How To Have Large Dogs AND a Clean House
Having big dogs is so much fun and rewarding, yet it also offers special challenges regarding keeping the home clean. Large dogs shed more, bring dirt in on their paws, and take up more room, which can become messy and cluttered very easily if not taken care of effectively. But with regular routines, intelligent habits, and proper tools, it's absolutely possible to have the companionship of your large furry buddies while maintaining a clean house. Here's a complete guide on how to have big dogs and a clean house.
Create a Cleaning Station at Entry Points
One of the best methods to minimize dirt and mud tracked indoors is to establish a cleaning station close to your doors. Have towels, pet-friendly wipes, and a water basin within reach so you can wipe your dogs' paws as soon as you return from walks or outdoor play. Having your dogs wait at the door for a quick paw wipe prevents dirt from spreading all over the house.
Groom Your Dogs on a Regular Basis
Regular grooming will help to regulate shedding and fur buildup. Daily or at least weekly brushing is necessary for large dogs using proper equipment such as undercoat rakes or thick coat slicker brushes. Brushing often sweeps away loose hair before it accumulates on floor surfaces and furnishings.
Bathing your dogs every month with a mild, dog-specific soap controls odor and dirt accumulation. Professional grooming appointments can also help manage shedding and keep your dogs at ease.
Utilize Washable and Long-Lasting Home Textiles
Safeguard your furniture and floors by using washable slipcovers, blankets, and rugs. Select long-lasting fabrics that resist wear and tear from big dogs. Wash them frequently to get rid of fur, dirt, and odor.
Choose cleanable rugs and mats in entrances and feeding stations to trap dirt and spills. Machine washable rugs make clean-up easy and keep the home environment fresher.
Vacuum and Sweep Regularly
Vacuuming is essential in houses with big dogs. Utilize a pet-hair vacuum cleaner with powerful suction and specific brushes that pick up deeply embedded fur from upholstery and carpets. Vacuum daily or every other day for heavily trafficked areas in peak shedding months.
On hard floors, sweep or use a rubber broom daily to collect fur and dust before mopping. Weekly damp mopping with pet-friendly cleaners removes odors and tough grime.
Organize Dog Supplies and Toys
Store your dogs' toys, leashes, grooming equipment, and other materials in labeled bins or baskets. This minimizes mess and facilitates cleaning. Rotate toys to maintain your dogs' interest without clogging your space with scattered items.
Manage Feeding Areas Efficiently
Put food and water bowls on washable mats to contain spills and crumbs. Wash bowls every day to avoid bacteria buildup and odors. If possible, feed your dogs outdoors to reduce indoor mess.
Control Odors with Ventilation and Air Purifiers
Big dogs can add more powerful pet odors. Open windows every day to exchange stale air for fresh air and eliminate odors. Employ HEPA-filter air purifiers to capture pet dander and odor particles, enhancing indoor air quality.
Natural odor eliminators such as baking soda sprinkled on floors or activated charcoal strategically located around the house can also be used to eliminate odors.
Clean Accidents and Stains Promptly
Accidents do occur, particularly with big dogs who can't hold it or during training periods. Enzymatic pet stain cleaners are effective in breaking down odor-causing molecules and stopping repeat accidents. Steer clear of harsh chemicals that irritate your pets or ruin surfaces.
Invest in Professional Cleaning Services
Even with your best efforts, there might be a need for deep cleaning to remove embedded fur, dander, and odors. Professional cleaning services have the equipment and know-how to deep clean carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach places.
Locally, Seattle Green Maids provides green, pet-friendly cleaning designed for the large-dog household. For those outside of Seattle, Sparkly Maid Miami and Sparkly Maid NYC offer professional home cleaning services specifically dealing with pet messes effectively. They assist in keeping a pristine, clean-smelling home, leaving you more time to enjoy your dogs.
More Tips
Catch fur quickly on clothes and furniture using lint rollers or rubber gloves.
Trim your dogs' nails to avoid scratching floors and furniture.
Create dog-free areas or furniture to restrict fur spread.
Wear booties or paw protectors when going through muddy terrain to minimize indoor dirt.
Living with large dogs and maintaining a clean home requires dedication, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. Regular grooming, consistent cleaning, smart organization, and occasional professional help keep your space fresh and comfortable. Trusted services like Sparkly Maid Miami and Sparkly Maid NYC are available to assist when deep cleaning is needed, while Seattle Green Maids provides reliable local eco-conscious solutions.
