7 everyday cleaning tips for dog owners

We all know dogs have no problem getting messy. Whether they’re tracking dirt in from outdoors or are just heavy shedders, even the most well-behaved dogs can make cleaning your home a chore. Fortunately, there are a some easy ways you can reduce the mess and the time you spend cleaning up after your pet.

1. The rubber glove trick.

Put on a dish glove and get the palm surface slightly damp—then run your gloved hand over fabric surfaces where dog fur gathers. Static electricity will pull the fur from the fabric to the glove, where it will quickly gather in easily disposable clumps. Use a lint roller to pick up any stray fur your glove may have missed.

2. Vacuum grooming is a thing.

Today’s vacuums have attachments for everything—even grooming your pet. For example, Dyson makes a wonderful attachment that lets you groom your dog comfortably and safely. The vacuum pulls off the fur and catches it on the attachment for easy disposal, while your pup gets a nice brushing. It’s a win-win!

3. Pause for cleaner paws.

For dogs who get messy paws (don’t they all), try keeping a door mat, a small basin of water, and a towel by the door. When you return from a walk with your pooch, pause for a quick dip-and-dry of your pet’s paws. For long-haired breeds, keep the hair around their paws trimmed short. This will prevent dirt from clumping in their pads and around their paws. Feeling crafty? You can even make your own “mud puppy mittens.”

4. The placemat trick.

For messy eaters, you can try a placemat under your pup’s bowls. Lightweight and washable, a mat can catch what your dog misses and can save you the trouble of mopping after every feeding.

5. Cover that dog bed.

It’s no surprise that dog beds are fur magnets. When choosing the right bed for your furry companion, select one with a removable fabric cover. A quick wash and tumble should leave the fur in your dryer’s lint trap. You can add a pet-safe dryer sheet to reduce static and remove even more fur.

6. Try an air filter.

Air filtration systems have come a long way in the past two decades. Choose a HEPA filter made specifically for pet owners, as these will likely include a built-in ionizer to help remove airborne allergens. They will also clear the air of dust, mites, and pet smells.

7. Bathing is best.

Nothing reduces fur, dander, odor and just plain dirt like a regular bath. There are a range of natural and organic products that are safe for regular use and that will help give your dog a clean healthy coat. For active outdoor dogs, a good bath once a month should minimize the amount of shed hair, leaves, and outdoor dirt in your home. For breeds with oilier fur, like Basset hounds, you may do better to bathe them once a week.

We hope these tips will help you keep your home (and your pet) squeaky clean!

Cecily Kellogg is a pet lover who definitely has crazy cat lady leanings. Her pets are all shelter rescues, including the dog, who is scared of the cats. She spent eight years working as a Veterinary Technician before becoming a writer. Today she writes all over the web, including here at Figo.