Best of Both Worlds: Low-Cost Ways to Have a Clean, Odorless Home with Dogs By Tyler Evanss
Dogs bring joy, companionship, and unlimited love into our lives. However, they also bring odors, fur, allergens, and even unexpected insects into our homes. Although dog ownership does involve some extra time, effort, and responsibility, you don’t have to wreck your household budget while trying to clean up after your pet. Thanks to several affordable solutions, maintaining a spotless, dog-friendly home may be easier than you realize.
Below are some tips for keeping your home clean as a pet owner.
Pet Odors
Dogs undeniably bring odors into our homes. Luckily, pet lovers can keep the dog, not the smell. When you start noticing pet odor in your home, it’s probably time for deep cleaning. To help eliminate odors, mix vinegar or baking soda with water and scrub the solution into hard surfaces like your floor. Consider opening the windows or turning on fans to help circulate the air.
If the odor smells like pet urine, your best bet for removing the smell is to use an enzymatic-based solution. According to HomeAdvisor, regardless of the type of flooring, you’ll need to let the solution soak “thoroughly” and “allow the solution a long time to dry.” If an enzymatic cleaner fails, you may need to replace your carpet or hardwood flooring.
Stains
One of the best ways to keep a clean home is by avoiding stains altogether. For instance, you might use a pheromone spray to discourage your dog from marking territory or having accidents throughout the house. Take the time to properly housebreak and crate train your pet, and consider spaying or neutering your dog. A well-trained, housebroken, and spayed or neutered pet will be less likely to leave a mess in your home.
Of course, accidents happen. Whether your pup loses control of his bladder or Fido tracks mud inside on a rainy day, here are some ways to clean up after your pet:
Invest in a top-quality vacuumEven if your dog doesn’t shed, he’ll still track dirt, mud, and debris through your home. Consider an auto-cleaning robotic vacuum or purchase a deep-cleaning vacuum designed for pet owners.
Stock up on lint rollersIf a dog is man’s best friend, the lint roller might be a dog owner’s best friend. Instantly clean your furniture, curtains, or even your clothing, because pet hair gets everywhere when you have a dog.
have indoor/outdoor doormatsDog owners can help protect their floors with dual doormats; one outside the door and a second, washable mat or rug inside the door. By wiping fido’s paws twice each time he comes inside, you’ll eliminate much of the debris that would otherwise end up inside your home.
Allergens
If you don’t already have a dog and are considering getting one in the future, you might look into a hypoallergenic breed. Some breeds have hair instead of fur. Although these breeds require extra grooming, they don’t shed, making them less likely to cause allergic reactions. Even if you have a hypoallergenic breed, it’s important to remember that your dog can still track environmental allergens into your home after being outside. To reduce in-home allergens, you can also reduce pet dander with weekly dog baths and a HEPA air filter.
Insects
Dogs can also carry unwanted visitors like fleas, ticks, and mites into our homes. To protect your dog, your home, and your family, keep your pup updated on vaccines and flea and tick prevention. If an infestation occurs, visit your local pet store for an all-natural solution. Sometimes, all Fido needs is a flea bath to eliminate the issue.
Dog ownership has been linked to increased happiness and a longer lifespan. Our canine friends become four-legged family members in our households. Thanks to some planning and diligent cleaning, it’s possible for even a neat freak to enjoy living with a pet. By incorporating some budget-friendly tips like regular bathing and enzymatic-based solutions into your weekly cleaning routine, you can have the best of both worlds: a clean home and a happy dog.