Ever wondered how to maintain a spotless home while sharing it with your furry friends?
You’re not alone!
How to keep a clean house with dogs can be challenging!
In this blog post, I will walk you through some practical tips and tricks to help you to keep a clean and organized home with your beloved canine companions.
From creating a dog-friendly entryway to grooming your dog, managing dog hair, and everything in between, I’ve got you covered!
Key Takeaways for Keeping Your House Clean With Dogs
- Create a dog friendly entryway
- Use a cordless vacuum or an automatic vacuum cleaner.
- Make all your rugs indoor-outdoor rugs.
- Start a regular cleaning routine.
- Groom your dog regularly at home.
- Create a designated dog area,
- Protect your furniture with covers.
- Dog odor removal is your new best friend
- Train your dog.
- Take care of spiils and accidents immediately.

#1 Create a Dog-Friendly Entryway
A dog-friendly entryway is your first line of defense against muddy paw prints and dirt tracked into your home. You may need a back door friendly entryway instead. Start with washable rugs or mats, which are not only versatile and durable but also a breeze to clean.
Trust me, having a towel handy near the entryway is a game-changer for wiping paws on rainy days, as it helps you clean your dog’s paws before they track dirt inside. A basket may work better to hold everything you need.
Use these paw wipes or baby wipes to help cut down on mud tracked into your home
And don’t forget about a washable entryway rug, which is perfect for a muddy dog and super easy to keep clean and free of any dog smell.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a house clean with dogs.
As a pet owner, you know how important it is to keep your house clean and smelling fresh. One great idea is to place a sensible dog bed near the entryway, where your dog can rest and relax after a walk outside. This can help contain any dirt, mud, and dog hair you may have missed in one area and make it easier to clean up after your dog.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-organized entryway. Keep all your dog essentials like leashes, collars, and paw wipes in a designated area near the door. This way, you’ll always be prepared for those surprise muddy paws and will be able to quickly clean dirty paws before your fur babies enter the main living spaces of your home.

#2 Manage the Dog Hair with the Right Tools
Keeping your home free of dog fur can be a daunting task, especially when some dogs shed constantly.
Until now that is, I have found some of the best tools that that make managing dog hair a breeze.
Here are some quality vacuum cleaners that can help you to keep up with your dogs constant shedding! These work well on couches and chairs.
- Chom Chom pet hair roller
- Dyson Omni-glide
- Shark WandVac
- Dyson cordless vacuum
- An automatic vacuum cleaner like an iRobot Vacuum
Vacuuming every day is essential to keep your house clean with dogs and helps keep shedding in check.
I am a huge fan of my iRobot because it does the work for me. So, when the kids go to school, I put on my automatic vacuum cleaner and it runs around and cleans my house clean with little effort from me. It works on wood floors, hardwood floors and carpet. In my opinion, an automatic vacuum cleaner is a must have for every pet owner!
Aside from vacuum cleaners, regular brushing and grooming of your dog’s coat can help keep your dogs hair under control in your home. With the right grooming tools, you can easily remove loose hair from your dog’s coat before it ends up on your furniture or floors.
Make grooming a fun and enjoyable experience for your pet by offering treats and praise during the process.
A cordless vacuum, is super convenient when your are pet owner and consntatly cleaning up after your dogs.
With a cordless vacuum, you can easily maneuver around furniture and reach tight spaces where pet hair tends to accumulate. You’re not trying to haul a vacuum behind you and find a plug for it, because its a cordless vacuum, you can just take it and go!
Investing in a quality vacuum cleaner specifically designed for dog hair will make a huge difference in maintaining a clean home.

#3 Select Durable and Pet Friendly Materials
Choosing the right materials for your furniture and home accessories is crucial for pet owners. Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials like:
- Sunbrella or Crypton fabrics, which are perfect for a sensible dog bed and won’t easily get ruined
- Cozy throws on your furniture, although be aware that your pup might still manage to get around them, especially when they have muddy paws.
- Ruggable machine-washable rugs, which are another great choice for any pet owner. These rugs not only help protect your floors from dirt and dog hair, but also add style and comfort to your living space.
Performance fabric, a type of fabric that’s durable and easy to clean, is also worth considering for furniture and other home accessories. When selecting materials for your home, it’s important to consider their resistance to pet hair, scratches, and stains. Tightly woven materials, dark paint, and a performance fabric can help you maintain a clean and fresh-looking home even with pets.
When you are pet owners, you know realistically that your house is not going to be squeaky clean – that’s just the way it is! However, investing in the right materials that help to keep your home clean, while still letting your pets do their thing.
Doigs are messy, a dog’s paws need constant wiping, but they are also the great companion in the world~
By carefully choosing the right materials for your home, you’ll save yourself time and effort in the long run.

#4 Establish a Cleaning Routine
A cleaning routine is key to keeping a clean house with dogs. Set aside time each day, even if just a few minutes, to tidy up the living areas, sweep or vacuum the floors and carpet , and wipe down surfaces.
A weekly deep cleaning session can also help keep the house in order. Establishing a routine will keep you on track and help to minimize the mess.
As dog owners, you know that you need to keep up with your dogs to keep a clean house.
I highly recommend that you brush your dog’s coat daily if they shed a lot, weekly if not! Labrador retrievers and German Shepherds shed a lot, so they should be brushed daily.
If you can, get yourself an automatic vacuum clenaer like an iRobot vacuum, as this will do the job for you on a daily basis. I would imagine that your dog or dogs wander around downstairs more than upstairs. So, send your iRobot off daily to keep your wood floors or your hardwood floors free of dog hair.
If you don’t have an iRobot, get a cordless vacuum so you can quickly do a daily vacuum to keep your house clean. A lint roller works really well to get dog fur off furniture.
To make your cleaning routine more efficient, consider setting up a cleaning station or caddy with all the essential cleaning products and tools you need for pet messes. This way, you’ll always be prepared for any accidents or spills and can quickly clean them up before they cause any damage or lingering odors.

#5 Grooming Your Dog for a Cleaner Home
Regular grooming is not only beneficial for your dog’s health and well-being, but also plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean house. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Introduce your pup to grooming tools and make it a positive experience, using treats, praise, and calming scents like lavender or pay wipes to help them stay relaxed and clean.
- Invest in a quality brush, comb, and nail clippers for your dog.
- Brush your pup at least once a week to help reduce shedding and minimize dog hair in your home. If their coat is long, you might need to brush them more often.
Regular baths and nail trims are also essential to prevent scratches and damage to furniture.
Don’t forget to clean your pup’s blankets once per week and their bedding at least once a month to keep them fresh and comfy.
By maintaining a regular grooming routine for your dog, you’ll not only improve their overall appearance and health, but you will be able to easily keep your house clean.
#6 Create a Designated Dog Area
Creating a designated dog area can help contain the mess. Keep your dog’s food, water, and toys in one area, preferably in a room with tile or hardwood floors. This will make it easier to clean up spills and debris.
Make sure to use washable rugs and blankets in your dog’s area and place a mat under their food and water bowls.
Providing your dog with toys and designated play areas can significantly minimize mess and damage to your home. Look for durable and safe toys like chew toys, interactive toys, and throw toys to keep them entertained and help maintain a house clean with dogs. It provides a safe space for your dog to enjoy their favorite activities, and its okay if they leave a little mess, because it;s not like they’re on your good couch chewing on their favorite toy!
Cleaning up messes in one area will make maintaining a clean house much easier.

#7 Protect Floors and Surfaces from Scratches and Damage
Protecting your floors and surfaces from scratches and damage caused by your pets is crucial for maintaining a clean and beautiful home.
Here are some options for protecting your home from pet-related damage:
- Silicone pet bowl mats: These mats are perfect for protecting hardwood floors from water spills and can be easily washed in the kitchen sink.
- Furniture covers: Using furniture covers can help keep pet hair and scratches off your furniture.
- Scratch-resistant flooring options: Consider using scratch-resistant flooring options to make your floors more durable and easier to clean up.
By using these protective measures, you’ll not only preserve the appearance and longevity of your home, but also make cleaning up after your pets a breeze, ensuring a clean house.
If you have wood or tile floors, consider using area rugs or mats to provide extra protection and comfort for both you and your pet.
These can also help reduce noise and prevent your dog from slipping on the smooth surface. By taking these steps, you’ll keep your floors and surfaces looking their best while also providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pet.

#8 Control Dog Smell and Odors
You love your dogs so you probably don’t notice it as much, but I’m guessing your house smells!
If you live with dogs – your house smells!
Controlling dog smell and odors in your home is essential for maintaining a pleasant living environment. One of the best products for getting rid of pet odors is Odoban, which can be used to spray areas where dogs hang out.
In addition to using odor-neutralizing sprays, regular cleaning of pet bedding and belongings can help control pet odors.
Air purifiers can very effective in helping to keep your home smelling fresh by filtering out pet dander and other allergens.
This is another simple, but genius idea that every pet owner should do. Do you know that opening windows for ventilation and using baking soda as a natural odor absorber all help to keep your house clean and fresh.
Remember that grooming your dog regularly, controlling their diet, and using pet-friendly cleaning products are all crucial factors in managing dog smell and odors.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll ensure a fresher-smelling home for both you and your furry friends.
#9 Train Your Dog for a Clean Home
Teaching your dog to respect your home and follow house rules is key to maintaining a clean and organized living space.
Start by training your dog to stay off furniture, eat and drink in designated areas, and obey basic commands.
Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential when training your dog. Reward them for good behavior, and make sure to provide plenty of exercise to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
If you don’t want them on your furniture, make sure that happens from the get go, it can’t be sometimes no and sometimes yes! That’s a mixed message.
By following these tips, dog owners will find it much easier to maintain a clean and orderly home.
Remember that training your dog is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to be patient and understanding. With time, effort, and dedication, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and harmonious home with your well-behaved canine companion.

#10 Clean Up Accidents and Spills Immediately
Accidents and spills are inevitable when living with pets, but knowing how to clean them up effectively is crucial. Products like Nature’s Miracle are excellent for stain removal and can be a lifesaver in cleaning up pet messes. Having a designated cleaning kit for pet messes is a great idea, as it ensures that you always have the necessary tools and cleaning products on hand to tackle any accidents or spills quickly.
Be sure to act fast and use absorbent materials like paper towels to soak up spilled substances before they cause damage or lingering odors. Don’t forget to sanitize the area after cleaning up an accident or spill to get rid of any bacteria or germs that might have been left behind. This will help stop the spread of any illnesses or diseases and keep your house clean with dogs.
By being prepared and knowing how to handle accidents and spills, you’ll be able to maintain a clean and healthy home for both you and your pets.
How To Keep a Clean House With Dogs Summary
As you can see, maintaining a clean home with dogs is entirely achievable with a little bit of planning, organization, and the right tools and techniques. By following my favorite tips and tricks outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a clean(ish) and harmonious home with your beloved canine companions. So embrace the challenges and joys of pet ownership, and let us know your favorite tips for keeping your house clean with dogs!
Always remember:
- Brush your dog’s coat daily or weekly depending on the type of dog.
- Invest in an automatic vacuum cleaner or a cordless vacuum to make life easy.
- Have all dog esesentails beside your front door for easy access.
- Wipe your dog’s paws as soon as you get into the house, this stops muddy paw prints in their tracks!
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen!
- Train your dog on what’s okay and what’s not okay in your house.
- A clean(ish) house is all you’re going to get with dogs
Enjoy your time with your furry friend, they are the best.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my house full of dogs clean?
Keep a rug or mat by the door to stop dirt from getting in, invest in an automatic vacuum, keep stain remover close, and cover up your furniture! Also provide your dog with regular pedicures, brush your og’s coat regularly, make all rugs indoor-outdoor, and get a mat for their food and water bowls. These are all ways to help you keep your house clean when you have dogs.
What materials are recommended for durable and easy-to-clean furniture for a home with dogs?
For furniture that can stand up to a home with dogs, Sunbrella and Crypton fabrics are great choices for durability and easy cleaning. These fabrics are designed to be resistant to stains, dirt, and odors, and they can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. They are also fade-resistant, so they will look great for years to come. Furniture covers work really well too.
How often should I brush my dog to reduce shedding and pet hair in my home?
It depends! If your dog’s coat sheds a lot, then you should probably brush them on a daily basis. Do this outside if at all possible. If your dog doesn’t shed as much, brush your dog’s coat on a weekly basis.

What can I do to control dog smell and odors in my home?
Regularly clean pet bedding and belongings, use air purifiers, and products like Odoban to control dog odors and keep your home smelling fresh. Attack any spills and accidents as soon as they happen! Staying on top of things with help immensely in this area.
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Grainne Foley
Grainne Foley is a wife and mother of 2 great kids. During her 5 years of full time RV travel, Grainne learned to become very efficient at household chores, in order to make time for family adventures. Now, back in a house, she has continued to create tools and techniques to help others lighten the load of household organization and cleaning.
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