Home Cleaning Tip for Dog Owners

The Paw-fectly Clean Home: Tackling Dog Hair and Dirt Like a Pro.

Ah, the joy of a furry companion! Dogs bring so much love, laughter, and slobbery kisses into our lives. But let’s be honest, they also bring hair… lots of it! And mud, and dust, and whatever else they manage to track in from those walks.

Keeping a clean home with a dog can feel like an endless battle, but with the right strategies, you can minimise the mess and maximise your time snuggling with your best friend. Let Nest Cleaners Brisbane walk you through it.

How to Make Your Home Smell Amazing Naturally

Understanding the Enemy: Pet Hair and Its Allies (Dirt & Dander)

Before we arm ourselves, let’s understand what we’re up against:

• Pet Hair: The most obvious culprit. Different breeds shed differently, but almost all dogs shed year-round, with seasonal peaks. It gets everywhere – on furniture, clothes, and especially embedded in carpets and on hard floors.
• Pet Dander: Tiny flecks of skin shed by animals. It’s often microscopic but can cause allergies and adds to dust buildup.
• Dirt & Mud: Those fun romps in our beautiful parks mean mud and dirt inevitably make their way indoors.
• Odour: Over time, pet dander, dirt, and even saliva can contribute to a “dog smell” in your home.

The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Home Cleaning Strategy:

It’s all about consistency, the right tools, and a bit of preventative magic!

1. Grooming: Your First Line of Defense (and Love!)

This is hands down the most effective way to reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your floors and furniture.

• Regular Brushing: Brush your dog daily, or at least several times a week, especially if they are heavy shedder (like a Golden Retriever or Labrador). Do this outdoors if possible, or in an easy-to-clean area like a tiled laundry room.
  • Tools Matter: Invest in a good quality deshedding tool (like a Furminator for double-coated breeds) or a slicker brush, depending on your dog’s coat type.
• Bathing: Regular baths (as often as recommended for your breed, usually every 4-6 weeks) help remove loose hair, dirt, and dander. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
• Professional Grooming: Consider professional grooming every few months, especially for breeds that require trimming. Groomers have specialized tools and techniques for managing shedding.

2. Flooring Focus: Conquering the Hair Highway

Your floors are ground zero for dog hair. Here’s how to keep them pristine:

• Invest in a Quality Vacuum:
  • For Carpets: A powerful vacuum specifically designed for pet hair is a game-changer. Look for models with strong suction, a brush roll that won’t tangle easily, and good filtration (HEPA filters are excellent for trapping dander and allergens). Consider stick vacuums for quick daily clean-ups and a stronger upright or canister for deeper weekly cleans.
  • For Hard Floors (Timber, Tiles, Laminate): A vacuum with a “bare floor” setting or a soft brush roll is ideal to prevent scratching. Robot vacuums (like Roombas with pet-specific features) are fantastic for daily maintenance, autonomously picking up loose hair while you’re out enjoying the sunshine.
• Mop Smartly (Hard Floors):
  • Before Mopping, Vacuum! Always vacuum or sweep thoroughly before mopping. Wet hair clumps and smears, making more mess.
  • Pet-Safe Cleaners: Use pet-safe floor cleaners. Diluted white vinegar is a fantastic natural option, effective against odors and dirt without harsh chemicals. For tougher grime, ensure any commercial cleaner explicitly states it’s safe for pets.
  • Microfiber Mops: These are excellent for trapping dirt and hair.
• Rug & Mat Maintenance:
  • Washable Rugs: Opt for smaller rugs that can be easily thrown in the washing machine.
  • Entryway Mats: Place sturdy, absorbent mats at all entry points to trap dirt from those muddy paws before it spreads.

3. Furniture & Fabric Patrol: Lint Rollers are Your Best Friend

• Regular Vacuuming: Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to vacuum furniture, dog beds, and even curtains regularly.
• Lint Rollers: Keep lint rollers in high-traffic areas and by the door for quick touch-ups before you head out.
• Rubber Gloves/Squeegees: A dry rubber glove or a window squeegee can surprisingly effective at pulling pet hair off upholstery and carpets. Just swipe and watch the hair gather!
• Washable Covers: If possible, use washable slipcovers on couches and pet beds.
• Designated Dog Beds: Encourage your dog to sleep on their own bed, ideally with removable, washable covers.

4. Odour Control: Freshening Up Your Home

• Air Filters: Regularly change your HVAC filters. Consider filters specifically designed for pet owners.
• Air Purifiers: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce airborne pet dander and odors.
• Natural Deodorizers:
  • Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes (or longer) to absorb odors, then vacuum thoroughly.
  • Ventilation: Open windows regularly to air out your home, especially after cleaning or during good weather. Fresh air is perfect for this!
• Wash Pet Bedding: Wash all pet bedding weekly or bi-weekly.

5. Spot Cleaning: Accidents Happen!

Even the best-trained dogs have accidents.

• Act Quickly: The faster you address a pet stain, the easier it is to remove.
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot up liquids with a clean cloth or paper towels. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into fibres.
• Enzymatic Cleaners: For urine or vomit, use an enzymatic pet cleaner. These break down the organic matter that causes odors and stains, preventing your dog from being attracted back to the same spot.
• Vinegar Solution: For general dirt marks, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can work wonders.

Making it a Routine: Consistency is Key

The secret to a clean home with a dog isn’t one massive cleaning spree, but consistent, smaller efforts:

• Daily: Quick vacuum of high-traffic areas, brush your dog, wipe paws at the door.
• Weekly: Thorough vacuuming, mopping hard floors, washing pet bedding.
• Monthly/Bi-Monthly: Deep clean carpets, wash curtains/slipcovers, professional grooming.

Living with a dog means embracing a little bit of fur and dirt, but by implementing these strategies, you can keep your  home feeling fresh, clean, and a wonderful sanctuary for both you and your beloved canine companion. Now, go enjoy that clean floor with a happy wagging tail!

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Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning try our cleaning service. Our one-off cleaning can help out by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for a more regular domestic cleaning service. We also provide apartment cleaning, bond cleaning, pre-sale cleaning, carpet cleaning and many other cleaning services in Brisbane.

If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!

BOOK NOW:       Call 0438 079 996 OR Online Estimate with Nest Cleaning in Brisbane, Australia