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Spring is in the air which means it’s time to open the windows, shake off winter, and give your home a deep clean. But if you’re dog owner, you know spring cleaning isn’t just about dust and clutter. Dog-friendly homes are full of fur, odors, and all the mess that comes with having a furry friend or 2…or 3.
Tackling the mess that comes with dog ownership can be overwhelming, but the good news is you can get your home sparkling clean without using harsh chemicals or disrupting your dog’s routine. Today on the blog, I’m sharing my 10 best pet-friendly cleaning tips for spring cleaning with dogs.
1. Start with the Source: Your Dog
Before you even touch your home, start with your pup. During the winter months it’s common for dogs to pick up mud and grime left behind after snowy, wet weather. Plus, warmer weather means that shedding season is right around the corner, so your dog is likely carrying a plethora of loose fur. A clean dog = a cleaner home so before we grab the vacuum and mop, we need to take care of the source of all that fur and dirt.
- Give your dog a bath using a dog-safe shampoo
- Brush out loose fur to reduce shedding
- Trim nails to prevent scratched floors
- Wash collars, harnesses, and leashes
Pro Tip: Brushing your dog outside helps keep loose fur from immediately spreading indoors again. Plus, it gives the birds and squirrels some soft nesting materials!
2. De-Fur Your Furniture
If you have a dog, you’re likely used to being covered in fur whenever your sit on your couch or brush against your curtains. Fur covered furniture is inevitable when you own a dog, but it’s important to remove it to keep the “dog smell” in your house at a minimum. To remove the dog hair from your furniture, try this combo:
- Vacuum your couch, chairs, and curtains with a pet-specific vacuum attachment
- Use a dog hair removing tool to lift stubborn hair
- Toss any removable cushion covers in the wash
Make sure to focus on bedding and blankets, dog beds, and any other fabric surfaces that dog hair might stick to.
3. Deep Clean the Dog Zones
Your dog probably has a few favorite hangout spots, make sure these areas get extra attention.
When spring cleaning your home, don’t forget to clean and disinfect:
- Your dogs crate or kennel
- The feeding area, including any mats or bowls
- Favorite corners or rugs
Pro Tip: Use pet-safe cleaners to avoid harmful residue, especially on items like the food and water bowls. Cleaners labeled non-toxic or simple solutions like diluted vinegar are safest for your pet.
4. Eliminate Odors (Don’t Just Cover Them Up)
The reality is, all pet friendly homes smell like dog to some degree. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle those lingering dog smells. It’s easy to light a candle or spray air freshener and hope it covers up the smell, but why cover it up when you could eliminate it altogether? Here are a few dog odor removal tips:
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming. Baking soda will absorb any odors, leaving behind fresh smelling rugs and carpet.
- Wash all bedding (yours, and the dog’s)
- Replace HVAC filters. These filters collect dog hair and as the AC blows, the lovely smell of canine will blow with it.
- Open windows for fresh air circulation. I keep my windows open whenever the weather allows it to let the dog smell out and the fresh air in.
For tougher odors, consider an enzymatic cleaner, it breaks down the source of smell instead of masking it. I love to shampoo my carpets, mop my floors, and scrub my walls with K.O.E to remove any lingering smells.
5. Wash Everything Fabric
If it’s washable…wash it. This includes:
- Dog beds and blankets
- Throw pillows
- Area rugs
- Car seat covers (don’t forget to spring clean your car too!)
Washing these items regularly can drastically reduce allergens and pet dander.
6. Don’t Forget Floors and Baseboards
Dog hair and dirt love to collect along edges, and these areas are often forgotten about or ignored, leading to a buildup of fur and mud.
- Vacuum and mop your floors thoroughly
- Pay attention to baseboards and corners (use the vacuum attachments to suck up any hair or dirt your vacuum can’t reach!)
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down baseboards and trap fine hairs
Pro Tip: If your dog tracks in mud, consider placing washable rugs near entrances.
7. Swap to Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Many traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to dogs. Avoid products that contain:
- Amonia
- Bleach (in strong concentrations)
- Artificial fragrances
Instead, use:
- Pet-safe commercial cleaners
- Vinegar and water solutions
- Plant-based products
Certain chemicals can cause allergies and other illnesses in your dog. They spend a lot of time close to the floor, so being mindful of the products you are using is important to keep them healthy.
8. Declutter Dog Toys
Let’s be honest, your dog probably has way more toys than they need. When spring cleaning this year:
- Toss broken or heavily worn toys
- Rotate toys to keep them “new” and exciting
- Wash any rubber or fabric toys
Going through your dog’s toys periodically will help keep clutter to a minimum and also ensure that everything they’re playing with is safe and clean.
9. Refresh Your Outdoor Space
Spring cleaning isn’t limited to just the indoors.
- Pick up yard waste
- Clean patio areas
- Wash outdoor dog beds or toys
- Check fences for safety
A clean yard helps keep dirt (and smells) from being tracked inside.
10. Keep It Maintainable
The secret to a clean home with dogs is consistency. Set a routine to keep your house maintained year round:
- Vacuum 2-3x per week
- Wash dog bedding weekly
- Wipe paws after outdoor time
Small habits will make a huge difference.
Living with dogs means embracing a little mess. But it doesn’t mean your home can’t feel fresh, clean, and inviting. With the right approach, your spring cleaning routine can create a space that’s healthy for you and safe for your dog.
