9 Budget-Friendly Ways for Dog Owners to Keep a Clean Home

If you share your home with a furry friend, here are some great tips for keeping on top of fur tumbleweeds and slobber-splats.

Operation banish pet hair

Sweep. Find a time of day that works best for you to do a quick sweep of all bare floors each day. Target areas where hair tends to collect like corners, chair legs and under tables. A broom or mop makes the chore quick and easy.

Vacuum. If you keep up with daily sweeping, you’ll cut down on the frequency with which you have to vacuum. Ideally, vacuum twice a week—more frequently during shedding season. Invest in a good, heavy-duty vacuum cleaner that’s rated for pet fur. It’s expensive, but good ones last for years. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. Vacuum furniture and draperies regularly, too.

Dust. Clean other flat surfaces. It’s amazing where pet hair can travel throughout your home. Don’t skimp on dusting all of the surfaces in your home about once a week. According to Consumer Reports, the best dusting tools include microfiber or lambswool dusters and electrostatic cloths.

Use a lint roller. They’re great for not just clothing, but also furniture, pillows and bedding, too. They’re inexpensive and easy to use.

Groom. Find the best brush for your pet—use it often, especially since most dogs love a good grooming. Pro tip: For short, smooth coats, use a soft or medium bristle brush with short, closely-spaced bristles. Use a slicker or firm bristle brush for terriers and other dogs that have short, wiry coats. Retrievers, spaniels, setters and other dogs who sport medium to long-flowing coats do well with wire-pin brushes or soft/medium bristle brushes that have long, medium/widely-spaced bristles. Dogs with harsh, outer coats and soft, wooly undercoats like collies, shepherds, chows and sheepdogs do well with wire-pin or firm bristle brushes.

Keep your dander down

Dogs also shed dander, which are tiny particles of shedded skin. People with allergies aren’t actually allergic to an animal’s fur but to its dander, because dander contains a protein that causes allergic reactions. This protein is present in urine and saliva, too, creating a three-pronged attack on any immune system that thinks, when you inhale these little particles, that your body’s under attack.

Dander spreads via the air, sticking to everything and everyone. It’s easily transferred to people, clothing, furniture and everywhere in between. Grooming your dog greatly reduces dander buildup. Pro tip: When the weather permits, brush your canine outside.

Resist the urge to bathe your dog frequently, as too many baths will dry out a pet’s skin and lead to more flakiness. Use a coat conditioner like Allerpet, which also removes loose dander. Try dander-denaturing agents, available in powder and spray form.

Allergies or not, running an air cleaner and purifier is another great way to control pet dander. Some filters are better suited for pet-friendly homes than others; refer to this list of models for one that meets your needs and your budget. These purifiers also help to cut down on pet odors.

For a quick fix, use fabric refreshers banish pet smells. Train your dog to stay off furniture or train her to use a spot you’ve covered with a blanket that’s easy to toss in the wash. Choose bedding with removable covers for easy cleaning, too.

Drooling dogs

All dogs drool—some more than others. The best way to prevent massive drool puddles and cleanup is to outfit your dog with a snazzy bandana. Tackle drool when it’s still wet and easier to wipe up. Magic erasers work well to remove dried drool. Or, make a mix of 3 parts hot water to one part vinegar and a few drops of dish soap to moisten and wipe it away. Here are other ways to clean up drool.

Dogs provide companionship, entertainment and plenty of laughs. These quick cleaning tips will help ensure you’ve got plenty of time to play with and enjoy your pup.