Living with dogs or cats brings joy, companionship, and, unfortunately, mess. Pet hair collects on furniture, muddy paw prints decorate the floor, and the occasional accident leaves odors or stains behind. If you're a pet owner, maintaining a clean home means going beyond basic tidying. It requires a smart cleaning strategy that prioritizes both cleanliness and your pet's safety.
This guide offers practical, pet-safe cleaning tips to help control fur, manage odors, tackle stains, and protect your furniture and floors without using harsh chemicals. Whether you share your space with a shedding German Shepherd, a curious kitten, or a whole furry family, these cleaning strategies will help keep your home fresh and pet-friendly.
Keeping a home clean with pets is all about consistency. Developing daily cleaning routines can drastically reduce buildup and make deep cleaning less overwhelming.
Brushing your pets every day reduces loose hair and dander that would otherwise end up on your furniture and floors. Use brushes designed for your pet’s coat type. For dogs, tools like de-shedding brushes or rubber grooming mitts work well. For cats, soft bristle or self-cleaning slicker brushes help minimize hair.
Tip: Groom pets outside or in a designated area to keep fur from spreading.
Place a mat by the door and keep pet-safe wipes or a damp towel nearby. Wipe your dog’s or cat’s paws each time they come inside to avoid tracking in dirt, mud, and allergens.
Bonus: Use silicone paw cleaners for deep cleaning after walks.
Focus on spots your pets frequent: their favorite napping corners, hallways, entryways, and feeding stations. Use a vacuum designed for pet hair with a HEPA filter to trap allergens.
Recommended: Shark, Dyson Animal series, or Bissell Pet Hair Eraser.
Scoop litter daily and wash the litter box weekly with mild, unscented soap. For dogs, wipe down crates or beds with pet-safe cleaners to prevent odor buildup.
Safe Cleaners: A mix of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) is effective and non-toxic.
Hair is one of the biggest challenges for pet owners. Here are some smart ways to fight it.
Opt for fabrics that repel hair or make it easy to remove. Leather, faux leather, and tightly woven materials attract less fur. Avoid velvets and thick weaves.
Pro Tip: Use washable slipcovers or throws on sofas and chairs.
Keep a stash of lint rollers, fabric brushes, and rubber gloves handy. Rubber attracts hair when rubbed over fabric.
Quick Hack: Dampen a rubber glove and run it over furniture to collect fur.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters reduce airborne hair and dander. Place them in rooms where pets spend the most time.
Pet smells can linger even in a clean home. Avoid masking odors with strong fragrances; instead, eliminate them at the source.
Pet beds, blankets, and toys hold onto odor. Wash them once a week using fragrance-free, non-toxic detergent.
Pet-Safe Detergents: Molly’s Suds, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, or ECOS Pet Laundry Detergent.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming. It absorbs odors without harming pets.
Caution: Keep pets away from large piles of baking soda while it’s sitting on carpets.
For tough smells (like urine), enzymatic cleaners break down odor-causing proteins. They are safe for pets and highly effective.
Top Picks: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator, Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solution.
Open windows daily for 10-15 minutes to let fresh air circulate and reduce stale pet smells.
Accidents happen. The key is to act fast and use the right cleaners.
Use paper towels or cloth to blot the mess immediately. Rubbing spreads the stain deeper into fabric or carpet fibers.
Choose a non-toxic pet stain remover that’s free from ammonia, bleach, or harsh solvents.
Safe Products: Biokleen Bac-Out, Angry Orange, or ECOS Pet Stain & Odor Remover.
Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray on the stain, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot.
Caution: Always test on a hidden area first.
Floors take the brunt of pet traffic. Here’s how to keep them spotless without using harmful products.
Avoid bleach, ammonia, and phenol-based cleaners. Look for products labeled as "pet-safe" or "non-toxic for animals."
Good Choices: Puracy Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, Better Life Floor Cleaner, Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash.
Vacuum first, then mop 2-3 times a week. Focus on areas where pets eat, sleep, or enter the home.
Tool Tip: Use a microfiber mop or a steam mop safe for sealed floors.
Use washable rugs, floor runners, or mats in entryways, hallways, and under food bowls to reduce floor mess.
Your couch, chairs, and bed need extra defense against fur, claws, and accidents.
Use washable covers, throws, or slipcovers. Choose machine-washable and stain-resistant materials.
Bonus: Keep an extra set to switch out during laundry.
Use pet gates or training to limit access to certain rooms or furniture. Offer comfy alternatives like pet beds or furniture covers with built-in bolsters.
Vacuum sofas and chairs weekly. Use an upholstery-safe spray cleaner that won’t harm pets or fabrics.
Pet-Safe Option: Force of Nature cleaner (EPA-registered disinfectant that’s safe for pets).
Keep all your cleaning supplies together in one place. A small caddy or shelf near your pet’s area can hold:
Beyond daily upkeep, there are bigger jobs to tackle monthly or seasonally.
Living with pets doesn’t mean giving up on a clean home. You can enjoy a tidy space and happy animals with the right habits and safe products. Stick to pet-safe, non-toxic cleaners, establish simple daily routines, and use smart tools that make cleaning easier.
From controlling fur to removing odors and stains, these cleaning tips for pet owners help you stay ahead of the mess and keep your home healthy for both two- and four-legged family members.
Discover the areas we proudly serve with our top-quality cleaning services. Whether you need residential or commercial cleaning, our experienced team is ready to help in your local community. From small offices to family homes, we ensure every space is spotless. Explore our service areas to find out how we can make your space shine!
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Discover the areas we proudly serve with our top-quality cleaning services. Whether you need residential or commercial cleaning, our experienced team is ready to help in your local community. From small offices to family homes, we ensure every space is spotless. Explore our service areas to find out how we can make your space shine!
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