How to keep your home clean with pets (without losing your mind)

Let’s face it: pets are family. They bring joy, laughter, and the occasional chewed-up shoe. But they also bring… well, mess. From fur tumbleweeds drifting across your floors to muddy paw prints on freshly mopped tiles, keeping a clean home with pets can feel like a losing battle.

The good news? You’re not alone—and it is possible to have a spotless home without banishing Fido to the backyard. Here’s how to tackle the most common pet-related cleaning challenges (without losing your sanity).

1. The Never-Ending Fur Problem

• Daily Maintenance: Use a rubber broom or squeegee to gather fur from carpets and upholstery—it’s oddly satisfying.
• Weekly Deep Cleans: Vacuum with a pet-specific attachment to reach embedded fur. Don’t forget baseboards and under furniture!
• Pro Tip: Wash pet bedding weekly to reduce overall fur buildup.

2. Muddy Paw Prints (AKA Nature’s Stamps)

• Entryway Defense: Place a washable mat at every door to catch dirt, and keep a towel handy for quick paw wipes.
• Quick Clean: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz muddy spots, wait 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
• Pro Tip: Trim your pet’s paw hair to minimize dirt clinging to their feet.

3. The “Eau de Wet Dog” Dilemma

• Air It Out: Open windows and use fans to circulate air after bath time.
• Odor Neutralizers: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets & upholstery, let sit 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Pro Tip: Wash pet toys and blankets regularly to keep lingering odors at bay.

4. Litter Box Woes (For Cat Parents)

• Daily Scooping: Remove waste every day to prevent smells from building up.
• Mat Magic: Place a litter-catching mat outside the box to trap stray granules.
• Pro Tip: Use a hooded litter box to contain messes and odors.

5. Accidents Happen (And That’s Okay)

• Blot, Don’t Rub: Use paper towels to soak up as much liquid as you can.
• Enzyme Cleaners: Break down stains and odors at the molecular level to prevent repeat offenses.
• Pro Tip: Keep a cleaning kit (paper towels, cleaner, gloves) handy for quick response.

6. Keeping Your Pet’s Space Clean (Without Overwhelm)

• Weekly Washes: Toss pet bedding and washable toys in the machine weekly.
• Disinfect Safely: Use pet-safe cleaners to wipe down crates and hard toys.
• Pro Tip: Rotate toys to keep them fresh and reduce clutter.

7. The Secret to a Fur-Free Couch

• Lint Rollers: Keep one handy for quick fur touch-ups.
• Vacuum Attachments: Use an upholstery tool to remove embedded fur.
• Pro Tip: Cover your couch with a washable throw for easy cleanup.

Living with pets doesn’t mean sacrificing a clean home—it just means getting creative. By staying on top of daily maintenance and investing in the right tools, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a spotless space and a happy, furry friend.

And if the mess ever feels like too much? That’s what we’re here for. Every pet parent deserves a clean home—and a little peace of mind.