20 Clever Ideas to Keep Your House Clean When Living with Dogs
Living with a dog brings joy and companionship, but it also means dealing with fur, dirt, and occasional messes. Keeping your home clean when you have a dog can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are 20 clever ideas to help you maintain a clean home while enjoying the company of your furry friend.

1. Pumice Stones for Hair Removal

Pumice stones aren’t just for exfoliating your skin—they’re also excellent for removing pet hair from carpets and fabric surfaces. Simply rub the pumice stone over the area, and it will gather the hair into clumps that you can easily pick up and discard.

2. Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are great for picking up pet hair from furniture and clothing. Wipe surfaces with a dryer sheet to remove hair and reduce static that attracts more fur.

3. DIY Dog Paw Cleaner

Create a simple paw cleaner using a container filled with water and a few drops of dog-safe shampoo. Dip your dog’s paws in and dry them with a towel before they enter the house. This will prevent dirt and mud from being tracked inside.

4. Old Socks as Paw Mittens

Repurpose old socks as temporary paw covers when your dog comes inside. Slip them over your dog’s paws to prevent dirt from spreading throughout the house. They’re easy to wash and reuse.

5. Baby Wipes

Keep pet-safe baby wipes by the door for quick paw clean-ups after walks. They’re gentle on your dog’s skin and effective at removing dirt and mud.

6. Pet Hair Velcro

Wrap Velcro strips around a paint roller to create a DIY pet hair remover. Roll it over fabric surfaces to pick up fur. The Velcro grabs the hair and makes it easy to remove.

7. Rubber Broom

A rubber broom is more effective than a traditional broom for gathering pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The rubber bristles attract and collect fur, making it easier to clean up.

8. Silicone Baking Mats

Place silicone baking mats under pet food and water bowls to catch spills and make clean-up easier. They’re easy to wash and keep the feeding area tidy.

9. Coconut Oil for Paws

Rub a small amount of coconut oil on your dog’s paws to clean and moisturize them. Coconut oil helps remove dirt and prevents dry, cracked paws.

10. Mouthwash in Mopping Water

Add a splash of pet-safe mouthwash to your mopping water to help eliminate pet odors. The mouthwash will leave your floors clean and smelling fresh.

11. Baking Soda in Carpets

Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum to remove odors and pet hair more effectively. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and helps freshen up your carpets.

12. Pet-Safe Essential Oils

Use a few drops of pet-safe essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus in your cleaning solutions to naturally deodorize your home. Essential oils can help neutralize pet odors and leave your home smelling pleasant.

13. DIY Doggie Perfume

Mix water with a few drops of pet-safe essential oil and spray lightly on your dog’s fur to keep them smelling fresh between baths. This homemade doggie perfume is safe and pleasant for both you and your pet.

14. Reusable Pet Hair Removers

Invest in reusable silicone pet hair removers that you can wash and reuse instead of disposable lint rollers. These tools are environmentally friendly and effective at picking up pet hair from various surfaces.

15. Cedar Chips

Place cedar chips in pet bedding to naturally repel fleas and keep bedding smelling fresh. Cedar chips are a natural alternative to chemical treatments and help maintain a clean sleeping area for your dog.

16. Vinegar and Water Spray

Create a 50/50 vinegar and water spray to clean surfaces and neutralize pet odors. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that is safe to use around pets.

17. Dog-Safe Carpet Powder

Make your own carpet powder with baking soda and a few drops of pet-safe essential oils. Sprinkle it on your carpets, let it sit for a while, and then vacuum. This homemade powder will freshen up your carpets and remove odors.

18. Pet Grooming Vacuum Attachments

Use vacuum attachments designed for grooming to remove loose fur directly from your dog before it falls off. These attachments make grooming easier and help keep your home fur-free.

19. Shaving Cream for Carpet Stains

Plain, unscented shaving cream is excellent for removing pet stains from carpets. Apply the shaving cream to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot and rinse with water. It works wonders on stubborn stains.

20. Pet Hair Magnet

Rub a rubber glove dipped in water over upholstery to attract and remove pet hair. The damp glove creates static that pulls hair from fabric surfaces, making it easy to clean up.

Conclusion

Living with a dog doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a clean home. By incorporating these 20 clever ideas into your cleaning routine, you can enjoy the company of your furry friend while maintaining a tidy and fresh living space. From innovative tools to simple DIY solutions, these hacks will help you stay on top of pet-related messes and keep your home looking its best. Remember, a clean home is a happy home—for both you and your dog.

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