A dirty dog can provide a challenge to keeping your home clean.
Cleaning your home is more challenging when a dog is part of the household. Dogs provide their own set of cleaning problems, including dirt, mud, hair and dander. Some adjustments may need to be made in your choices of items for your home, but with careful cleaning habits, you can live happily and cleanly with a dog in your life.
Dog Considerations
Depending on his breed, plan to bathe your dog at least monthly to help reduce the dander and shedding. Brush him daily. Perform the brushing ritual outside if weather permits.
Place an absorbent doormat at the entrance your dog uses. Wipe his paws on the mat each time before he enters the house. A soft cloth, kept by the door, and a spray bottle filled with water, are good solutions for muddy paws; get your dog used to having his feet handled by "washing" them each time you brush him.
Choose small blankets or large towels for pet bedding. These are much easier to toss in the wash than the over-stuffed pet beds sold in pet stores.
Use heavy metal bowls for your dog's food and water. Clean the bowls with hot soapy water.
Train your dog in good potty skills. Teach him from a young age where it is appropriate to go relieve himself. If he does have an accident in the house, wipe it up immediately and use an enzyme-based cleaner to remove any odors. Dogs are attracted to the smell of urine, so unless all urine scent is eliminated, the dog will likely repeat the accident in the same spot. Avoid using ammonia-based products because they smell like urine to a dog.
Flooring
Eliminate carpets wherever possible, opting instead for hardwood or tile, which are easier to clean. Hard surfaces can be cleaned a damp mop. Carpets tend to harbor hair and dirt.
If you do have carpets, invest in a good vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair. These vacuums have attachments that loosen and remove pet hair from corners, furniture and stairs. Many are also equipped with HEPA filters that retain more of the hair. The Ohio State University College of Medicine says that HEPA filters retain up to 99 percent of particles that are only 0.3 microns in diameter. (See References 2)
Filtration
Install HEPA air filters in your heating and air conditioning system. These filters catch the smallest particles of debris passing through the duct work, stopping them from entering the air and settling on surfaces in your home. Check the filters every two to four weeks to determine if they need changed.
Bedroom
Closing your bedroom door is the most effective way to discourage the dog from entering. If you choose to allow the dog to sleep with you, spread an old sheet or comforter over the area where he lies. This will help keep your bedding cleaner, and his sheet can be tossed in the washer several times a week.
Furniture
Pet hair doesn't stick to leather the way it does to fabric, and leather is easy to clean with a damp cloth. If you have fabric upholstery, remove hair from upholstered furniture by wiping with a damp cloth and vacuuming with a hand-held vacuum or use pet-hair attachment on vacuum. At least once a month, weather permitting, place the cushions on a clean sheet spread out on your lawn. Allow the cushions to air out for several hours. Consider using slip covers on upholstered pieces. Remove and clean in your washer at least once a week.
Hard Surfaces
Wipe tables and counter tops clean with a damp cloth regularly to prevent dust and dander accumulation. Using an anti-static spray lessens the attraction of dust to the surface.
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