Hair Everywhere? 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your House Clean With Pets
There’s something timeless about the bond between humans and pets. Their playful antics and those soulful eyes can make any house feel like home. But let’s be honest—living with pets isn’t always picture-perfect. If you’ve ever walked into a room and caught a whiff more barnyard than cozy living space, you know what I mean.
Our grandparents might have opened windows, scrubbed floors, and beat rugs clean. While times have changed, keeping a fresh, clean home with pets is still a challenge. Without a routine, the mess can creep up, leaving you overwhelmed.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little consistency and care, you can keep your home feeling fresh, just like the day your pet arrived. It’s all about simple habits that let both you and your pet thrive.
Here are five methods for keeping your house clean.
5. Get the Right Fabric for Your Couch
Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock
Some fabrics seem destined to attract dirt, don’t they? It’s the kind of challenge that reminds you of old upholstery in a well-loved family home—stains clinging stubbornly, no matter how hard you scrub. Cleaning such materials can feel like an endless battle, with dust and waste settling in as if they belong. That’s why choosing a fabric that’s easy to clean is such a game-changer.
Imagine the relief of a fresh, tidy home with minimal effort. It’s a little like the simplicity of bygone days when practicality was prized. And here’s a tip to make life even easier: pick a fabric color that matches your pet’s fur. Think of it as blending the modern with the practical, much like a vintage quilt that hides wear while still looking beautiful. This way, any mess is less noticeable, giving you a bit more time to tidy up without the immediate stress.
4. Get Rid of the Fur
Konstantin Zaykov / Shutterstock
Your furry friend sure knows how to leave a mark—those tufts of hair on the couch or the shimmer of fur on the floor are all too familiar for pet owners. While it might add a bit of charm, it’s something to manage, especially with a baby in the house. Gone are the days of relying solely on a broom and dustpan; now, we have tools to make life easier. Let’s embrace modern solutions while keeping your home fresh and clean.
Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum: The Essentials
There’s something satisfying about sweeping the floor—the rhythmic scrape of the broom, the swish of the mop. Regular cleaning keeps dirt, fur, and odors at bay, leaving your home feeling fresh.
But modern technology takes it up a notch. Robot vacuums now handle pet hair with ease, gliding across floors and picking up every strand. Some are even designed specifically for pet owners. Want to know more? Check out the best robot vacuums to find your match.
For a mix of nostalgia and efficiency, there’s the steam mop. Cleaning with just steam feels like magic and leaves your floors sparkling. Curious which one is right for your home? See our picks for the best steam mops.
Whether you’re using a broom or a robot, keeping your home clean is about more than tidiness—it’s about creating a space that’s warm, welcoming, and safe. Isn’t that what every home should be?
Brush and Groom Your Pet Regularly
Brush your pet often to reduce shedding in your house. Take them outside and brush from head to tail—it keeps them clean and relaxed. A regular combing routine, and even an occasional haircut, will keep shedding to a minimum.
3. Spot Clean Messes ASAP
Syda Productions / Shutterstock
The longer you let the smell linger, the worse it becomes—that’s just how it is. So, don’t procrastinate. Roll up your sleeves and get to it. There’s something old-fashioned about taking pride in a clean, fresh home, isn’t there? Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you keep your space smelling and feeling just right.
Tackle the Mess Right Away—No Waiting Around
Remember when Grandma used to say, “Don’t let a mess sit—it only gets harder to clean”? She was absolutely right. If your pet has an accident indoors, clean it up immediately. Leaving it too long not only makes the job tougher but risks your pet spreading the mess further—imagine that on your carpet! Grab a mop or vacuum and take care of it like the diligent homemakers of old.
A Cleaner With a Touch of Fragrance Goes a Long Way
Ah, the comforting aroma of a freshly cleaned floor—it brings back memories of rainy days spent playing on spotless tiles or lounging on crisp, vacuumed rugs. A cleaner with a subtle, long-lasting fragrance can work wonders. Choose something fresh and light, like lavender or citrus, that will linger gently in the air, much like the scent of freshly laundered sheets on a breezy day.
A Touch of Nature for That Homey Feel
There’s nothing quite like nature to refresh a home. Think back to simpler times when homes were adorned with herbs hanging in the kitchen or fresh flowers on the dining table. Try decorating with bay leaves, mint, or even orchids—beautiful and practical. For an old-world touch, make your own scented floor cleaner by adding a few drops of essential oils, like eucalyptus or rosemary, for a personal remedy.
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Remember the joy of finding just the right tool for the job? Maybe it was a sturdy broom your parents swore by or a vacuum that made chores feel almost magical. Today, modern vacuums can make cleaning faster and easier than ever. Take some time to explore and compare models—finding the perfect one could transform your cleaning routine into something almost enjoyable.
With these simple yet thoughtful steps, you can keep your home clean and inviting, just like the homes of yesteryear. After all, there’s something timeless about a fresh, welcoming space, isn’t there?
2. Wash Your Pet Frequently
Olleg / Shutterstock
The scent of a beloved pet is something many of us remember fondly—the way their fur carried traces of the outdoors or that warm, comforting smell after a bath. But let’s be honest, if left unwashed too long, their fur can take on a rather… pungent aroma, one that might remind you of a less-than-glamorous day in the city sewers. Don’t worry—there’s a tried-and-true way to tackle this and keep your pet smelling fresh.
Create a Bathing Ritual and Stick to It
Think back to the rhythms of family life—how routines, like Saturday morning chores or weekly trips to the market, kept things in order. Your pet needs that same consistency. Establish a regular bathing schedule that suits their breed and the seasons. Maybe it’s every other week, or perhaps once a month during the cozier winter days. Whatever the timing, stick to it—your furry friend (and your nose) will thank you. And when bath time rolls around, choose a pet-friendly grooming kit to make the experience gentle and effective.
Clean Their Companions Too
Remember the toys of your childhood? Worn edges softened by play, favorite stuffed animals carried everywhere? Your pet’s toys share that same charm—though, let’s admit it, they accumulate a bit more grime. Chew toys, beds, and even cozy nooks in their cage need regular cleaning to keep odors and bacteria at bay. A quick wash now and then not only keeps your home smelling fresh but also ensures your pet stays healthier and happier. After all, a clean space reminds us of the simple joys of home, where everything feels fresh and full of life.
1. Change the Litter Box Often
New Africa / Shutterstock
You don’t want the smell of a litter box lingering in your home—it’s a problem as old as pet ownership itself. But don’t worry, there are simple ways to keep things fresh and tidy, just like Grandma’s house always seemed to be, no matter how many pets she had roaming around. Let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips.
Potty Train Your Pet Early
Start with the basics—training your pet. Remember when your parents taught you the importance of routine? The same goes for your furry friends. Teaching them where to do their business early on can make all the difference. Over time, your pet will develop a way to let you know when it’s time to head outside, much like the neighbor’s dog who used to bark by the door every morning. Establishing this habit not only keeps your house smelling fresh but also creates a bond of understanding between you and your pet.
Clean the Litter Box Regularly
Ah, the humble litter box—a necessary but often forgotten task. Think back to when chores were assigned after dinner, and someone always had to take out the trash before it overflowed. The same principle applies here. Don’t let the litter box sit too long. A quick clean-up every day or two prevents that stubborn odor from creeping in. And consider investing in a modern litter box designed to combat odors—far from the clunky contraptions of the past, these are sleek and functional, making your life all the easier.
Use an Air Purifier for a Fresh Home
Imagine walking into a room that smells as crisp and clean as the first day of spring. That’s what a good air purifier can do for your home. Just like the scent of fresh laundry drying on the line or a bowl of potpourri in the hallway, the right purifier can make all the difference. Choose one that fits the size of your space, and let it work its magic—not only banishing odors but also refreshing the air. It’s a small touch that keeps your home feeling as inviting as a warm hug.
With these tips, you can keep your home smelling as fresh as the good old days, even with your beloved pets by your side. After all, a tidy home is the heart of happy memories.
Bonus Tips on How to Keep Your House Clean With Pets
Elnur / Shutterstock
These extra tips will take you back to basics, offering timeless advice to help you tackle odors like a pro. Odor, as you may know, often comes down to a battle with bacteria—a stubborn guest no one wants. So, let’s dive into a few bonus tips to keep your home smelling fresh, just as it did on crisp, sunlit mornings of simpler times.
Bring in Fresh Air and Sunshine
Remember those summer days when the windows were always flung open, letting the breeze roll in and sunlight stream across the floors? That old trick still works wonders. Open your windows now and then to invite in fresh air. Sunlight, with its natural warmth and cleansing power, is like nature’s own deodorizer and can do wonders for musty spaces.
Seek Expert Advice When Needed
If the smell seems off—something that lingers no matter what you do—it might be time to consult your trusted veterinarian. Think of them as the modern-day problem-solvers who, like a family doctor in a small town, know how to identify what’s really going on. Sometimes, an unusual odor can be a sign of an underlying issue with your pet, and a vet may suggest special treatments to restore balance.
Conclusion
Caring for your pet and your home at once is no small feat, but remember, it’s the little things—just like the habits our grandparents swore by—that make all the difference. A bit of discipline, a touch of sunshine, and these tried-and-true tips can help you keep your space warm, welcoming, and wonderfully fresh.
This article is lovingly contributed by Sandy from Vacuumcleanersdvisor.com. When she’s not in the kitchen recreating family recipes or chasing after her kids, she’s binge-watching classic TV or getting lost in a good book.
