place washable towels on his bedding and other places he sleeps, and regularly launder the towels.  Vacuum frequently, ideally with a vacuum designed to lift pet hair. If your furniture has fabric upholstery, hair can be removed with a damp cloth or lint roller, by vacuuming with a hand-held vacuum or by using a pet-hair attachment on your vacuum. Air your cushions out (if the weather allows) by placing them on a clean sheet on your lawn.

In Case of Accidents
Elder dogs or those with health conditions may have more difficulty asking or remembering to be let out, so accidents can happen. When they do, wipe the problem up immediately using an enzyme-based cleaner to remove any odors. Your local pet store can help you find a good one. Even if you can’t smell the odor, your dog has a much keener sense of smell and can get confused into thinking the spot is a fine place to relieve himself.

For a quick clean-up solution, use a mix of one quart hot water, one teaspoon dish soap, and one teaspoon white vinegar. Spray or blot the area with towels and the mixture. Repeat after 15 minutes. Your home may smell like a salad for a short while, but the vinegar will neutralize any lingering odors. Baking soda will also rid your home of pet odors. Sprinkle it on your carpet and let it sit for a couple of house and vacuum. Your home will smell much fresher.

​Be sure schedule a deep carpet and upholstering cleaning once or twice a year to maintain that fresh smell and keep your home clean and healthy. Give us a call today!

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