If you share your home with a pet (or two… or three!), you know that life is never dull—and neither is your cleaning routine! From muddy paw prints on the tiles to tumbleweeds of fur rolling across the lounge, our furkids have a special talent for turning a tidy house into a “lived-in” one in record time. But don’t worry, fellow dog moms and dads: with a few clever habits and a dash of humour, you can keep your home fresh, welcoming, and full of wagging tails.
Let’s dive into some tried-and-tested tips for keeping your space clean—without sacrificing the joy of sharing it with your furkid.
The Realities of Dog Hair and Messes
Let’s be honest: dog hair is a decorating style all its own. I remember the first time Luna discovered the joy of rolling in the garden after a rainstorm. She bounded inside, leaving a trail of muddy paw prints. At first, I was overwhelmed—how could one little dog make such a big mess? But over time, I learned that a little preparation (and a lot of patience) goes a long way.
Dog hair on the couch, nose prints on the windows, and the occasional “oops” on the carpet are all part of the package. The trick is to embrace the chaos, arm yourself with the right tools, and find routines that work for your family.
Cleaning Routines and Products
Consistency is your best friend (after your dog, of course!). Here’s a helpful routine:
Daily: Quick sweep or vacuum of high-traffic areas (especially if you have breeds that shed a lot, like Huskies), wipe down surfaces, and a speedy check for any “surprises” left behind.
Weekly: Deep vacuuming (especially under the furniture and along skirting boards), mopping floors, and washing dog beds and blankets.
Monthly: Wash toys, clean out the treat jar, and give the car a once-over (because fur follows you everywhere and although window nose art is cute we need to clean that up).
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products: Keeping Your Home Clean and Your Furkids Safe
One thing I’ve learned as a dog mom is that not all cleaning products are created equal—especially when it comes to our pets’ health. Many common household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to curious noses and paws. In South Africa, we’re lucky to have a growing range of pet-safe options, so you don’t have to choose between a clean home and a safe one.
What to Avoid:
Steer clear of products with ammonia, bleach, phenols, or strong artificial fragrances. Even “natural” products can sometimes contain essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus) that aren’t safe for dogs and cats. Always read the labels! Not all essential oils are safe for dogs and cats. Please do your research and make informed decisions.
My Go-To Pet-Safe Cleaners:
F10 Disinfectant: This is a vet favourite. F10 is non-toxic and safe for pets, perfect for everything in your home, including bowls, bedding, and even toys.
ProtectUs Pet Surface Disinfectant: Perfect for spraying on bedding and toys. It gives great germ protection and keeps on working even after it dries. Great for all furkids, but especially puppies that don’t have strong immune systems.
Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odour Remover: Available at most pet stores, this enzyme-based cleaner tackles accidents without harsh chemicals.
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda): A South African staple! Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to neutralise any odours.
White vinegar: Mixed with water, it’s a gentle, effective cleaner for floors and surfaces (just avoid using it on natural stone).
A Few More Tips:
- Always rinse surfaces well after cleaning, especially food bowls and toys. Unless you are using something like F10 or ProtectUs Spray, these should not be rinsed afterward.
- Always check the label—some products like F10 and ProtectUs are designed to be left on, while others should be rinsed off.
- Store all cleaning products out of reach.
- I usually buy ours on Takealot, Canine & Co, or ePetstore. Faithful-to-Nature has some great pet-safe products as well.
- When in doubt, check with your vet or look for products labeled as pet-safe.
Our furkids spend so much time close to the floor (and sometimes licking it!), so it’s worth taking a little extra care with what you use. A clean home is wonderful, but a safe home is even better.
Managing Shedding and Odours
Luna is a black spaniel so her hair does not bother me on my black clothes. However I always keep a lint roller by the front door for a quick swipe before heading out. It’s saved me from many a “dog hair on black pants” moment with Luna’s late sister Phoebe, who was blond!
Shedding is a fact of life, but you can keep it under control:
Brush, brush, brush: Regular brushing (outside, if possible!) makes a world of difference. Luna loves her grooming sessions, and it’s become a special bonding time for us. We start with brushing her hair and end with a little massage before sleeptime.
Bath time: Not too often—just enough to keep coats clean and fresh. I use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo and finish with a towel rub that Luna insists is the best part.
Odour control: Wash bedding weekly, sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming, and open windows for fresh air, especially if you have multiple pets. Using disinfectant sprays usually keeps everything smelling great anyway.
Organising Dog Gear
Leashes, toys, food puzzles, treats, grooming supplies… it’s amazing how much stuff one dog can accumulate! Here’s how I keep it (mostly) under control:
- Hooks: Perfect for leashes, harnesses, and poop bag holders.
- Baskets and bins: One for toys, one for grooming tools, and one for treats. Label them if you’re feeling fancy! Luna has multiple toy bins (one in my office and one in our bedroom), a toiletry bag for all her grooming supplies and a specific cupboard where I store all her puzzles, licky mats, extra bowls, and of course treats.
- Dedicated shelf: It can be a good idea to have a dedicated shelf (out of reach, of course) for meds, first aid supplies, tick treatments, etc. I keep all of those things for Luna in our medicine cabinet.
We learned the hard way that leaving treats on the counter is an open invitation for a midnight snack raid. Now, everything has its place.
Quick Clean-Up Hacks
Sometimes you need to tidy up in a flash—unexpected guests, anyone?
- Pet wipes (F10 Disinfectant Wipes): Keep a pack by the door for muddy paws and quick fur clean-ups. I always keep these in Luna’s travel bag for quick clean ups on the go.
- Doormats: One outside and one inside every entrance. Teach your dog to “wait” on the mat for a quick paw check. We are still working on this command, but it will be great especially in the muddy seasons. For now we keep an old towel by the door when it rains.
- Paw washing cup: When paws are very muddy the best way to quickly clean them is by using a paw washing cup with a bit of soapy water.
- Dry shampoo/Dog Deodorant spray: For those in-between bath days, a sprinkle of dog-safe dry shampoo keeps coats fresh.
Luna has a knack for finding the only muddy patch in the garden right before visitors arrive. A quick wipe-down and a treat for being patient, and she’s ready to greet guests (with slightly cleaner paws).
Share Your Cleaning Tips!
Living with dogs means embracing a little extra mess—and a whole lot of love. With the right routines and a sense of humour, you can keep your home clean, your pup happy, and your sanity intact.
Do you have your own cleaning hacks or favourite products? I’d love to hear your tips and stories in the comments below. Let’s help each other make life with furkids as joyful (and tidy) as possible!
Stay pawsitive, dog moms and dads—and give your furkids an extra belly rub from me!