How to Keep House Clean with Dogs [7 Easy Daily Habits]

 

Keeping your house clean with dogs can feel like an uphill battle. Between the shedding fur, muddy paw prints, and occasional accidents, maintaining a spotless home while sharing it with furry companions presents unique challenges. However, with the right approach and consistent habits, it’s entirely possible to enjoy both a clean house and the companionship of your four-legged friends.

At SuperClean SG, we understand the special cleaning needs of pet owners. Many of our clients with dogs struggle to maintain cleanliness between professional cleaning appointments. That’s why we’ve compiled these 7 easy daily habits that can transform your cleaning routine and help you maintain a fresh, hygienic home environment—regardless of how many pups you have running around.

These practical strategies don’t require hours of work or expensive equipment—just consistent application of smart cleaning practices designed specifically for dog owners. Let’s explore how you can keep your house clean with dogs without spending all your free time with a vacuum in hand.

Understanding the Challenge: Dogs and Home Cleanliness

Before diving into our daily habits, it’s important to understand why keeping a house clean with dogs requires a specialized approach. Dogs bring several cleaning challenges that don’t exist in pet-free homes:

Shedding: Most dogs shed year-round, with seasonal increases during spring and fall. This fur can embed in carpets, furniture, and even collect in corners and under furniture.

Outdoor elements: Dogs bring in dirt, mud, grass, and other outdoor debris on their paws and coats after walks or backyard playtime.

Saliva and dander: These can accumulate on toys, bedding, and furniture, potentially triggering allergies and creating odors.

Accidents and stains: Even well-trained dogs occasionally have accidents or get sick, requiring prompt cleaning to prevent staining and odors.

Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward developing effective strategies to keep your house clean with dogs. Now, let’s explore the daily habits that can make a significant difference.

Daily Habit 1: Create a Dog Cleaning Station

One of the most effective ways to keep your house clean with dogs is to prevent dirt from entering your home in the first place. Setting up a dedicated dog cleaning station near your main entrance can dramatically reduce the amount of outdoor debris your pet brings inside.

What You’ll Need:

Your cleaning station should include:

• A small basket or container for dog-specific towels
• A doormat with absorbent properties inside and a scraper mat outside
• Paw cleaning cups or a shallow basin for muddy days
• A hook for leashes and a small shelf for dog wipes
• A waterproof mat underneath everything

The Daily Routine:

Each time your dog returns from outside, take a moment to:

1. Wipe down all four paws thoroughly

2. Quickly run a towel over their coat if they’ve been in wet conditions

3. Check for any mud or debris on their undersides

This 30-second routine can save you hours of cleaning later and significantly reduces the amount of dirt entering your living spaces. For particularly muddy adventures, consider using your dog cleaning station for a quick rinse of your pet’s paws with lukewarm water before they enter the main areas of your home.

Professional tip: If you’re renovating or designing a new home, consider incorporating a dedicated pet washing station in your mud room or laundry area. This investment can make keeping your house clean with dogs substantially easier in the long run.

Daily Habit 2: Establish a Regular Grooming Routine

Regular grooming is perhaps the most impactful habit for keeping your house clean with dogs. By managing shedding at the source, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of fur that ends up on your floors and furniture.

Daily Brushing:

Spend 5-10 minutes each day brushing your dog, preferably outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area like a bathroom. This simple habit can remove loose fur before it has a chance to shed around your home. The type of brush you need depends on your dog’s coat type:

For short-haired dogs: Use a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt to loosen dead hair.

For medium to long-haired dogs: Use an undercoat rake followed by a slicker brush to remove loose undercoat and smooth the topcoat.

For wool-coated or non-shedding breeds: Use a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent matting.

Bath Schedule:

Establish a regular bathing schedule appropriate for your dog’s breed and activity level. Most dogs benefit from a bath every 4-6 weeks, though this varies based on their coat type and lifestyle. Regular bathing with appropriate dog shampoo removes dander, outdoor allergens, and excess oils that can contribute to pet odors in your home.

Between full baths, keep dog-specific wet wipes on hand for quick clean-ups after muddy walks or park visits. These are especially useful for wiping down areas that tend to collect dirt, like bellies and paws.

If bathing your dog at home is challenging, consider scheduling regular appointments with a professional groomer. The investment pays off in reduced cleaning time and a cleaner home overall.

Daily Habit 3: Implement Strategic Vacuuming

When you’re trying to keep your house clean with dogs, your vacuum becomes your most valuable tool. However, it’s not just about vacuuming more frequently—it’s about vacuuming strategically.

Choose the Right Equipment:

Invest in a vacuum specifically designed for pet hair. These specialized vacuums typically feature:

• Stronger suction to pull embedded hair from carpets
• HEPA filters to trap dander and allergens
• Specialized attachments for furniture and crevices
• Tangle-free brush rolls that prevent hair from clogging the mechanism

For homes with primarily hard flooring, consider adding a microfiber dust mop to your daily routine for quick fur pickup between vacuum sessions.

Develop a Rotation System:

Rather than trying to vacuum your entire home daily (which isn’t realistic for most people), develop a rotation system:

1. Daily: Quick vacuum of high-traffic areas and your dog’s favorite lounging spots

2. Every other day: Vacuum furniture and pet bedding

3. Twice weekly: Complete vacuum of all flooring

4. Weekly: Move furniture to vacuum underneath and use attachments for baseboards and corners

This approach ensures you’re addressing the areas that accumulate the most pet hair without becoming overwhelmed by trying to deep-clean your entire home every day.

If managing regular vacuuming becomes challenging, consider investing in a robot vacuum that can run daily while you’re at work. Many newer models are specifically designed to handle pet hair and can be programmed to focus on high-shedding areas.

For particularly challenging situations or during heavy shedding seasons, professional deep cleaning services can provide a thorough baseline cleaning that makes your daily maintenance much more manageable.

Daily Habit 4: Protect Your Furniture

Many dog owners struggle with keeping furniture clean and free from pet hair. A proactive approach to furniture protection can significantly reduce cleaning time and extend the life of your furnishings.

Use Washable Covers:

Invest in washable, pet-friendly furniture covers for couches, chairs, and beds that your dog frequents. Options include:

Slipcovers: Available in various materials and styles, these completely encase furniture and can be removed for washing.

Throw blankets: Less comprehensive than slipcovers but easier to change daily. Keep several on rotation so you always have a clean option available.

Waterproof covers: Particularly valuable for puppies or senior dogs prone to accidents.

The key is selecting covers in materials that resist pet hair and are easy to launder. Microfiber, canvas, and certain synthetic blends work well for this purpose.

Daily Maintenance:

Incorporate these quick furniture-cleaning habits into your daily routine:

1. Shake out throw blankets outdoors each morning

2. Keep a lint roller near furniture for quick touch-ups before guests arrive

3. Use a damp rubber glove to quickly collect hair from upholstery

4. Rotate and wash pet bedding weekly to reduce odors and dander

Consider designating certain furniture as off-limits to your dog if maintaining completely hair-free areas is important to you. Consistent training and providing attractive alternative resting spots for your dog can make this boundary sustainable.

For deeper cleaning needs, professional sofa cleaning services can remove embedded pet hair, dander, and odors that home cleaning methods might miss.

Daily Habit 5: Maintain Fresh Air Quality

Dog odors can accumulate gradually, often becoming noticeable to visitors before the home’s residents detect them. Maintaining good air quality is an essential component of keeping your house clean with dogs.

Daily Air Refreshing Routine:

Incorporate these practices into your daily schedule:

Morning ventilation: Open windows for 15-20 minutes each morning to exchange stale air with fresh outdoor air, even in colder months.

Filter maintenance: Change HVAC filters monthly instead of the standard 3-month recommendation when you have pets. Consider upgrading to HEPA filters specifically designed to capture pet dander.

Natural deodorizers: Place small bowls of baking soda in discreet locations to absorb odors. Replace weekly for maximum effectiveness.

Odor-Prone Areas:

Pay special attention to these common sources of pet odors:

1. Pet bedding: Wash weekly with an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet odors

2. Soft furnishings: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly

3. Dog toys: Rotate and wash regularly, discarding any that cannot be properly cleaned

4. Air purifiers: Consider placing air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where your dog spends most time

Avoid masking odors with heavily scented products, which can irritate both human and canine respiratory systems. Instead, address the source of odors through regular cleaning and maintenance.

For persistent odor issues, particularly in carpets and upholstery, professional carpet cleaning and deep cleaning services can remove embedded odors that regular cleaning might not eliminate.

Daily Habit 6: Clean Up Accidents Immediately

Even the best-trained dogs occasionally have accidents or get sick. How quickly and thoroughly you address these incidents significantly impacts your ability to keep your house clean with dogs.

Quick Response Kit:

Prepare an accident response kit that includes:

• Absorbent paper towels or cloths
• Enzymatic pet stain and odor remover
• Rubber gloves
• Disposal bags
• Carpet spot cleaner for solid surfaces

Keep this kit in an easily accessible location so you can respond immediately when accidents occur.

Effective Cleaning Process:

Follow this process for effective accident cleanup:

1. Blot (don’t rub) liquid accidents with absorbent materials to remove as much moisture as possible

2. For solid waste, carefully remove using gloves and disposable materials

3. Apply an enzymatic cleaner specifically formulated for pet accidents—these break down organic material rather than just masking odors

4. Allow the enzymatic cleaner to work according to package directions (usually 10-15 minutes)

5. Blot again to remove excess moisture

6. For carpets, consider using a carpet spot cleaner after the enzymatic treatment has dried

The enzymatic treatment is crucial because dogs can detect residual scent even after the visible stain is gone. If they can smell previous accidents, they’re more likely to re-mark the same area.

For persistent accidents in the same area or deeply set stains, consider consulting with professional carpet cleaning specialists who have experience with pet-related issues.

Daily Habit 7: Schedule Deep Cleaning Sessions

While daily maintenance is essential for keeping your house clean with dogs, regular deep cleaning prevents the gradual accumulation of hair, dander, and odors in areas not addressed by daily cleaning.

Weekly Deep Cleaning Tasks:

Set aside time each week for these more intensive cleaning tasks:

1. Wash all pet bedding and fabric toys

2. Move furniture to vacuum underneath and in corners

3. Clean baseboards where pet hair accumulates

4. Dust ceiling fans and other high surfaces where dander settles

5. Mop all hard floors with a pet-safe cleaner

6. Clean air vents and replace filters as needed

Monthly Deep Cleaning:

Once a month, extend your cleaning to include:

1. Washing walls in high-traffic areas where dogs may rub against them

2. Cleaning behind appliances where hair can accumulate

3. Washing window treatments that may trap pet hair and dander

4. Treating carpets with a pet-odor neutralizing powder before vacuuming

5. Deep cleaning pet toys and accessories

Consider creating a cleaning calendar to track these tasks and ensure none are overlooked. Breaking them down into manageable sessions prevents cleaning from becoming overwhelming.

For busy households or during particularly challenging periods (like seasonal shedding or after a dog has been ill), professional home cleaning services can provide thorough deep cleaning that addresses pet-specific concerns. Many dog owners find that scheduling quarterly professional deep cleans helps maintain a consistently clean home environment with less daily effort.

Additional Tips for Dog-Friendly Homes

Beyond our seven daily habits, these additional strategies can help you keep your house clean with dogs:

Smart Home Design Choices:

If you’re in a position to make changes to your home, consider these dog-friendly design elements:

Flooring: Opt for hard surfaces like luxury vinyl planks, tile, or hardwood with a durable finish rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. These surfaces don’t trap hair and are easier to clean.

Furniture: Choose furniture with removable, washable covers or leather/pleather options that can be wiped clean.

Paint: Select washable, scrubbable paint finishes for walls, especially in areas where your dog spends most time.

Storage: Incorporate dedicated storage for dog supplies to keep them organized and accessible.

Cleaning Products:

Be mindful of cleaning product safety when you have dogs:

1. Use pet-safe cleaning products, especially on floors and surfaces your dog may lick or touch frequently

2. Store cleaning supplies securely out of reach

3. Allow surfaces to dry completely before allowing pet access after cleaning

4. Consider natural cleaning alternatives like vinegar and water solutions for everyday cleaning

Remember that maintaining a perfectly spotless home while living with dogs may not be realistic 100% of the time. The goal is to find a balance that keeps your home clean and comfortable without creating stress for either you or your pet.

For homes with multiple dogs or particularly challenging situations, weekly home cleaning services can provide consistent support in maintaining a clean environment.

Conclusion: Enjoying a Clean Home with Your Furry Friend

Keeping your house clean with dogs doesn’t require extraordinary effort—just consistent application of these seven daily habits. By creating a dog cleaning station, maintaining a regular grooming routine, implementing strategic vacuuming, protecting your furniture, maintaining fresh air quality, addressing accidents immediately, and scheduling regular deep cleaning, you can significantly reduce the cleaning challenges that come with dog ownership.

Remember that consistency is key. Small daily actions are much more effective than occasional intensive cleaning marathons. By incorporating these habits into your routine, they’ll soon become second nature, allowing you to enjoy both your clean home and the companionship of your canine friend without feeling overwhelmed by cleaning demands.

For those times when you need additional support—whether during shedding season, after a particularly muddy adventure, or just to establish a clean baseline—professional cleaning services can provide the deep, thorough cleaning that complements your daily efforts.

With these strategies in place, you can maintain a home that’s clean, fresh, and welcoming—for both human and canine family members.