There’s no doubt that having a dog is a fulfilling and enriching experience — but it does come hand-in-hand with muddy paw prints, shedding hair and the occasional “wet dog” smell drifting through the house. The good news? You can keep all of this at bay. Here are our top tips to have a clean house with a dog, because it really is possible.
When you have a dog, they become an integral part of the family, offering endless love and loyalty in return for a few walks and belly rubs. But every dog owner also knows that keeping a spotless house can feel like a full-time job on top of everything else. Rest assured — a clean house with a dog isn’t a myth. It just takes a few simple habits.
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How Can You Keep a Clean House With a Dog?
1. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming is essential when you have a dog. Most dogs shed fur or hair everywhere — the sofa, your bed, the floor, you name it. Sweeping or wiping alone just shifts the dirt from one spot to another, with plenty left behind. Vacuuming actually lifts it all up and out. If your dog sheds heavily, you may need to vacuum daily to keep on top of it.
If a daily vacuum feels like a lot to fit into your routine, a robot vacuum can take the pressure off. Set it up to run on a schedule and it will quietly clean the house while you’re out, or even overnight while everyone’s asleep.
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2. Set Up a Dog Cleaning Station
Got a mucky pup who splashes through every puddle or rolls in the mud the second they’re off the lead? It’s worth setting aside one spot in the house — near the back door is ideal — that becomes your dog’s designated clean-up zone. Bring your dog straight there after muddy walks so you always know exactly where the mess is contained, rather than finding paw prints halfway down the hall.
3. Opt for Durable Materials
When you’re choosing furniture, flooring or fabrics for the areas your dog spends the most time in, go for durable, hard-wearing materials that can handle a bit of wear — whether that’s staining, scratching, chewing or the odd claw catch. It’ll save you a lot of stress (and money) in the long run.
4. Keep Stain Remover Close By
No matter how well-trained your dog is, accidents happen — an upset stomach, something eaten on a walk that shouldn’t have been. Keep a good stain remover on hand so you can tackle any mark the moment you spot it. Stain removers work best the sooner they’re used, so quick action really does make a difference.
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5. Regularly Clean Your Pet’s Things
Just like the rest of your home, your dog’s belongings need regular cleaning too. Food and water bowls, bedding, blankets, and any rugs or cushions your dog favours can all get grubby fast. Keeping these clean isn’t just about a tidy house — it matters for your dog’s health as well.
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6. Wipe Those Paws
After every walk or run around the garden, give your dog’s paws a quick wipe before letting them back inside. Keep a dedicated towel or a few suitable cloths by the door so it’s a quick, no-fuss step every time you come in.
7. Air the House Out
Open windows and keep the air moving through your home. It’s good for everyone’s health, and it helps freshen the house and clear any lingering odours your dog might bring in from outside.
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Having a clean house with a dog is entirely possible — it’s not a myth. Find a routine that works for your family and your pup, and it will get easier every week.
Do you have any top tips of your own for keeping a clean house with a dog? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I vacuum if I have a dog?
It depends on your dog and how much they shed, but for heavy shedders, a daily vacuum keeps things manageable. If daily vacuuming isn’t realistic for your schedule, a robot vacuum set to run regularly can help fill the gaps.
What’s the best way to stop my dog bringing mud into the house?
Set up a dedicated cleaning spot near your entrance, and get into the habit of wiping paws every time your dog comes in from the garden or a walk. A towel kept by the door makes this a quick, easy step rather than a chore.
How can I get rid of dog smell in my home?
Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, bowls and any soft furnishings they use, and let plenty of fresh air move through the house. Good airflow, combined with regularly cleaning your dog’s things, makes a real difference to how fresh your home feels.
Do I need special furniture if I have a dog?
Not necessarily, but choosing durable, hard-wearing materials for furniture and flooring in the areas your dog uses most will help them last much longer and cope better with everyday wear.
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- 11 Clever Cleaning Hacks Guaranteed To Make Your Household Sparkle
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- Top 10 Dog Breeds That Will Love Your Kids As Much As You
- 8 Proven Tips to Remove Common Odours from Household Textiles and Clothes
Save This for Later
Life with a dog (and kids!) moves fast, so bookmark this page or save it to your favourites for the next time you need a quick refresh of your cleaning routine.
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