How to Keep a Home with Pets Clean

Last updated September 7, 2023
Pets are a furry extension of our family. Unfortunately, with all that fur comes a bit of a mess. Learn how to keep a home with pets clean, so you’re always ready for guests. While vacuuming and dusting are absolute essentials, there are a few of other tricks that will make your life easier.
Table of Contents
Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Establish a Regular Bath Time
Choose Pet-Friendly Furnishings
Keep the Air Fresh
Keep Lint Rollers On-Hand
Keep Toys Stored in a Basket
Vacuum and Dust Regularly

When you have a home with pets, invest in a quality vacuum designed to handle that extra hair without clogging. Make it a habit to vacuum the home daily or every other day.
This chore is virtually effortless when you invest in a robot vacuum designed for homes with pets. Simply turn it on and watch it go to work. Some brands even offer the ability to control the unit remotely, which means you can turn it on at any time from anywhere.
Not all the pet hair will end up on the floor. Tackle the hair that settles on shelves and tables by making it a habit to dust flat surfaces regularly.
Establish a Regular Bath Time

Tackling the shedding alone isn’t enough. Get to the root of the issue by giving your furry friends regular baths. This will help control the excess fur, and it’s also how to keep the house from smelling like a dog.
Make sure to give your pet a thorough brushing after the bath to get rid of any extra fur that is stuck in their coat. This is especially important for keeping a house clean with multiple dogs.
Choose Pet-Friendly Furnishings

When it comes to furnishing the home, picking pet-friendly fabrics is key. Anything with a thicker texture will grip onto pet hair and make it hard to remove. Instead, opt for more pet-friendly fabric solutions. Leather sofas and chairs are among the best options for pets because they are easy to wipe clean.
Just make sure to keep your pet's nails trimmed so they don't scratch the surface.
If you do have fabric upholstery, consider laying a cover or blanket where your pet likes to sit to help keep the furniture protected. The blanket and cover are easy to throw in the washer and dryer when needed.
Keep the Air Fresh

Sometimes your home starts to smell more like your pet than like your house. Maintain air quality by changing the air filter in your a/c unit. Als make sure to clean the air conditioner intake regularly.
Keep your home smelling clean and fresh by airing it out regularly with open windows. You can also keep air fresheners throughout the home. If you are out of air fresheners, try burning a candle for twenty minutes before guests arrive.
Tip: Invest in a quality air purifier to cleanse the air throughout the day.
Keep Lint Rollers On-Hand

When you have a home with pets, the hair will be a constant battle. Keep plenty of lint rollers on-hand for those last-minute clean-ups. Storing a lint roller in your car is a great way to maintain the upholstery after trips to the vet or dog park.
Keep Toys Stored in a Basket

Most pets have toys that keep them engaged throughout the day. When those toys are scattered around the floor, it is easy for the house to look messy. Contain the clutter while still offering easy access for your pooch by keeping an open basket nearby for toy storage.
Keep Nails Trimmed

Long nails can tear up floors and furnishings. Keep your home looking like new by making sure to trim all nails regularly. Make sure to file the sharp edges after clipping to help prevent those scratches and gauges.
Wipe Down Walls

Cats and other pets have a tendency to walk around and rub up against the walls. Learn how to keep walls clean with dogs and cats with routine scouring sessions. Use a bit of dish soap and warm water with a damp sponge to wipe down any dirt left behind where they rubbed.
Wipe Paws Clean After Walks

Long walks are a great bonding opportunity with your pet, but they are also an opportunity to bring dirt and mess into the home. Keep your home clean by placing a top-quality welcome mat outside the front door.
If you come in through the garage or laundry room, consider keeping an old towel hanging on a hook nearby. Use the towel to wipe down their paws before they come back in your home.
Use a Placemat

Use a large rubber placemat or small rubber welcome mat under your pet’s dishes to provide a layer of protection for your floors. This can also keep the area looking clean and tidy. When the placemat gets dirty, it is easy to give it a quick wash in the sink.
Your pet is a part of your family. Give them a home they can feel welcome in while maintaining cleanliness by adding a few simple chores to your routine. None of these house cleaning tips for pet owners are too time-consuming, and all of them will help make sure your home is just as fresh as a home without pets.
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