7 Secrets to keeping a clean home with a golden retriever and have it less smelling like dog
Having a golden retriever is a pleasure, but any owner of this breed knows how difficult it can be to keep up with the shedding fur and that inimitable "doggy" odor. Golden retrievers are sweet, high-energy friends with thick, shedding coats that shed year-round. Yet, with some well-thought-out strategies, you can have a clean, odor-free home without losing the relationship you have with your golden retriever. The following are seven vital secrets that will assist you in keeping your home clean and odor-free when you have a golden retriever.
1. Regular Grooming Is Key
The key to a tidy house with a golden retriever begins with regular grooming. Brushing daily is essential in order to keep loose hair off your floors and furniture before it gets there. Utilizing a good-quality slicker brush or undercoat rake assists in pulling dead hair effectively. Brushing outdoors, if at all possible, keeps the fur from being scattered around your home.
Bathing your dog every 4 to 6 weeks reduces odor and maintains their coat's health. Bathe using a dog shampoo designed to neutralize odors and balance skin. Drying after bathing with a high-velocity dryer can decrease damp fur odor and reduce shedding. Trim hair between paw pads to avoid dirt accumulation and odor due to yeast infections.
2. Establish a Dog Laundry Routine
One of the largest causes of dog smell in the house is the dirt and oils that build up on your dog's items. Set aside a weekly "dog laundry" day to clean all cloth items that your golden comes in contact with, such as dog beds, blankets, and stuffed toys. Clean them with a pet-safe detergent and skip the fabric softener, which can hold the odor.
In addition, cover your furniture with washable couch covers or heavy-duty sheets that you can wash frequently. This simple action significantly eliminates fur buildup and odors on sofas and chairs.
3. Clean Your Dog's Feet Before Entering
Golden retrievers adore the outdoors, but their paws track in dirt, mud, and allergens that make messes and odors in the house. Have a towel or pet-friendly wipes near your door to wipe your dog's paws after walks, particularly on rainy or muddy days. Some owners even have a shallow pan of water at the door to rinse paws before entering.
This habit reduces the amount of dirt and pollen brought indoors and helps keep floors cleaner longer.
4. Vacuum and Mop Frequently
Vacuuming is a necessity for every pet owner, but with a golden retriever, daily vacuuming is optimal to manage fur and dander. Utilize a pet hair vacuum with good suction and a brush roll to remove embedded fur from carpets and furniture. Be sure to vacuum under furniture and baseboards where hair and allergens tend to collect.
Aside from vacuuming, clean hard floors every week with a pet-friendly cleaner to eliminate grime and odor. Rubber brooms are good for collecting hair on carpeted and hard flooring between vacuum cleans. Dust shelves, counters, and baseboards regularly to help prevent fur buildup as well.
5. Utilize Air Purifiers and Vent Your Home
Odor control is not only about sanitizing surfaces but also about enhancing air quality. Purchase a good air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture pet dander, dust, and odor-emitting particles. Position units in frequently used rooms to maintain fresh air.
Opening windows every day to create airflow reduces stale odors and introduces fresh air. Cross-ventilation, opening windows on opposite sides of your house, is particularly effective.
6. Clean Your Vacuum and Cleaning Equipment
A vacuum with a clogged filter or bag will actually redistribute pet odors instead of eliminate them. Regularly clean your vacuum's filter and empty the dustbin or replace bags for peak performance. Clean hair that's wrapped around brush rollers to avoid damage and keep suction working properly.
Similarly, wash or change mop heads and dusting cloths regularly to prevent spreading dirt and odors around. Maintaining your cleaning equipment in tip-top shape is an easy yet not well-known secret to a cleaner living space.
7. Think About Hiring Professional Cleaning Assistance
Occasionally, even with the greatest care, pet odor and fur accumulate in areas that are inaccessible or heavily ingrained into fabrics. Professional cleaning can offer a deep cleaning that rejuvenates your home space. Seattle Green Maids specializes in green cleaning products that minimize allergens and smells without chemicals.
If you are not based in Seattle, companies like Sparkly Maid Miami and Sparkly Maid NYC provide professional home cleaning that can handle pet messes effectively. These experts can assist in keeping your home sparkling clean and smelling fresh, freeing up more time for you to spend with your golden retriever.
Coexisting with a golden retriever entails accepting the shedding and occasional stink, but it doesn't require you to live in a fur-clad, stinky home. Following these seven secrets-from routine grooming and dog laundry to intelligent cleaning habits and expert assistance-you can have a cleaner, fresher home that honors your furry pal without the squalor.
And should you ever become overwhelmed, keep in mind that reliable cleaning companies like Sparkly Maid Miami and Sparkly Maid NYC are here to assist in keeping your environment spotless. In the meantime, Seattle Green Maids leads the local pack by focusing on green, pet-friendly cleaning practices that honor both your house and your dog's well-being.
