Raise your hand if you have dogs. Raise your hand if you dream about having a clean house and dogs. Well, my friend, you’re not alone!
My household is overflowing with doodle pups – two that live with me full-time, and two more that visit when they can. That’s a whole lot of fluff! But even though we adore our canine companions, keeping a clean and tidy home is still a priority for me.
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about managing the challenges that come with sharing your space with furry friends. From minimizing shedding and dealing with muddy paws to tackling stubborn stains and keeping odors at bay, I’ve developed a few foolproof strategies that have saved my sanity (and my home) many times over.
Embrace the Fluff
Let’s start with the elephant in the room – or should I say, the dog hair in the room? Even though our doodles don’t technically shed, their fluffy coats still manage to create a constant flurry of fur throughout the house.
To keep on top of the fuzz, we make sure to brush our dogs regularly and get them professionally groomed every six weeks or so. And let me tell you, our trusty robot vacuum is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to sucking up those pesky dog dust bunnies!
But you know what? We’ve accepted that a little bit of fluff is simply the price we pay for having such adorable pups in our lives. As long as the house is clean enough for us to feel comfortable, I’m totally fine with the occasional tumbleweeds of fur rolling across the floor.
Mud, Glorious Mud
One of the biggest challenges of having dogs is keeping the mud and dirt from invading our living spaces. But with a little diligence, we’ve managed to stay ahead of the game.
We’re very intentional about maintaining a clean and dry outdoor area for our pups. We’ve laid down bark on the soil to prevent them from tracking in mud, and we make sure to have plenty of hardscaping like patios leading up to our doors, so they have time to shake off before coming inside.
In the winter months, we’ll even wipe their paws with a towel if needed before they enter the house. And you know what? We rarely have to do that because our pups are pretty good at keeping their feet clean.
As for the occasional muddy paw print or two? Well, that’s what our easy-to-clean hard floors and indestructible rugs are for! Sure, we might have to roll up the rugs when things are looking particularly messy, but it’s a small price to pay for the joy our furry friends bring to our lives.
Stains and Spills, Oh My!
Accidents happen, and when you have dogs, they happen a bit more frequently. But I’ve got a secret weapon that has saved our rugs and upholstery time and time again: a plant-based, pet-safe cleaning solution.
This magical elixir not only does an incredible job of removing stubborn stains and odors, but it’s also completely safe for our pups and our family. No harsh chemicals, no toxic fumes – just pure, natural cleaning power that leaves our home sparkling clean and our pets unharmed.
And when it comes to our furniture, we’ve found that washable slipcovers and performance fabrics are the way to go. Whether it’s a white sofa or a leather couch, we can easily keep things looking fresh and clean with a quick spot clean or a toss in the washing machine.
Tackling the Dreaded Doggy Odor
Ah, the age-old question: how do you keep your home smelling fresh and inviting when you’ve got a pack of pups running around? Well, my friends, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
First and foremost, regular grooming is key. Keeping our dogs looking and smelling their best helps minimize any lingering pet odors in the house. We also like to use natural essential oils in our diffusers to purify the air with lovely plant-based scents.
And let’s not forget about all those washable blankets and throws we keep around the house. Tossing them in the laundry on a regular basis helps keep our living spaces smelling clean and cozy.
But you know what? Even with all our efforts, there’s still the occasional whiff of dog nose on the windows. And you know what? I’m okay with that. A little bit of dog slime is a small price to pay for the unconditional love and laughter our furry friends bring to our lives every single day.
The Joys of Living with Pets
At the end of the day, the joy our dogs bring to our home far outweighs any of the cleaning challenges we face. Sure, we might spend a little more time vacuuming and doing laundry, but the wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and endless cuddles make it all worthwhile.
And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our doodle pups are an integral part of our family, and I’m grateful for every muddy paw print, every stray dog hair, and every joyful moment we get to share together.
So if you’re a fellow pet parent, embrace the chaos! With a little creativity, a lot of patience, and the right cleaning strategies, you can create a pet paradise that’s clean enough for you and your furry friends to coexist in perfect harmony.
And if you’re in the market for a cleaning service that can help you maintain that delicate balance, be sure to check out Adam Cleaning. Their team of pet-friendly professionals is ready to help you keep your home looking and feeling its best, no matter how many four-legged family members you have.
Happy cleaning, my fellow dog lovers! May your homes be filled with wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and endless amounts of love.