Keep your house clean with pets isn’t always easy. From muddy paw prints to endless fur tumbleweeds, our four-legged family members can turn a spotless home into chaos in minutes. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—a clean home and happy pets.
I’ve owned dogs for over 25 years, from stubborn beagles to my current Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (who sheds like it’s his life’s mission). Through trial and error, I’ve found simple methods that save hours of scrubbing while making your home feel fresh again.
Why It’s Hard to Keep Your House Clean with Pets
Pets bring unconditional love, but they also bring:
- Shedding and dander that cling to floors, furniture, and clothes.
- Odors from accidents, beds, or damp fur.
- Messy food and water areas with kibble and puddles everywhere.
- Dirt and mud tracked inside after walks or backyard play.
Without a routine, these small messes quickly pile up. That’s why pet owners need a cleaning system built around prevention.
1. A Healthy Pet Makes for a Cleaner Home
One of the most overlooked pet-friendly cleaning tips is keeping your pet healthy. A sick or allergic animal often creates more accidents, shedding, or odor.
I learned this the hard way with one of my beagles, who was constantly sick until a vet discovered she was allergic to chicken. After switching her diet, the cleanup problem nearly vanished.
Benefits of Regular Vet Checkups:
- Prevents stomach-related accidents.
- Reduces shedding caused by stress or poor nutrition.
- Keeps skin and coat healthier, leading to less odor.
Pro tip: If you notice sudden changes in shedding, odor, or bathroom habits, don’t assume it’s “normal.” A vet visit could save you hours of cleaning later.
2. Schedule Regular Grooming
If you want to keep your house clean with pets that shed, grooming is non-negotiable.
My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is brushed three times a week, plus a few grooming sessions each year. The result? Less fur on the furniture and fewer lint rollers sacrificed in battle.
Grooming Frequency by Breed:
| Pet Type | Grooming Frequency | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haired dogs (Beagle, Boxer) | Weekly brushing | Reduces loose fur and dander |
| Double-coated dogs (German Shepherd, Husky) | 2–3 times per week + seasonal de-shedding | Controls undercoat blowout |
| Long-haired cats (Maine Coon, Himalayan) | Daily brushing | Prevents matting and shedding |
| Short-haired cats (American Shorthair) | Weekly brushing | Minimizes loose fur |
Beyond brushing, professional de-shedding treatments and baths help cut back on odors and keep fur under control.
Bonus tip: Invest in a quality pet hair vacuum with HEPA filters—it’s worth every penny.
3. Use the Right Food and Water Bowls
Messy eating is another silent culprit that makes homes look dirty. A dog slurping water like an Olympic swimmer or a cat batting kibble across the room means extra cleaning.
Smart Feeding Area Setup:
- Elevated bowls: Reduce spills and improve posture for older pets.
- Non-slip bowls: Stay put even when pets get enthusiastic.
- Waterproof mats: Catch drips, splashes, and runaway food.
Skip novelty bowls that tip or slide easily. A sturdy, no-frills setup keeps your floors drier and your cleanup routine simpler.
4. Keep Pet Beds Clean
Pet beds are odor magnets. If left unwashed, smells transfer to your pet’s fur and spread throughout the house.
I once stopped washing my dog’s cushions because she refused to use them afterward. The smell built up quickly. My solution? Buying multiple cushion covers so one is always fresh while another holds her familiar scent.
Cleaning Routine:
- Wash covers and blankets once a week.
- Vacuum bed surfaces between washes.
- Replace beds yearly if they hold odors even after cleaning.
Clean pet bedding doesn’t just fight odor—it also reduces allergens like dust mites and dander.
5. Stay on Top of Cleaning
The single most effective habit for keeping a clean home with dogs and cats is scheduling one weekly deep clean. Quick daily tidying helps, but the reset each week prevents buildup.
My Pet-Friendly Cleaning Routine:
- Daily: Sweep hardwood floors, wipe muddy paw prints.
- 2–3x per week: Vacuum carpets, especially high-traffic areas.
- Weekly: Mop floors, dust furniture, wash covers and bedding.
- Monthly: Wash curtains, wipe baseboards, and clean air vents.
Think of it as maintenance vs. reset: daily touch-ups control the mess, while the weekly deep clean resets your home to “fresh mode.”
6. Cover Your Furniture
Pets have a knack for claiming “their spot” on your couch or chair. Instead of vacuuming fur out of fabric every day, cover it.
Furniture Protection Ideas:
- Washable slipcovers for sofas and chairs.
- Throw blankets on your pet’s favorite resting spots.
- Waterproof covers for beds if pets sleep with you.
Pro tip: Choose machine-washable covers so cleanup takes minutes, not hours. This is especially useful if you have allergy sufferers at home.
Quick Checklist: Keep Your House Clean with Pets
- ✅ Take your pet for regular vet checkups.
- ✅ Groom regularly to control shedding.
- ✅ Use raised, non-slip food and water bowls.
- ✅ Wash pet beds weekly.
- ✅ Deep clean your home once a week.
- ✅ Protect furniture with washable covers.
Learning how to keep your house clean with pets doesn’t mean endless scrubbing. The secret is prevention—healthy pets, routine grooming, and protective measures that stop mess before it spreads.
After 25 years of pet ownership, I’ve realized one thing: staying ahead of the mess is far easier than catching up. With a simple system in place, you can enjoy cuddles, playtime, and companionship without worrying that your home will smell or look like a kennel.
