Oh, dogs! We love them, but they are messy! If you have ever owned a dog, you know what a tiresome process cleaning is. If you have not, well, you are about to find out. There is a reason why so many property owners practice the ‘no pets allowed,’ or at least the ‘no dogs allowed’ rule. They are destructive, chaotic, sloppy, and grubby. Of course, there are some exceptions, but in most cases, owning a dog is quite the chore.
Luckily, there are easy tips and tricks you as a dog owner can do to keep a clean apartment whilst having a dog, or a couple of them. In the end, just remember – our furry, four-legged friends are worth it! So, without further ado, here are the secrets to owning a dog and keeping a clean apartment.
Buy a Good-Quality Robotic Vacuum
A robotic vacuum can be one of the best things a pet owner can buy. They are pricey, but they are worth it as they can clean your home fast and without your help. You only need to turn them on and they will vacuum every corner of your home. Just imagine what a lifesaver this can be if you have a dog that sheds a lot!
However, be careful – some dogs might be afraid, nervous, and anxious around them. If this is the case, consider investing in some other good-quality vacuum cleaners that will be able to pick up all that hair and those bad odors.
Cover the Furniture
Do you have a sofa that looks hairy and smells bad? If the answer is yes, consider replacing that sofa! You do not have to throw it away. Simply call Small World Moving and ask them to help you relocate it to a storage unit or to some other place. Then, go to the store and buy a new one. Buy one that is not a hair and odor magnet. Leather or woven materials (in the color of your pet) will work the best.
However, in case you cannot upgrade your sofa for some reason, consider covering it up. Use sheets. They are easy to clean and, if damaged, easy to replace. Do not forget to use sheets or covers made out of durable materials if you do not want to come home to one of those unpleasant surprises where pillows and other fabrics magically exploded.
Remove the Rugs
In case you do not have a good vacuum cleaner or you do not have the time and energy to vacuum all the time, consider removing the rugs. This will make your daily cleaning processes and habits so much easier if you own a dog. You will only need a mop and a broom. With a couple of swipes each day, your home will be much cleaner. What is more, that ‘dog’ smell will disappear too! Rugs and dogs simply do not go well together.
Keep Your Pets Clean
It goes without saying that owning a dog and keeping a clean apartment simply do not go together if your dog is dirty. Thus, you must get your dog accustomed to daily brushing and cleaning. For best results, set up a ‘cleaning station’ for your pet. That can be on your patio, in your laundry room, or in your entryway. Train your dog to wait at the doormat, for example, while you brush its hair, wipe its muddy paws and trim its nails. Make a habit out of this while your dog is still a puppy.
Moreover, besides you being the one cleaning the dog, consider taking it to a pet salon or to a groomer once a month, or even once a week. That is the best way to keep your dog clean, and thus, keep your apartment clean. This way, hairs, and odors will never get out of control!
Keep Your Dogs’ Stuff Clean Too
Aside from keeping your dogs clean, you must also make an effort to keep your dogs’ stuff clean too. After all, they are a part of your apartment just like all those other pieces of furniture. Here, we are talking about doggy beds and sheets, pushes, chewable toys, bowls, leashes and collars, and any other items your dog possesses.
But, just like there is the right way to relocate your furry friend, there is the right way to clean all its stuff too. And, what does that mean? Well, it means that you cannot use just any shampoo or dish soap you can find for washing its things. Most dogs might have a reaction to them and you could compromise their health. Instead, go to a pet specialty store and buy cleaning products specially designed for dogs.
React Quickly to Accidents
Of course, we all teach our dogs to do their ‘business’ outside. But sometimes, accidents do happen, and there is nothing you can do. Well, there is something – react quickly to those accidents. Make sure you always have doggy bags and an enzyme-based cleaner by your side. This way, you will minimize the damage and keep a clean home.
Air and Clean Your Apartment on a Daily Basis
The last, but certainly not the least important thing to have in mind for owning a dog and keeping a clean apartment – air and clean each area of your home on a daily basis. Of course, this sounds impossible – nobody wants to spend all day cleaning. We agree! But what you can do is simply take that previously mentioned broom and mop and wipe the apartment swiftly. Or let the vacuum do its thing. You do not have to be thorough, but you will see that the apartment will be much cleaner this way, then when you clean it thoroughly once a week.
