There’s no doubt that our pets bring unconditional love into our lives—but they often bring a mess into our homes, too. Whether they’re shedding on the furniture or tracking in muddy paw prints, keeping a house clean while living with pets can feel like a never-ending battle. And let’s not forget their distinct aroma, especially when they’re overdue for a bath.
Luckily, there are plenty of simple cleaning hacks that every pet owner can implement to keep their home as pristine as possible. Trying even a few on this list will improve the look, feel, and smell of your space, though we recommend making them all a habit so you (and your pets) can enjoy a cleaner home.
Remove Pet Hair Like a Pro
Even short-haired dogs and cats can leave fur all over your home. The key is to catch it as soon as you see it clinging to the couch, carpet, baseboards, or any other surface in your home. Try these techniques using everyday items to tackle pet hair with ease.
Clean your furniture with rubber gloves: Run a damp rubber glove over upholstered furniture. Hair will stick to it, collecting in clumps you can easily pick up. It’s a quick, free, and satisfying way to clean pet hair from couches, chairs, and benches.
Grab a shower squeegee: The same tool you use to dry glass shower doors or clean windows can also remove pet hair from carpets and rugs. Drag a squeegee across the top to pull out tuffs of hair, making it much easier to vacuum up.
Collect fur with dryer sheets: If you haven’t yet tried using dryer sheets to clean your home, you’re missing out. From baseboards to furniture, dryer sheets not only remove dust, hair, and debris, but their wax coating actually assists in fending it off in the future. So long as they’re safe to use around pets, try running a scented dryer sheet along areas where their hair tends to collect to leave a lingering sweet smell behind.
Use a lint roller: Not just for laundry, a lint roller can remove piles of pet hair in the blink of an eye. Simply roll it along any surface, hard or soft, where you notice pet hair gathering.
Fight Funky Odors
Sure, your pet’s little head and furry toes might not bother you, but sometimes, pets can downright smell. While a bath or fresh litter box might be in order, there are a few other ways to cut down on odors in the house.
Use baking soda: Baking soda is a multi-purpose cleaner that can be used to scrub almost anything in your home—but it also acts as a natural odor neutralizer. Sprinkle it over carpets, rugs, and your pet’s bedding. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum the powder (and the smell!) right up.
Reach for activated charcoal: Another odor absorber, activated charcoal, can leave even the stinkiest spots (think your sneakers after a workout) smelling fresh and clean. Use it to curb pet odors by leaving small bags of activated charcoal in areas where odors linger, like litter boxes or pet beds.
Say ‘So Long’ to Stains
Whether you’re house-training a new puppy or dealing with a sick pet, accidents are bound to happen. Employing the right products and addressing them immediately is the key to keeping stains (and their subsequent odors) at bay.
Embrace enzymes: Enzyme-based cleaners are ideal for pet messes because they break down the proteins that cause both odors and stains. They also neutralize smells, preventing your pet from having a repeat accident in the same spot. Always keep a bottle on hand and follow the instructions to remove the mishap as soon as you notice it.
Mix a vinegar solution: Like baking soda, white vinegar is a powerful, non-toxic way to clean your home from top to bottom. To eradicate pet stains from most surfaces, blot or wipe as much as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Then, spray equal parts vinegar and water directly onto the area. Let it sit for ten minutes before blotting or wiping again. Not only will the vinegar clean the stain, it will also neutralize any residual odor.
Clean with hydrogen peroxide: Yet another pantry staple, hydrogen peroxide will go toe to toe with even the most stubborn pet stains. Combine it with baking soda and a small amount of mild soap (like Dawn dish soap) to create a paste. Add it directly to the soiled area and let it sit for ten to thirty minutes, depending on the severity of the stain. After the fizzy action has done its job, rinse the solution away and pat dry.
Preventative Cleaning Measures for Pet Owners
Preventing pet hair pileups, stains, and smells will go a long way in keeping your home clean and reducing your cleaning efforts. In fact, preventative measures are just as important as addressing active messes. Plus, it’s healthier for your pets and allows them to thrive.
Invest in furniture covers: Machine-washable covers or throws for couches, chairs, and beds are a game changer. If you haven’t invested yet, you’ll be amazed at how much time and elbow grease you’ll save once you do. Simply toss them onto the furniture where your pets commonly lay, then toss them in the washer at least once a week to keep them fresh and smelling clean.
Wash toys frequently: The blankets and stuffies they cuddle with daily should be washed regularly in hot water (and a pet-friendly detergent) to prevent odor, bacteria, and dirt from building up. Either hand wash their hard toys, like rubber chews, or run them through the dishwasher on the top rack using pet-safe soap.
Sanitize food and water bowls: Just as we wash our dishes after every meal, our pets deserve fresh bowls too. Wash them daily with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher to prevent bacteria and germs and keep them sanitary for your precious pet.
Wipe paws frequently: Leave a container of wipes or a rag near your entryway so you can quickly clean your pet’s paws after each outdoor adventure. Getting into this habit prevents dirt, mud, and more from being tracked inside, meaning you’ll spend less time cleaning the floors.
Groom regularly: Brushing your pet regularly can reduce shedding and prevent hair from spreading throughout your home. Short-haired pets may require a quick brush once weekly, whereas long-haired breeds can benefit from daily grooming sessions. Trimming your pet’s nails is also important, as long nails can scratch floors and furniture. Regular nail maintenance not only protects your surfaces but also your skin from their playful scratches.
