How to keep a house clean, with dogs.
I know you love your dog, but you love your house too, right? Here is my quick guide on How to keep a house clean, with dogs.
** Some of the links used are affiliate links and I may, or may not, receive a small commission to spend on dog treats, at no extra cost to you. **
I love my dogs, but I also love a clean smelling home. The āeau de dog odourā from my 2 Boxer dogs is not the scent I want to hit people when they enter my living space.
Ā
Nor do I want to spend hours a day cleaning. I havenāt got the time, nor the inclination, to do that.
Ā
Luckily, over the years Iāve tried and tested quite a few things. Some lit, some shit.
Ā
Iāve kept the lit ones, and Iām sharing the best of what I know, love and use, with you, so that you also know How to keep a house clean, with dogs.
Ā
And if it works with dogs, youāll find it covers most pets!
Transform your daily walks and restore peace at home with our dog training membership. Learn to understand your dog’s language and strengthen your bond for a happier, calmer life together.
I know ā why not start with the perpetrator of the crime, the dogs! But I have a whole blog coming soon. It will include getting your dogs paws clean, before they walk over the flooring!
Hardwood floors are the easiest to keep clean, I love a quick sweep around with theĀ rubber broom. Then I whack on theĀ Shark Steam & Scrub. Quick and easy, done and hygienic in a matter of minutes. The āspin and steamā rotating heads get into the grooves of wooden floor and tiles, making this the cleaning mop I will never be without. Although itās no good for spillages or puppy pee sessions
Carpets are a bit more hassle. Although I prefer carpets in the main living room, as itās better for the dogs to play on. There is less risk of the dogs slipping on carpet. It can become quite hard to keep them looking and smelling great. Vacuum regularly -yes, I know Iām stating the obvious here, but itās not just dog hair you that are picking up. Itās the dander, and this is the number one culprit for allergies.
Ā
I used to love a brand of vacuum that started doing expensive hairdryers, and I still love the hairdryer! But I tried theĀ Shark Lift-Away with Anti-Allergen seals, and I am āsucked inā! It āwonā the test against the other brand, in my living room anyway.
Ā
Once a week I clean the carpets with bicarbonate of soda. Before you do the whole carpet, make sure to do a patch test, in a hidden corner.
Ā
After vacuuming I sprinkle the carpet withĀ bicarbonate of soda, and I brush it in. This is where the rubber broom comes in handy again. Leave the bicarbonate for 20 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Ā
Bicarbonate of soda breaks down enzymes, and is often the main ingredient in puppy products. It breaks down the urine scent and just doesnāt mask it like normal household cleaners, and at a fraction of the price. Once you have vacuumed it up, youāll notice how much better your room smells.
I also have an upright carpet cleaner and this is invaluable for keeping the carpets fresh and clean. They are a god send. After using many different brands Iāve settled on thisĀ Vax Platinum Power MaxĀ for the past 6 years. Although I donāt use their recommended solution. Instead, I use thisĀ Dirtbusters Pet Carpet CleanerĀ solution, which is just as good, but much more cost effective.
Transform your daily walks and restore peace at home with our dog training membership. Learn to understand your dog’s language and strengthen your bond for a happier, calmer life together.
For stubborn stains, I use white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and a touch of washing liquid. I then mix with water in aĀ spray bottle. I also use these bottles to spray my own, homemade freshener on soft furnishing and in the car.
Staircases and cars are a slightly different matter, and I use a lint remover on these. Now, donāt faint when you see the amount of hair this picks up, even after you have vacuumed.
I sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda, and rub it in with the lint remover. Then I vacuum it back up. Quick and easy, but with incredible results.
Oh, and remember all those stinky dog harnesses and collars you have in a bag in the cupboard? Give them a quick wash and when they have dried, put an unopened bar of scented soap in the bag. The scent will take hold leaving, the dog attire smelling better for longer. I love thisĀ lavender scented soapĀ for the relaxing properties it has, and it will chill my dogs out, even more.
Ā
Transform your daily walks and restore peace at home with our dog training membership. Learn to understand your dog’s language and strengthen your bond for a happier, calmer life together.
