Dirty pets can cause a home to smell, and can create a build-up of germs and bacteria that could lead to trouble. Avoid decreasing your property value from unwanted pet smells and stains by dealing with them promptly if they occur, or better yet, preventing them in the first place.
At Bliss Maid, we understand the frustration homeowners feel when pets make unwanted stains or smells in your home. We understand the desire to live in a clean environment. That’s why we’ve helped thousands of families spend more quality time together while enjoying a clean, refreshing home.
Ways to keep your house clean with a messy dog begin by preventing the messes in the first place. Here’s how:
1. Walk your dog more often.
In your mudroom or near your back door, create a space for everything you need for a good dog walk: a leash, walking shoes, a towel to dry your dog’s paws after a walk, and plastic bags so you don’t leave your dog’s business in your neighbor’s yard. Most dogs use the restroom while on walks, so walk them daily.
2. Encourage your dog to enjoy play time outside daily.
Again, the more time your dog can spend outside, the more likely he will do his business there, and not indoors. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for sure!
3. Wash the cover for your dog’s bed.
Most doggie beds have removable covers on them. You can conveniently wash your dog’s bed cover weekly to decrease the germs, odor, and dander.
4. Store dog toys in one place.
Clutter makes a home look messy and is known to cause stress in people. Help keep your home clutter free by creating a place for everything—including dog toys. An attractive basket or storage container can easily house your pet’s toys. It will keep your home looking great, so you’re ready for those drop by guests that may come over unannounced.
5. Strategically place your dog’s bed, food, and water remotely.
As convenient as it can be to centrally locate your dog’s food, water, and bed in the hub of your home—the kitchen—realize that’s probably not the most sanitary location. There are germs usually lurking in a dog’s bed and feeding bowls, so tuck them away in your laundry room or a remote place in your home where you’re not cooking and eating. Along the same lines, wash your dog outside if at all possible. By all means, don’t wash him or her in the kitchen sink.
6. Invest in a food mat.
The area where dogs eat and drink can be messy. Rubber-backed food mats help contain the mess into one area, making it easier to clean.
7. Invest in washable couch covers.
As much as we all try to keep our dogs off the couch, they somehow manage to either brush up against it, or jump onto it (when we’re not looking). Purchasing a washable cover will make it easy to strip the couch and sanitize its surface with a good washing.
8. Deal with the shedding issue head on.
Professionally groom your dog regularly, and brush him or her daily to decrease shedding. If you prefer not to deal with shedding, research the types of dogs that don’t shed before buying your next dog (even though these dogs still need to be groomed). Trim their nails to cut down on the scratching or damage they may do to your doors, door frames, or furniture.
9. Give your dog indoor boundaries when you are out.
After a long day at work, there’s nothing more frustrating than to come home to a house riddled with dog messes. Avoid the hassle of unwanted dog messes by fencing him or her into a space in your home that is “dog proof” so he can’t get to your favorite chair while you are out.
10. Invest in durable materials in your home.
Stain-resistant fabrics are easy to clean and stay looking fresh. When your flooring is sturdy and durable, like today’s popular vinyl floors, it saves you the hassle of cleaning carpets after pets soil them. Consider durable indoor/outdoor rugs in your home for easy cleaning or replacement as needed. Loving your family and pets is far more important than being stressed over shedding or accidents. So, anticipate the need for clean ups by investing in durable materials in your home.
If your dog is making messes in your home, here are some solutions:
Dog hair
Vacuum
Get a well-equipped vacuum cleaner to combat unwanted dog hair in your home. Your vacuum cleaner should work well on all the surfaces of your home. It shouldn’t easily clog, and should have a filter you can empty easily. It should have good tools for upholstery, and the necessary equipment to get to tough to reach spaces.
Urine stains
- Clean urine up quickly and completely to minimize damage, eliminate bad smells, and keep your dog from using the restroom again in the same location.
- Blot all the urine up before applying the product of your choice to treat the area. To create an effective product yourself to use on dog urine in the home, grab a spray bottle and mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Spray the mixture on the affected area, and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it completely.
- Be sure to choose cleaning products that are safe for your family and pets. Read labels carefully and avoid strong products such as bleach. Try to find or make environmentally friendly pet cleaning products for your good health and the health of your pet.
If you don’t want your house grime to build up, and need help keeping up with pet hair and pet messes, contact Bliss Maid and ask about our recurring cleaning services.
