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How to Maintain Your Carpet When Living With Dogs

Okay, so you may think that dogs and carpets don’t mix very well, but this doesn’t have to be the case. We will provide you with some top tips on how to ensure that you can maintain your carpet as well keep it clean and ensure that your house smells fresh, even if you have a furry friend at home.

Clean Your Dog Regularly

It’s important to have a regular grooming routine as any dirt removed during grooming, is dirt that is not going to be in your house and on your carpets. When it comes to grooming your dog, you just need to use plain old water to clean your dog, as pet shampoo shouldn’t be used too often.

Where possible dry your dog after cleaning him and do this in a room which has a floor that’s easy to clean (the kitchen or bathroom). Every so often your dog will need a thorough clean using pet shampoo and depending on the breed, he may even require regular trims from a professional groomer.

Purchase a Good Quality Vacuum Cleaner

If you don’t have one already, then you need to look for a vacuum cleaner that can help to get rid of odors, as well as one that’s designed to pick up pet hair. The ideal vacuum will have a good quality filter, very good suction and a brush which can pull hair up instead of one that skates across the surface of your floor and carpet. If your dog sheds hair, then you may need to vacuum every day.

Consider all of the types of flooring that you have and not just the carpets. If your dog likes to sit on your furniture/upholstery, your vacuum cleaner needs to be able to clean this furniture/upholstery too.

Finally, remember to clean the filter in the vacuum cleaner regularly. If you don’t, then the smell of your dog’s hair will end up circulating your home if the filter is blocked with dirt and hair.

Steam Cleaning

If your dog has created a stain that you just can’t get rid of or you’re struggling to get rid of odors then it is worth steam cleaning your carpets regularly. A steam cleaner will use dry steam or vapour to disinfect and sanitise any stains/odors. Steam cleaners are great for cleaning carpets and upholstery, as well as for harder surfaces such as tiles and sealed floors.  

Air Your Home

To freshen up your home and your carpets you need to air your home. Even ten minutes of fresh air every day will really help to minimise those pesky pet odors.

Have A Specific Cleaning Area

If you have a utility area then this is the perfect place to clean your dog. If you don’t, then you may need to work out an area in your hallway that could work for cleaning your dog. Ideally, you need to have a doormat that is heavy duty, towels, a spray bottle and some wipes, all of which you can easily get a hold of when coming into your home.

Buy New Furniture

Consider what kind of furniture you have, especially your sofas. Some materials will just attract dog hair and smells and if you have light colored furniture, stains will be apparent. Our advice is to buy furniture which is made of leather and where possible, in a color that is similar to your dog. If buying new furniture is just not an option for you right now, then you could just purchase a throw for your sofa as this can be easily washed when necessary. 

Deal With Accidents Straight Away

Accidents are going to happen when you have a dog and the trick is to act fast and don’t delay. Equally, if your dog brings any mess into the house, its vital to clean this up straight away. Our advice would be to use a cleaner which is enzyme based, as this will help to reduce any smells.

Cleaning Your Dogs Items

Your dog’s toys and pet bed will need to be cleaned regularly as they will carry a strong smell. If these items can be washed in the washing machine that’s great, if not then you will need to wash them by hand. Where possible, dry the items outdoors as the fresh air and the sun will help to eradicate some of the odors.

Homemade Cleaners

It’s not necessary to go out and buy lots of specific cleaning products when you have a dog. In fact, if you just take a look in your cupboards at home you are bound to have plenty of products that you could use for cleaning your home and carpets.

For example, baking soda. This is a great product for removing odors as it neutralises them. Baking soda can also be sprinkled over any rugs and carpets which can then be vacuumed up. Alternatively, you can leave jars of baking soda around your home where you may feel that you there is a strong odor.

If you need to clean any upholstery of furniture, you can spray them with vodka as this can help to remove any unpleasant odors. Another option would be to use vinegar to remove unwanted odors and it’s perfect for washing your dog’s toys or his bed.

Think About Your Dog’s Bed

When you buy a bed for your dog it’s easy to get carried away and opt for the bed that looks ultra-comfy and luxurious. However, before you go ahead and buy this bed for your little furry friend, stop and think about cleaning it. It is better to go for a bed that is water resistant as this will be easier to clean and help to keep your home smelling clean and fresh. Clean your dog’s bed every week and when possible, leave it outside in the sun to air.

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