Keep them off the furniture (yeah, right!)
There are some people who try to keep their dogs off their sofas and chairs (good luck with that one!). But if you are a pushover when it comes to your furry bestie, try covering your sofa/chairs with a blanket, sheet or throw. Then you can toss it in the washing machine on a regular basis and your furniture will last longer and smell better.
Also make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed regularly if you have wooden or laminate floors. If they get too long, you could end up with scratch marks everywhere.
Keep out the dirt
Put a mat outside and inside every door your dog uses. The outside one helps catch dirt and mud from their paws, while the inside one acts as a backup. Choose mats that are washable or easy to shake out.
You can also:
- Keep an old towel next to the door for a quick wipe of paws after being outdoors.
- Stash baby wipes, pet-specific wipes or even just a damp flannel in a basket near the door to keep out the dirt and mud.
Cleaning
No matter how careful you are, there will be some grime that makes it indoors. It’s a good idea to keep a stain-cleaning kit on hand. Gather a few items together in a caddy and just grab it whenever you spot a stain (or an unfortunate accident!).
You could add:
- Carpet cleaner
- Stain remover
- Air freshener
- Cloths & sponges
You can also try using:
Shaving foam – simply spray the stain, let it sit and foam for a minute, and then wipe with warm water (make sure you spot-test first).
- Sodium bi-carb – use as a deodoriser around your home. Just sprinkle on carpets or fabrics (including the dog bed), leave for 15–30 minutes and then vacuum.
- Remove pet smells from your home
Keep the dog hair under control
- Give your dog a good brush often – the hair is better in a brush than all over your house!
- Bathe your dog regularly. See doggy bath time tips.
- Vacuum regularly.
- A lint roller is a great way to remove any dog hair from curtains, upholstery, lampshades etc. It’s a great idea to keep one in each room to tackle any stray hair straight away.
You could also use:
- Dryer sheets – the hair will cling to them.
- Rubber gloves – pop on a pair and rub them over any hair-covered furniture.
- Window squeegee – run it over your upholstery or carpet and the hair will come away into a big ball of fluff!
Use your dishwasher
You can wash more than human dishes in your dishwasher – it’s also perfect for:
- Ceramic or metal food and water bowls
- Hard rubber or plastic dog toys to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria
Use your washing machine
It’s best to clean your doggy items separate from your human items, but you can throw in:
- Doggy sofa blankets or throws
- Toys made of fabric
- Any fabric leads
- Winter outdoor coats
This will also keep everything smelling fresh and clean.
