Cleaning Your Home When You Own a Dog

There are millions of people that share their homes with a dog, since dogs are one of the most popular pet options today. Of course, while you may love your adorable pooch, they can leave a bit of mess in their wake. Odors and stains, not to mention hair, can be left behind. However, there are some cleaning tips that can help you to keep your home looking clean and smelling fresh. If you are sick of dealing with pet hair, odors, and more in your home, here is a look at some tips for cleaning your home when you own a dog.

In order to keep the doggie mess to a minimum, consider going with flooring surfaces that are going to be easy for you to clean. Consider options that will hold up, even with the nails of your dog on them. Tile is one great option that will hold up well and is easy to clean too.

Whenever there is a mess, make sure that you clean it up right away. When the mess is fresh, it is a lot easier for you to clean up and it probably won't leave a stain that is permanent if you get to it right away. Another important thing to remember is that you should not use a cleaner that is ammonia based on a dog mess, since these cleaners can make the mess smell more like urine. If urination in your home occurs, go with a dog odor neutralizer that is enzyme based to take care of any smell that may be left behind.

When you are cleaning, make sure that you focus on any place where there is an odor. Specifically clean areas where your dog plays and around their elevated dog feeders and ceramic dog bowls, since these areas can harbor smells. Make sure you clean in these areas a couple times each week for the best results. Use a product that will help eliminate odors and stains. Wait for a short bet, then vacuum the product up with a vacuum that is wet/dry.

When you are choosing carpet, make sure it is easy to clean. Don't go with carpets that have cotton or wool fibers. Synthetic carpets that come with a stain shield are a much better option to use. You want fabrics in your home upholstery that have tight weaves as well, since loose weaves are easy to tear.

Remember that shedding is definitely going to occur in your home. Dogs will shed the most in the fall and spring, so you need to ensure that you groom your pet regularly. This should include combing and brushing as well as bathing on a regular basis. This way you avoid having too much hair flying throughout your home and you keep your pet smelling good too.

There are some people that have allergic reactions to the hair from dogs. To avoid this problem make sure that you wash your hands with water and soap after you touch your dog, especially before you touch your face. Try to avoid too much carpet in the home, since this can harbor allergens. Using a vacuum that has an air filter in it can clean the air, eliminate odors, and lessen the problem with allergens as well.